Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Regular Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (PRAC) met on Monday, June 15, 2026, starting at 5:34 PM and adjourning at 7:06 PM. The meeting included a Brown Act training workshop, updates on the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) Grant Program, and two public hearings on grant allocations and Measure P spending. Commissioners also received reports on Granite Park transition, Camp Fresno, and the aquatic season. Public comments focused on Roding Park tennis facilities, bathroom maintenance, youth programming, grant timelines, and the need for a sports director.

Consent Calendar

• Call to Order & Roll Call: Chair McCoy called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM. Roll call: 6 present (McCoy, Ward, Caglia, Dohlin, Duran, Miller), 2 absent (Barraza, Kucharski). Commissioner Barraza's absence was excused on a motion by Dohlin, seconded by Miller, carried 6-0. Commissioner Kucharski later joined at 5:49 PM.
• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Dohlin, seconded by Miller, approved unanimously (6-0).
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes of May 18, 2026 approved on motion by Dohlin, seconded by Caglia (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Unscheduled Communication (8 speakers):
  • Adam Balakian (facilitator, Community Tennis Roding Park): Presented photos of unsanitary bathrooms at Roding Park. Stated 85% of surveyed users rated bathrooms 1/5 stars, and 89% left early due to conditions. Asked for additional evening cleanings (5 PM and 8 PM) and relocation of new prefab restrooms closer to tennis courts facing the courts.
  • Chris Kent (Fresno resident): Expressed support for public access to quality tennis courts. Noted loss of tennis facilities in 20 years and closure of school courts. Urged city investment in courts, lighting, and programming.
  • Yinglah Wilson (former Division I tennis player, founder/CEO Equity for All): Described her free youth tennis program "Games at Goals Tennis Series" at Roding Park on Sundays in June (6:30-8:30 PM) for grades 4-6. Invited commissioners to attend.
  • Camilla Sutherland (Roding Park Tennis Club): Requested a partnership with the city under an "Adopt a Park" model for volunteer cleanup and programming. Offered volunteer assistance, clinics, and beautification.
  • Gabriel Lozano (Navy veteran, resident): Asked about term limits and attendance requirements for commissioners. Requested background checks for grant applicants. Criticized lack of response to his job applications and defended his appearance (teeth) after a past injury. Proposed a proclamation for Commissioner Barraza for work at Peach Park.
  • Erin Burd (Executive Director, Arts and Rich for All): Questioned timeline for Youth Scholarship Fund grant awards (applied February, expected March). Asked if awards would be made before end of fiscal year to support summer activities for children.
  • Dr. William Contente (Roding Park Tennis Club member): Supported creating a paid Director of Sports position (funded by Measure P) to oversee tennis and pickleball facilities. Stated the city lacks a dedicated sports director.
  • Cynthia Pimobino (online): Expressed concern about delayed reopening of Pine Grove shelter (closed over 1.5 years for minor structural damage). Disagreed with relocating Roding Park bathrooms, suggested using a buddy system for safety. Commended Chair McCoy for raising cooling center concerns.
• Hearing 12-A (EAAC Grant Program):
  • Laura Gothard (Care Fresno, cycle 1 & 2 grantee): Asked for clarification on ineligible applicants (religious/political/private foundations) in updated guidelines. Requested location of most recent document.
  • Parvin Malek (online): Requested telephone and email contact information for EAAC program. Stated website may be confusing.
• Hearing 12-B (Measure P, Parks Master Plan, Budget):
  • Dr. William Contente (again): Recommended using Measure P funds to create a Director of Sport position for tennis and pickleball, citing an apparent surplus of revenue over expenditures.

Discussion Items

• Subcommittee Reports: EAAC Subcommittee update deferred to later agenda items.
• Staff Reports:
  • Assistant City Manager Miller: Reported Granite Park is transitioning to full city operation after a court decision; it is already in the Parks Master Plan.
  • PARCS Director Aguirre: Announced Camp Fresno launched June 15, sending ~40 youth (ages 11-14) to the Sierras; another group later in week. Aquatic season started with all 10 pools open 1-5 PM; swim lessons begin June 22. Cooling centers open only when temperature reaches 105°F; Chair McCoy expressed concern about earlier opening.
• Workshop (10-A): Brown Act Training: Presented by Special Assistant City Attorney Amanda Freeman via PowerPoint. Covered meeting definitions, prohibited serial meetings, social media rules, and conflict of interest laws (Political Reform Act, Gov. Code §1090, common law). Commissioners asked about common law disqualifications; requested in-person training next time.
• Discussion Item (11-A): EAAC Grant Program Update: PARCS Assistant Director Shelby McNabb presented:
  • Cycle 2: Staff meeting one-on-one with grantees to enable contracting; working on final reports; exploring Submittable instead of SharePoint for file collection; provided graphics for grant agreement processes.
  • Cycle 3: City Council established an ad hoc committee (June 4) to review draft guidelines; council item scheduled June 18. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for general operating and project support grants to launch June 30. Staff hiring in progress (program administrator, community outreach specialist, community coordinator) – still in interview phase. Commissioner Duran asked about hiring breakdown; staff clarified positions not yet filled.

Key Outcomes

• No votes on substantive agenda items (except consent calendar).
• Directives and next steps:
  • Staff will continue one-on-one meetings with Cycle 2 grantees; aim to complete contracting and funding in next 30 days.
  • EAAC Cycle 3 NOFOs to be released June 30; guidelines to be finalized after June 18 council meeting.
  • Commission directed public to "Love A Park" program (through Beautify Fresno) for volunteer park support, rather than the former "Adopt a Park" model.
  • Staff will provide a refresher on park acquisition criteria (15 factors, highest-needs definitions) at future meeting.
  • Future budget hearings (Sept-Oct) will allow commission to recommend new capital projects and acquisitions.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM in memory of Dr. Francine Oputa.