Chair Higgins called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm

Chair Higgins led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chair Higgins asked for a moment of silence for all those affected by the recent Los Angeles fires.

Beth Riley expressed frustration over the maintenance and upkeep of the Brea Sports Park and the Tracks at Brea. She recalled past promises made about park improvements, noting that while her son, now 40, was meant to benefit from them, her grandson is now playing in the same facilities with ongoing issues.

Key concerns she raised include:

• Overflowing garbage cans at the soccer field and general park maintenance issues.
• Poor field conditions, including dangerous ruts in the baseball field.
• Weeds growing in brick areas and a lack of upkeep compared to past years.
• The need for more attention to the walking tracks, especially the underpass, which has overgrown weeds posing a fire hazard.
• The deteriorating wall on State College near the tracks, which is an eyesore.
• Concerns about funds being allocated to other projects (such as Arovista) instead of addressing immediate maintenance needs.
• She emphasized a desire to work collaboratively to improve the parks, offered her help in maintenance efforts, and encouraged officials to prioritize the upkeep of existing spaces before expanding them further. She left photos documenting the issues for review.

Craig Farris addressed the Parks and Recreation Commission to highlight concerns about park maintenance, particularly regarding baseball fields.

Key points he raised include:

• He helped organize the Centennial Anniversary of the historic baseball game and worked closely with the city staff, who did a fantastic job.
• While preparing for the event, he personally inspected the outfield and identified several hazardous holes, which were filled before the game.
• He inquired about field maintenance and was informed that staffing shortages, particularly due to COVID-related retirements and the shift from full-time to part-time positions, have impacted park upkeep.
• City staff is struggling to maintain parks, medians, and dog parks due to these workforce reductions.
• He emphasized that his intent was not to criticize the dedicated parks staff but to bring awareness to the need for proper staffing as the city grows.
• Residents are noticing maintenance issues, and he believes this concern extends beyond just a few individuals.
• He encouraged collaboration between residents and the commission to address these challenges and maintain the city's beauty.

Farris concluded by expressing gratitude to the commission for their service and reaffirming his commitment to working together for the betterment of the city's parks.

BOUSD Assistant Superintendent Rick Champion expressed his excitement to the Commission over the successful passage of Measure H. At the upcoming board meeting, two resolutions will be addressed: certifying the election and forming a citizens oversight committee within the mandated 60-day period. He emphasized the district's commitment to delivering on project promises, particularly improvements to the junior high. Collaboration with public works and city officials will be key, and more updates will follow. He also expressed appreciation for the support.

Amber Gonzalez Duong provided an update on the fencing projects at local schools. The work at Laurel Elementary is complete, and Country Hills is nearing completion. Upcoming projects include Arovista, Falcon, and Mariposa, with Brea Junior High and Brea High School scheduled for later this year.

Chair Higgins adjourned the meeting at 6:58 pm.