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 - Christina Soto

5:30 PM

Monday, November 18, 2024

Council Chambers (In

Person and/or Electronic)

https://www.fresno.gov/pra

c-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.

Call to Order

Chair McCoy called the meeting to order at 5:44 P.M.

5:44 P.M. Roll Call

On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, seconded by Commissioner Miller,

Commissioner Singh's absence was EXCUSED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye: 8 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski,

Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto

Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh

Present 8 -

Chair Kimberly McCoy, Vice Chair Laura E. Ward,

Commissioner Jose Barraza, Commissioner Rose Caglia,

Commissioner Jon Dohlin, Commissioner Kelly Kucharski,

Commissioner Scott Miller, and Commissioner Christina Soto

Absent 1 - Commissioner Harman Singh

Pledge of Allegiance

Chair McCoy led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approve Agenda

On motion of Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner

Dohlin, the AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye: 8 -

Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner

Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto

Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the regular meeting minutes of November 4, 2024.

5.-A.

ID 24-1555

On motion of Commissioner Soto, seconded by Commissioner Miller,

that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

Aye: 6 -

Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and

Commissioner Soto

Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh

Abstain: 2 - Commissioner Caglia and Commissioner Dohlin

Discussion: Subcommittee Reports:

Parks Master Plan:

6-A.

Commissioner Barraza reported the Parks Master Plan is scheduled to go

before the City Council on November 21, 2024.

6-B.

6-C.

Highest Needs Neighborhoods:

There was no update from the Highest Needs Neighborhoods.

San Joaquin River Parkway:

Commissioner Kucharski reported the PRAC Commission recommended a

motion to allocate funds for the Camp Pashayan Project. There should be

additional funding available in the next fiscal year budget. The

subcommittee looked at two additional projects, and at the last PRAC

Commission meeting the River Conservancy clarified that one of those

projects is no longer eligible for City funds through Measure “P” because

their board hasn't approved the project. The River West Project is being

brought forward today to consider allocating additional funds from bucket

five for the San Joaquin River Parkway.

San Joaquin River Conservancy comments and request for motion for

remaining FY 26 funding.

6-C.

-A.

ID 24-1589

6-D.

Cultural Arts Grant Fund Subcommittee

Vice Chair Ward reported the Cultural Arts Grant Fund Subcommittee has

an item on the agenda tonight, and the committee wanted to note this was

the first item under the new subcommittee. The committee would like future

integration with the Fresno Arts Council as the Cultural Arts Plan

Subcommittee had in the past to bring all the different perspectives

together, and arrive on the same page before bringing recommendations to

the PRAC Commission.

Cultural Arts Subcommittee meeting minutes of November 8, 2024.

6-D.

-A.

ID 24-1575

Members Reports and Comments

COMMISSIONER DOHLIN REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Reported

traveling overseas, and experienced great cities. Acknowledged fellow

Commissioners, city staff, and the people who testify in chamber and

virtually. Emphasized great cities are defined by great parks. Acknowledged

the work being done by the commission is very important and it will

determine the experience of the citizens of Fresno, their quality of life, and

influence the perception of Fresno by visitors.

City Administration and PARCS Staff Reports and Comments

PARCS DIRECTOR AGUIRRE REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Announced a

future workshop with Holland Elementary for a play space at Kerry Park.

Highlighted Commissioner Dolan’s comments with the hard work of the

commission, the PARCS Department, and the administration. Noted

Thursday’s Council meeting is a record setting day for the PARCS

Department with 11 items for approval.

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: Sarah Parkes, David Roberts, and

Sharron Weaver.

10.

Workshops:

Discussion Items:

Hearings:

11.

12.

Hearing - Adopt the Calendar Year 2025 Parks Recreation and Arts

Commission Meeting (PRAC) Calendar.

12.-A.

ID 24-1424

The above item was called to order at 6:06 P.M. and was presented to the

Commission by Program Manager Gaytan. Upon call, the following

members of the public addressed the Commission: Lilia Gonzales Chavez.

Public comment closed at 6:12.M.

Commission discussion on this item included: Adjusting the 2025 meeting

schedule around football season. Adding a special meeting.

On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, seconded by Commissioner

Barraza, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion

carried by the following vote:

Aye: 8 -

Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner

Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto

Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh

Hearing - Actions pertaining to the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture

12.-B.

ID 24-1452

Grant Guidelines:

1. Presentation - Overview of the Grant Guideline Draft.

2. Receive public input on the draft Expanded Access to Arts and

Culture Grant Guidelines.

The above item was called to order at 6:12 P.M. and was presented to the

Commission by Vice Chair Ward, and Lilia Gonzales Chavez. Upon call, the

following members of the public addressed the Commission: Gabriel

Lozano, Adela Resendez, and Elizabeth Laval. Public comment closed at

6:34 P.M. and again at 7:14 P.M.

Commission discussion on this item included: Eligibility of category funding

for applicants. Definition, role, and flexibility in eligibility requirements for

fiscal sponsors. Inclusion of general nonprofits. Certification and

amendment process. Purpose of the expanded access program. Expanding

engagement, and accesss to the arts. Rephrasing language for diversity

goals. Allocation to underserved populations, and allocation of funds.

Stronger commitment to address underrepresentation. Outreach and

technical assistance. Compliance with ordinance and Measure "P". Role of

commissioners in advocacy. Addressing presumptions about award

distribution. Parallels to city budget allocations. Ensuring broad access to

arts services. Revised guidelines and policies. Encouraging citywide

participation. Storytelling and transparency in applications. Urgency of grant

guidelines. Scheduling a Special Meeting. Importance of a fiscal agent.

Mental health experts licensed as an art therapist or a music therapist.

Hearing - Actions pertaining to the Parks, After School, Recreation, and

ID 24-1576

12.-C.

Community Services (PARCS) Department's FY 2026 Budget Build as it

relates to capital projects; after school, recreation, and community services

programs; and trails, beautification, and the San Joaquin River Parkway

1. Presentation - Overview of the FY 2026 budget build process.

2. Receive public input on expenditures related to the PARCS

Department's FY 2026 budget.

3. Action - Make recommendations to the City Council for adoption

of expenditures in connection to the PARCS Department's FY 2026 budget

(PARCS).

The above item was called to order at 7:23 P.M. and was presented to the

Commission by Assistant Director Chinevere. Upon call, the following

members of the public addressed the Commission: Lilia Gonzales Chavez,

Kari Daniska, and Sharon Weaver. Public comment closed at 7:37 P.M.

Commission discussion on this item included: Allocation of the $300,00

motion by Commissioner Barraza. Project Phases for Park Development,

and why the design and build out phases are not done simultaneously.

Recommending costs to council for projects, and combining phases for

projects. Clarification and feedback on past recommendations proposed to

council.

Commissioner Barraza motioned to allocate $300,000 for the initial costs of

the field lighting project for two sports fields at Al Radka Park.

Commissioner Dohlin seconded the motion which passed by the following

vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Vice Chair Ward motioned to allocate up to $150,000 as requested by the

Arts Council for administration, translation, and related services. Chair

McCoy seconded the motion which passed by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Commissioner Kucharski motioned to allocate up to $1,000,000 to the River

West project to support the completion of its core project. Commissioner

Caglia seconded the motion which passed by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Commissioner Kucharski motioned to allocate an amount not to exceed

$150,000 to open the River West property to the public. Commissioner

Caglia seconded the motion which passed by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Commissioner Dohlin motioned to allocate up to $100,000 for the design

and construction of a shade structure for the small dog park at Roeding

Park. Chair McCoy seconded the motion which passed by the following

vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Chair McCoy motioned to allocate $50,000 to start exploring grants in the

name of Dr. Francine Oputa. Commissioner Dohlin seconded the motion

which passed by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Chair McCoy motioned to recommend the city council explore the possibility

of implementing a project on Eaton Trail, created by University students, in

recognition of their efforts and the beauty of their idea. Commissioner

Caglia seconded the motion which passed by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

Commissioner Barraza motioned to allocate $100,000 to continue

expanding the art and development of the Cultural Arts District in Southeast

Fresno. Chair McCoy seconded the motion which passed by the following

vote:

Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,

Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and

Commissioner Miller

Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto

At the December 16 2024, PRAC Meeting during agenda item 5-A

(ID24-1663) approval of the regular minutes of November 18, 2024,

Commissioner Soto indicated she left the meeting at 6:30 P.M. and did not

participate in agenda item 12-C (ID 24-1576) Hearing - Actions pertaining to

the Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services (PARCS)

Department's FY 2026 Budget Build as it relates to capital projects; after

school, recreation, and community services programs; and trails,

beautification, and the San Joaquin River Parkway. Therefore she will be

marked absent for this item.

Hearing - Receive public input on allocations related to Measure P,

ID 24-1556

12.-D.

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 7:55 P.M. Upon call, the following

members of the public addressed the Commission: Gabriel Lozano. Public

comment closed at 7:58 P.M.

There was no Commission discussion on this item.

13.

Adjournment

Chair McCoy adjourned the meeting in Memory of Dr. Francine Oputa, at

7:59 P.M.

The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the Parks, Recreation, and

Arts Commission during the December 16, 2024, regular meeting with Commissioner

Singh absent.