Fresno Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Regular Meeting – August 17, 2026

The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (PRAC) convened on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public testimony on the elimination of a 27‑year‑old Polynesian dance program, a workshop on the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) grant program, and hearings to establish an ad hoc subcommittee and receive public input. Commissioners approved minutes, excused absences, and appointed three members to a new subcommittee.

Consent Calendar

• Commissioners excused the absences of Commissioners Barraza and Miller by unanimous vote.
• The agenda was approved unanimously.
• The minutes from the July 20, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously (Commissioner Kucharski initially abstained but changed to approve after clarification).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Polynesian Dance Program (Hula Ohana Fresno): Over a dozen speakers (including participants, parents, and a former Parks & Rec professional) expressed deep disappointment and frustration that the program at Mosquera Community Center was eliminated via email after 27 years of partnership. They described it as a multi‑generational community that served approximately 2,017 youth, adults, and seniors over nearly three decades, offering affordable cultural arts (fees: $75 for a 10‑month season vs. $45–$90/month elsewhere). Speakers called for a conversation and process change, and asked the commission to help understand the decision. One speaker noted the program was the city’s only cultural dance program.

Discussion Items

• EAAC Grant Program Workshop (ID 26‑1078): Staff reported on Cycle 2 progress: 91 organizations are working toward contracts, 146–148 agreements are being prepared, 42 grantee extensions have been granted, and 20% are near signature. For Cycle 3, the eligibility screening form closed on August 15, 2026, with 204 forms received. Technical assistance workshops drew 56, 36, and 47 attendees respectively. Staff noted that the ad hoc subcommittee (to be formed later that evening) would help develop the Application Review Committee selection process.

  • Commissioners asked about delays in paying Cycle 2 grantees and the overlap with Cycle 3. Staff explained that the many required documents (vendor setup, board resolutions, receipts) are standard for public funds and are intended to protect both the city and grantees. Chair McCoy expressed concern that smaller organizations might not survive the delays.

• Hearing – Resolution to Establish Ad Hoc Application Review Committee Member Selection Subcommittee (ID 26‑1079): The city attorney explained the mechanics. After adoption, the commission appointed Chair McCoy, Commissioner Duran, and Commissioner Barraza to the subcommittee. The first meeting was scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 3:30 PM via Zoom.

• Hearing – Receive Public Input on EAAC Grant Program (ID 26‑1080): Several speakers, including fiscal sponsors and artists, described ongoing payment difficulties from Cycle 2. One speaker noted that a check from the city had bounced and that artists who performed at Juneteenth events still had not been paid. Another recounted being asked for extremely detailed receipts from Amazon, Costco, and Office Max, which she said was burdensome for a small organization. Speakers requested that promised funds be released promptly.

• Hearing – Receive Public Input on Measure P, Parks Master Plan, Cultural Arts Plan, Annual Budget, and CIP (ID 26‑1081): No public comments were offered. Commissioners asked about field trips to see capital projects; staff agreed to send dates.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Absences excused, agenda and minutes approved unanimously.
• Resolution adopted (ID 26‑1079): The commission voted to create the ad hoc subcommittee and appointed Chair McCoy, Commissioner Duran, and Commissioner Barraza.
• Next meeting of the subcommittee: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 3:30 PM via Zoom.
• Director’s statement (from staff report): The city acknowledged questions raised and is evaluating a restructured multicultural dance program, with an update planned for spring 2027.