Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Regular Meeting - September 21, 2026

The Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (PRAC) held a regular meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approvals, reports from commissioners and staff, workshops on the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) Grant Program and the FY2027 Measure P budget, public hearings, and public comments. Chair Kimberly McCoy presided; all seven present commissioners voted unanimously on agenda, minutes, and excused absence items.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approved: Motion by Commissioner Caglia, seconded by Vice Chair Ward, unanimous (7-0, Dohlin absent).
• Approval of Minutes (August 17, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Duran, unanimous (7-0).
• Excused Absence for Commissioner Dohlin: Motion by Commissioner Duran, seconded by Commissioner Miller, carried (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Unscheduled Communication:
  • Leslie Hoyt (Fresno Area Pickleball) expressed concern that the city’s revised policies (August 24) appear to prioritize profit over people and threaten the group’s free open-play program. She stated that the city’s definition of “organized” play would require paid reservations costing over $15,000 annually, limiting playing opportunities.
  • Randy Radd (Fresno Area Pickleball) added that the group does not take registrations or organize leagues; they only publicize that pickleball facilities are available. He argued they are not a league and should not be subject to the athletic reservation policy.
• Public Hearings:
  • Hearing on EAAC Grant Program (ID 26-1253): Niki Real commented on the need for stronger safeguards and board responsibility to prevent future embezzlement.
  • Hearing on Measure P, Parks Master Plan, Cultural Arts Plan, and Budget (ID 26-1254): Niki Real again addressed administrative costs and the need for focus on goals. Commissioners also discussed the pickleball policy, noting that recurring events constitute league play and require reservations per existing policy. Director Aguirre stated the policy has not changed and will be shared again with the group.

Discussion Items

• Subcommittee Reports:
  • Commissioner Barraza reported the ARC subcommittee reviewed draft rules for candidate selection and evaluation.
• Commissioner Reports and Comments:
  • Multiple commissioners thanked PARCS staff and Director Aguirre for a tour of three park construction sites (Radio Park, Dolores Huerta Park, Southeast Fresno Sports Complex). Commissioner Barraza noted the new artificial turf field and desired future additions like a performance space and bleachers. Commissioner Duran reported the Cycle 3 ARC application is open until September 30. Commissioner Caglia praised progress despite challenges, and Commissioner Kucharski highlighted the complexity of multi-year projects.
  • Commissioner Barraza later expressed disappointment that the tour did not include West Fresno parks (e.g., Les Kimber Park), urging better geographic balance.
• City Administration/PARCS Staff Reports:
  • Director Aaron Aguirre thanked commissioners for the tour and announced the ribbon-cutting of Milburn Overlook Park (a Measure P Category 5 project featuring shade structures and bluff-view binoculars).
• Workshop: EAAC Grant Program Update (ID 26-1255):
  • Assistant Director Shelby MacNab reported staff met with 100% of Cycle 2 awardees and are preparing 143 agreements. As of 74 business days since one-on-one meetings began, no awards have been fully paid out; two contracts were routed for signature that day. The presentation detailed a 16-step workflow, with most awardees at an intermediate contracting speed (60-90 business days). Process improvements are ongoing.
  • Program Manager Sarah Gaytan presented Cycle 3 updates: 204 eligibility submissions received, with 119 for project support, 54 for core operating support, and 31 duplicates/ineligible. Applications due September 30. Outreach reached over 14,600 recipients. The first ARC subcommittee meeting occurred August 20.
  • Commission discussion: Chair McCoy expressed frustration that Cycle 2 is not complete, impacting Cycle 3 applicants, noting complaints about poor communication and delays. Commissioner Barraza questioned staffing (~10 FTE, many part-time) and target completion (hoped before year's end). Commissioner Duran asked about financial reconciliation and SharePoint issues. Commissioner Miller thanked staff. Commissioner Kucharski raised concerns about burden on community groups meeting government standards; staff responded they are helping build capacity. Commissioner Kucharski asked about lost receipts; staff uses a lost receipt form with judgment.
• Workshop: FY2027 Measure P Budget (ID 26-1256):
  • Business Manager Tou Xiong presented the adopted FY2027 Measure P budget. Total beginning balance: ~$65.9M; projected tax revenue: ~$49.1M; other revenue: ~$2.1M. Breakdown by categories: Category 1 (existing parks) primarily for operations and ranger program ($1.9M); Category 2 (new parks) for land acquisition and development; Category 3 (program delivery) for senior, youth, and veteran programs; Category 4 (arts and culture) for Cycle 3/4 and admin; Category 5 (DPW/DPU) for beautification and park improvements.
  • The budget includes some commission recommendations (e.g., support for cultural arts subcommittee, filtration analysis at Roeding Park) but most were not adopted. Commissioners expressed disappointment that their recommendations continue to be ignored. Commissioner Barraza asked about grant leveraging; Director Aguirre described using Measure P as match for state/federal grants (e.g., Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program for Southeast Fresno Phase 2).
  • Commissioner Duran asked about the Tech Easy program; staff will provide a memo on a pending grant award decision before the next meeting. Commissioner Kucharski asked about utility costs and the park ranger program (fully funded by Measure P).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 PM in memory of Dr. Francine Oputa.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All consent items passed 7-0.
• No formal decisions on substantive items (workshops and hearings were informational/input-only).
• Directives:
  • Staff to update the Cycle 2 status spreadsheet with a color legend and post online.
  • Staff to provide a memo to the commission on the Tech Easy grant award timeline.
  • Staff to work with the city attorney on how recovered stolen funds would be reflected in future budgets.
  • Staff to follow up with Fresno Area Pickleball regarding the athletic reservation policy.
• Next Steps:
  • Cycle 3 grant applications due September 30, 2026.
  • ARC subcommittee will train members and review applications for recommendations.
  • FY2028 budget timeline: Mid-year projections in December 2026; base budget submission in March 2027; mayor’s proposed budget in May 2027; council hearings in June.