MINUTES OF THE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018 REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTCLAIR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES COMMISSION

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1 MINUTES OF THE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018 REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTCLAIR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MONTCLAIR CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5111 BENITO STREET, MONTCLAIR, CALIFORNIA 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Milhiser called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Commissioner Paez led those present in the salute to the flag. ROLL CALL Present: Excused: Also Present: Chairperson Laurie Milhiser, Vice-Chairperson Arturo Padilla, Commissioners Elizabeth Alba, Darlene Ferraro, Edwin Hernandez, Chris Paez and Diane Wells and City Council Liaison Bill Ruh None City Manager Edward Starr Director of Human Services Marcia Richter Senior Human Services Supervisor Michelle Castillo Administrative Technician Renee Walker PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice-Chairperson Padilla made the motion to approve the minutes of the Community Activities Commission meeting on January 10, 2018, Commissioner Alba seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously to approve the minutes. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Richter announced that the City of Montclair received communication from a granting agency called KaBOOM!. The agency provides grants for building playgrounds and they are interested in building a new playground at MacArthur Park. Ms. Richter passed around a Play Petition she received from KaBOOM!. The Play Petition allows community members to sign up as volunteers in support of the potential project at MacArthur Park. She asked the Commissioners to sign up as community volunteers and to note in the right-hand column of the Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 1 of 7

2 Play Petition that they will be part of the planning committee if the City is awarded grant funding from KaBOOM!. Ms. Richter commented that children and adults in the community will also have the opportunity to give their input about the design and equipment selection for the new playground. She stated that there will be a one-day playground installation event called a Build Day and a minimum of 100 community volunteers are needed to install the new playground equipment. Chairperson Milhiser suggested reaching out to local businesses that encourage their employees to volunteer in the community. Vice-Chairperson Padilla agreed that community involvement will be an important component in acquiring 100 volunteers for a Build Day. He suggested that each Commissioner present this project to their respective community service organizations and encourage other members to volunteer for the Build Day. Ms. Richter noted that if the City receives grant funding from KaBOOM! the Build Day will most likely take place in May or June of this year. OLD BUSINESS A. Community Benefits Funding Program Ms. Richter announced that each organization invited to participate in the Community Benefits Funding Program must submit all documents and pertinent information by tomorrow, Thursday, February 8, She noted that the following six agencies have already submitted the requested documents: Family and Collaborative Services Montclair, Family Foothill Shelter, Hope Through Housing Foundation, Montclair Meals on Wheels, OPARC, and Project Sister. The following five agencies have not submitted the requested documents to participate in the Community Benefits hearing: Anthesis, Christian Development Center, Community Senior Services, House of Ruth, and Visiting Nurses Association. Ms. Richter stated that an will be sent to the five remaining agencies to remind them of the deadline. The Community Benefits hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Commissioners will be mailed copies of the documents received from each organization to review before the hearing. Commissioners Alba and Paez will not receive copies of the documents and will recuse themselves from the process. B. Military Banner Program Ms. Castillo announced that nine new military banners will be installed this year. She stated that the Montclair Chamber of Commerce representative was out sick for a few weeks, but she is scheduled to meet with the representative tomorrow afternoon to finalize the schematics for the installation of the new banners. She noted that she intends to find out how many banners the Chamber of Commerce will be installing this year because the CAC partners with the Chamber of Commerce to apportion light poles throughout the City and to coordinate the installation of the banners. Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 2 of 7

3 A Volunteer of the Year Program Judges Chairperson Milhiser stated that a friend of hers, Jennifer Estevez, would be honored to serve as a judge for the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Program. City Council Liaison Ruh noted that his brother-in-law, Rick McClure, who retired from the Ontario-Montclair School District, is also available to serve as a judge for the program. Vice-Chairperson Padilla will ask Reserve Deputy William Yanez if he is available to judge the program again this year. Nominations Ms. Walker distributed a list of organizations that were sent nomination letters for the Volunteer of the Year Program in It was decided at the January CAC meeting that each Commissioner would personally contact organizations to encourage the broader community s participation in the Volunteer of the Year Program. Commissioners reviewed the list of organizations that were sent nomination letters in 2017 and assigned agencies for each Commissioner to contact directly. Chairperson Milhiser will contact Howard Elementary School, Vice-Chairperson Padilla will contact the Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes School, Commissioner Alba will contact the Principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School and the Principal of Kingsley Elementary School, and Commissioner Wells will contact Foothill Family Shelter. Ms. Richter stated that the nomination letters and applications will be mailed out tomorrow; applications are due by Monday, March 5, Chairperson Milhiser suggested that Commissioners reach out to the organizations, regardless of which organizations they volunteered to contact, and encourage them to submit a nomination for Volunteer of the Year. Theme Chairperson Milhiser inquired about a theme for the upcoming Volunteer of the Year Program. She suggested the theme Volunteers Change Lives, which she noted is similar to the theme City Council Liaison Ruh suggested at the January CAC meeting that is based on the message that each man's life touches so many other lives from the film It s a Wonderful Life (1946). Ms. Castillo suggested the theme Volunteers: The Essential Piece and noted that puzzle piece designs or actual puzzle pieces could be used to create decorations, name tags, and programs for the event. Chairperson Milhiser, Vice- Chairperson Padilla, Commissioner Alba, and City Council Liaison Ruh commented that Volunteers: The Essential Piece is a clever and creative theme. It was unanimously decided that Volunteers: The Essential Piece will be the theme for the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Program. Ms. Castillo asked Commissioners for suggestions on the color scheme for the event. Commissioner Ferraro suggested the colors blue and green and Chairperson Milhiser suggested using primary colors or a variety of colors. Ms. Richter noted that the symbol for Autism Awareness is a ribbon with a puzzle piece pattern featuring the primary colors. She recommended that the Commission avoid selecting a color scheme that would Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 3 of 7

4 be comparable to the Autism Awareness symbol. Ms. Castillo stated that she will continue to brainstorm for possible color scheme ideas and other design options for the event. Donations Ms. Walker distributed a list of organizations that Commissioners requested donations from for the Volunteer of the Year program in Ms. Richter asked Commissioners to review the list and notify her of organizations that should be added to this year s list. Commissioners suggested the addition of the following businesses to the agency donation list: Agua Caliente Clippers, Anna s Café, Barnes & Noble, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dolce Bistro and Bakery, Edwards Ontario Mountain Village Stadium 14, Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant, Johnny s Donuts, La Michoacana Ice Cream, Mi Ranchito Restaurant and Cantina, National CORE, Ontario Fury, Ontario Reign, The Taco Man, and The Tamale Guy. Commissioners are asked to approach different businesses in the area with a letter requesting donations for the program. The Volunteer of the Year winner and runner-up(s) will receive a gift bag with gift certificates and donations from area businesses. Ms. Richter asked that Commissioners note which business they would like to present with donation letters: Chairperson Milhiser: Dolce Bistro and Bakery, Fu-Lin Chinese Restaurant, Graber Olive House, Logan s Candies, and Tutti Mangia Italian Grill Vice-Chairperson Padilla: Anna s Café, Applebee s Grill & Bar, Burger King, Carl s Jr. #137, Carl s Jr. #342, Chili s Grill & Bar, Metro Acura, Metro Honda and San Antonio Bakery Commissioner Alba: Costco and Stater Bros. Supermarket Commissioner Ferraro: Dickey s Barbeque Pit, Joey s BBQ, Olive Garden, Vince s Spaghetti, Mi Ranchito Restaurant and Cantina, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Johnny s Donuts Commissioner Hernandez: Barnes & Noble, Eureka Burger, Edwards Ontario Mountain Village Stadium 14, and La Michoacana Ice Cream Commissioner Paez: Agua Caliente Clippers, Dodger s Baseball, Los Portales Mexican Grill, National CORE, Ontario Fury, Ontario Reign, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Rocky s New York Pizza, The Taco Man, and The Tamale Guy Commissioner Wells: Creamistry, Montclair Florist, My Delight Cupcakery, and Paradise Buffet Ms. Walker will prepare donation request letters tailored to each Commissioner and the organizations they chose to approach for donations. Each Commissioner will also receive three generic donation request letters to distribute to organizations that were not delegated at the meeting or to other businesses they would like to request a donation from. Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 4 of 7

5 Refreshments Ms. Castillo listed the refreshments that are typically purchased for the Volunteer of the Year Program: sandwich roll-ups, fresh strawberries, a vegetable tray, cheese and crackers, cream puffs, brownie bites, cake, sparkling cider, and bottles of water. Commissioner Ferraro commented that offering a variety of dessert options may be excessive. Chairperson Milhiser agreed and noted that the cake is not just a dessert, but a custom-made treat, designed to match the event s theme and to recognize the volunteers. It was agreed that cake will be the only dessert offered at the event and it will be served after the Volunteer of the Year Presentation. B Memorial Day Program Memorial Wall Plaques The program will take place on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Applications are available for Memorial Wall plaques in the 2018 Winter/Spring brochure and are due by Friday, February 23, The cost is $350 per plaque. The plaque will include the individual s name, date of birth, date of death, branch (if requested), and rank. Ms. Castillo stated that she has received two plaque applications along with payment. She noted that another individual has completed an application for a plaque, but has not submitted payment. Entertainment The Montclair Walkers have agreed to participate in this year s Memorial Day Program. The Barbershop Quartet and Bill Betten have been asked to return for this year s Program, but have yet to confirm their participation. Chairperson Milhiser commented that she liked how the Barbershop Quartet performed a song after the ceremony while guests were enjoying their refreshments in the Senior Center. She noted that the Barbershop Quartet intended to perform the song during the ceremony, but forgot to include it in their set. Commissioner Alba agreed that the unexpected performance at the Senior Center was nice. Chairperson Milhiser suggested asking the Barbershop Quartet if they can perform during the ceremony and at the Senior Center while refreshments are being served. Refreshments It was agreed at the January CAC meeting that the CAC will once again host a Memorial Day barbeque after the Program concludes. Guests will be treated to hotdogs, Polish sausages, potato chips, cake and drinks in the Senior Center. Chairperson Milhiser commented that not everyone received a slice of cake last year. Ms. Richter suggested ordering two cakes this year to ensure that there is enough for everyone. Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 5 of 7

6 Dignitaries Invited dignitaries will include Congresswoman Norma Torres, Senator Connie Leyva, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, Supervisor Curt Hagman, and all City Council members. The Pledge of Allegiance Vice-Chairperson Padilla stated that Christian Ortiz, a Montclair veteran who received his retired military banner at the City Council Meeting on Monday, January 16, 2018, is interested in leading the Pledge of Allegiance during the Memorial Day Program. Vice-Chairperson Padilla added that Mr. Ortiz s brother-in-law, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, may also be interested in participating in the ceremony. Chairperson Milhiser suggested that Mr. Ortiz and his brother-in-law lead the Pledge of Allegiance together. Vice-Chairperson Padilla agreed to ask Mr. Ortiz and is brother-in-law to lead the Pledge of Allegiance together during the Memorial Day Program. Memorial Day Poem Ms. Walker distributed copies of the poem Because of the Brave by Ron Tranmer for each Commissioner to review. Commissioners originally selected Because of the Brave to recite during the 2017 Memorial Day Program, but after confirming that the guest speaker, Bill Betten, would be participating in the ceremony to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, the CAC opted to recite the poem In Flanders Field by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae instead. Vice-Chairperson Padilla moved to recite the poem Because of the Brave during the 2018 Memorial Day Program. Commissioner Ferraro seconded the motion and it was carried unanimously to recite Because of the Brave. Chairperson Milhiser noted that there are six stanzas in the selected poem and commented that each Commissioner could recite a stanza. Vice-Chairperson agreed that selecting a poem with six stanzas is a great way to get everyone to participate. Chairperson Milhiser also suggested closing the ceremony with the poem On This Memorial Day by Emily Toma, which is the short poem the CAC recited at the end of last year s Program. NEW BUSINESS None Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 6 of 7

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST City Council Liaison Ruh suggested that each Commissioner write a short biography to be kept on file and used to introduce Commissioners at events.

7 ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST City Council Liaison Ruh suggested that each Commissioner write a short biography to be kept on file and used to introduce Commissioners at events. He suggested that each Commissioner include information about themselves, their career, their volunteer activities, their accomplishments, and how many years they have lived in Montclair. Chairperson Milhiser agreed that writing a short biography would be a good idea. Ms. Richter stated that staff members will create a biography sheet template with suggested questions. She noted that the biography sheet template will be ed to each Commissioner to fill out and return at the March CAC meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Milhiser adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Renee Walker Administrative Technician Community Activities Commission Minutes February 7, 2018 Page 7 of 7

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