HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2026 Minutes PPCEAPPROVED BY THE PARK PLANNING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMISSION ON MAY 19, 2026
MINUTES
City of Orange
Park Planning and Community Events
Commission
March 17, 2026
The Park Planning and Community Events Commission of the City of Orange, California
convened on March 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in a Regular Meeting the Council Chamber, 300 E.
Chapman Avenue, Orange, California.
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Chair Romero called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1.1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Commissioner Fields.
1.2. ROLL CALL
Present Ahlswede, Fields, Perez, Kushon, and Romero
Absent Litwin
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange Park Planning and Community Events
Commission Regular Meeting held on January 20, 2026
A motion was made by Commissioner Perez, seconded by Commissioner Kushon, to
approve the minutes as presented.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Ahlswede, Fields, Perez, Kushon, and Romero
Noes: None
Absent: Litwin
4. COMMISSION BUSINESS
4.1. Consideration of Prohibition of Smoking in City Parks
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, presented a staff report on
options related to smoking in City parks.
Lieutenant Kevin Plog and Sergeant Mike Sellers of the Orange Police Department
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answered Commissioner questions on enforcement ability and the parameters of
where a smoking ban would apply.
A motion was made by Commissioner Perez, seconded by Vice Chair Ahlswede, to
make a recommendation to City Council to ban smoking in all City parks.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Ahlswede, Perez, Kushon, and Romero
Noes: Fields
Absent: Litwin
4.2. USA250 Fundraising Subcommittee Appointment
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, presented a staff report on
the USA250 Fundraising Subcommittee that was established at the October 21, 2025
Regular Meeting of the Park Planning and Community Events Commission.
Commissioners discussed the benefit of an additional member on the subcommittee.
Commissioner Kushon made a motion to nominate Vice Chair Ahlswede to join the
USA250 Fundraising Subcommittee.
Vice Chair Ahlswede stated his gratitude for the nomination but declined before a
second could be made and the motion was withdrawn.
No other motions were made. No action was taken.
5. COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR'S REPORT
5.1. Updates on USA250
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, presented an update on
the USA250 initiative around the City.
Chair Romero provided an update on a Celebration in the Park on July 3, 2026 event in
connection with the USA250 initiative. She requested each Commissioner fundraise
$2,500.00 to contribute to the event.
Staff clarified the difference between the USA250 Planning Subcommittee and the
USA250 Fundraising Subcommittee. Having fulfilled their purpose, the USA250
Planning Subcommittee was dissolved.
5.2. Utility Box Art Program
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, provided an update on the
Utility Box Art Program, a collaborative initiative between the Community and Library
Services Department and the Public Works Department to celebrate USA250 by
wrapping City -owned traffic signal control boxes with sponsored art submissions.
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Submissions for art will be accepted through April 13, 2026 and will be brought back to
the Park Planning and Community Events Commission for final selection.
5.3. Updates on the Grijalva Park Masterplan
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, provided an update to the
Grijalva Park Masterplan. A community -wide questionnaire was released and a
community input public workshop is scheduled for March 31, 2026.
5.4. Updates on Summer Programs
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, provided an update on
aquatic and day camp programs provided in the City. Agreements were approved by
City Council with Premier Aquatics LLC to provide a year-round aquatic program at
Hart Park Pool and with The Hub OC for the Youth Centers of Orange to provide a
youth and teen summer day camp out of Shaffer Park.
5.5. Budget Study Sessions
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, informed the Commission
of upcoming City Council meetings with a focus on the City budget.
5.6. Updates on Capital Improvement Projects
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, provided updates on the
Hart Park Pickleball and Fitness Circuit Project, Serrano Park Lodge Pole Fencing, the
Skatepark at Grijalva Park, and Rampart Street Park projects.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.
The next Regular Park Planning and Community Events Commission meeting will be
held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Emily 5u4amaA
Assistant Community Services Director
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