02-01-1994 - Football Field Lighting at Cortez ParkTO: City Council and City Manager
* of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
FROM: Human Services Department
Item H- 3
Date 2-1-94
SUBJECT: FOOTBALL FIELD LIGHTING AT CORTEZ PARK
SUMMARY The following report outlines the issues concerning the installation of lights at the
football field at Cortez Park.
BACKGROUND
Over the past five years the need for lighting the football field at Cortez Park has been discussed
and analyzed at both the staff level and Human Services Commission. One of the main issues
regarding this project is the measure of need compared to other projects and the level of benefit
that the project would bring to the community. Councilmember Herfert has asked that this
project be agendized for further discussion and possible direction'to staff.
ANALYSIS
In some cases the level of need that justifies a project is subjective and staff s assessment that
the need for lighting at this football field is minimal at best based.on Citywide needs. The West
Covina Bruins Jr. All American football team plays on this field September through December
and has four to five teams that represent a maximum of 150 players. These five teams play their
football games on the weekends during the day. Their need for lighted fields is based on their
practice sessions during the week. Since it begins getting dark early during their football season,
they would like to have lighted fields for" their practices. To meet this need, the You Sports
Council agreed to permit the football teams to practice at the following lighted fields:
Orangewood Park, Walmerado Park (2 fields), and Shadow Oak Park. These fields will meet
the practice field needs of the five football teams.
Funding Considerations
The estimated cost of lighting the football field is $100,000. Cortez Park is located in Park
District E which has a deficit of $112,000. This is the district that also contains the Maverick
Field Project ($65,000) and the house that was purchased adjacent to Cortez Park. ($101,000)
Current Process
The process that is followed to undertake major improvements in parks includes the preparation
of a Specific Plan Amendment. 'This process includes community meetings, public hearings at
the Human Services and Planning Commissions -and environmental assessments. The approved
improvements are then considered for inclusion and funding in the City's Capital Improvement
Program by the City Council as part of the annual budget process.
Park Deficiencies And New Procedures
An interdepartmental committee is updating the City's Park Deficiency Report. This report will
identify park deficiencies in each city park, identify potential funding sources, and prioritize
them based on community benefit. At the same time this committee is reviewing the park capital
improvement projects procedures designed to plan and implement park projects. Staff is well
aware of the current inadequacies and will be recommending a direction designed to improve
the process in the near future anticipated in May, 1994.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Cortez Park Football Lighting Project be included in the 1994-95 CIP
Budget process.
Sincerely
Gus Salazar
Human Services Director
GS/jmg