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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04C Minutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 02/02/2021CITY OF PALM DESERT MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION VIRTUAL MEETING TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 02 , 2021 -8 :30 a .m . I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Guyer convened the meeting at 8 :30 a .m . II. ROLL CALL 111. IV. Present: Chair Randy Guyer Vice Chair Kim Housken Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Mike Hardin Commissioner Van Tanner Ex-Officio Members : Absent Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Paul B. Murphy Paula Simonds , YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman , Desert Recreation District Also Present: Ryan Stendell , Director of Community Development Tom Garcia , Director of Public Works Jennifer Nelson , Management Analyst Randy Chavez , Landscape Supervisor Sabby Jonathan , Council Liaison Angie Marron , Recording Secretary Guests : David Keyes , YMCA of the Desert I Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher , Desert Recreation District Teal Guion , First Tee Executive Director Jon Berg , President of Palm Desert Disc Golf Club ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE CONSENT CALENDAR CITY COUNCIL ACTION APPROVED ~"="~--- RECEIVED St Pile d g~=----- PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02. 2021 A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 05, 2021 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Tanner, second by Chair Guyer, carried by a 4- 0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Housken, Kelly, Tanner, Hardin; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dawson, Murphy) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. COACH PAUL THOMPSON POTENTIAL CITY RECOGNITION Chair Guyer spoke on behalf of the information that was provided to everyone from the public regarding Coach Thompson. Jennifer Nelson did provide the resolution to the group and it states that the renaming of parks is not permitted. With luck, the group can brainstorm on another way of recognizing Coach Thompson. Commissioner Tanner has known Coach Thompson for 25 years and was a righteous man. Mr. Tanner spoke with many that worked with him; last Christmas Coach bought the less fortunate kids gifts with his disability check. He was always contributing to many and the community. There is nobody in the community that has done so much and touched so many lives, and feels that something needs to be done to recognize him, possibly a dedicated plaque, bench, or even possibly turn his own personal bike into a platinum or statue bike at a park. Mr. Tanner is confident that Coach will be recognized in some way. Commissioner Hardin didn't know the Coach personally, but seen him around the community for 30 years. Mr. Hardin suggested the possibility of a Paul Thompson snack bar at the soccer field since that's where he spent most of his time — at the park. Vice Chair Housken was thinking the same thing, possibly have one of the individual fields named after Coach. Ms. Housken certainly agrees with all the other suggestions. It would be great to have some sort of recognition. Commissioner Kelly stated that naming an event after Coach Thompson would be great for the community. Chair Guyer agreed to the possibility of naming a field, or the Paul Thompson Pavilion, but the Commission can definitely recommend something to the City Council. The following individuals spoke during public comments for Coach Paul Thompson: E PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02, 2021 John Dreisbach knew coach for a long time and is an advocate to represent Coach at the park. Coach Thompson always found a way to help kids and get them involved in sports, helped kids get out of quarantine and be active. He was always there to help students in tournaments and always thought about their future. Coach always went above and beyond for his students. Thomas Ansley got interviewed on an article for Coach. Coach was a big part of his life and always kept in touch. He was always an advocate for the kids as he believed they are the future. Ryan Stendell thinks that the direction that Chair Guyer suggested is a great way to go, whether a concession stand, a field, art statue there are great presence of leagues out there. Coach Thompson was always on field five — that was his home. Allow staff to research the appropriate recognition and come back with a formal recommendation. Upon a motion by Chair Guyer, second by Commissioner Tanner, carried by a 4- 0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Housken, Kelly, Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dawson, Murphy) the Commission moves to ask staff to research the naming of a soccer field, soccer/baseball tournament, or pavilion after Coach Paul Thompson, and come back with information on moving forward for a recommendation to City Council. B. DISC GOLF AT CAHUILLA HILLS Jennifer Nelson introduced Jon Berg who will be giving a presentation about the possibility of adding a disc golf course at Cahuilla Hills Park. Jon Berg is the president of the Palm Desert Disc Golf Club. They do various charity events throughout the area, put on disc golf tournaments and various events on a weekly basis. The club is usually at Hovley Soccer Park, which tends to have limited access during soccer season, creating some conflict with the disc golf group's accessibility to the fields. They are looking for other outlets in the Palm Desert community. Some photos were presented of the group at Hovley Park and stated that there are numerous group members and emphasized that there are hundreds on their Facebook group. Mr. Berg also showed a 100 year old group member who is very active with disc golf. The group has also reached out to City of La Quinta but found that they are also restricted there. They also have special events at The Lights in Indio - it's a nice way to get out in the summer time. The group has also had another opportunity to play at the Desert Dunes Golf Club. The initiative of the non-profit is to expose it regionally and to the youth and offer them an opportunity to participate. The group has also utilized Demuth and Sunrise Parks in Palm Springs due to the conflict at Hovley Park. After doing extensive research and looking at Cahuilla Hills Park, the criteria and layout of the surrounding area seems more ideal for disc golf. The group is aware of the major trail near the park, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02, 2021 but don't think it's too intrusive to the landscape. It would be a compatible use for the location, hiking and disc golf. Ideally they would have two basket locations. Chair Guyer thanked Mr. Berg for the presentation. The Commission suggested if Mr. Berg took into consideration other alternate hiking trails at other parts of the valley as opposed to Palm Desert. It was also made clear that the competition with soccer participants is not year round. The summer time is a bit lighter and the group gets to play more, during soccer season, not so much, only on Sunday nights. Commissioner Tanner stated that when talking about establishing a park, there is a cost. As a nonprofit group, would they be able to support the maintenance costs. It was confirmed that financing is coming from Berg & Associates and fund raising events are also other opportunities. The group is really looking for the land to make this happen. Chair Guyer stated that they should really look at the possible conflict with the hiking community and get feedback. Possibly set up temporary discs and baskets to see what feedback the City gets from hikers. The group recognizes there are other uses for the park and they are not trying to endanger anyone. The suggested temporary set up would be ideal. Kevin Kalman suggested that looking at the quote provided, is the group looking at turf that are non -recommended pavers or concrete. What about the possibility of some kind of DG tee box that would not leave a permanent concrete pad in the mountain as an alternative. Looking at the course layout, it looks like there would have to be additional trails added. With the location being in a high traffic setting area, is that where their heart is set. Commissioner Tanner stated that from a nonprofit standpoint, is the group willing to provide their own insurance policies; the group confirmed they can provide it. Vice Chair Housken stated that in regards to the dedicated parking on the right hand side, it is almost always full. It is possible to use the CVWD lot on the south end — depending if the City has a temporary easement. That park does have its constraints and challenges with constant activity at capacity. Ms. Housken also suggested that Palm Springs and La Quinta be approached with the same proposal. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tanner, second by Commissioner Hardin, carried by a 4-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Housken, Kelly, Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dawson, Murphy) the Commission motions to ask staff to work with Jon Berg, the Desert Recreation District and Friends of the Desert Mountains to host a temporary disc golf setup to see how it works out in the meantime. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02,202 VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE Vill. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. FIRST TEE AND GOLF CENTER UPDATE - Teal Guion, Executive Director Teal Guion gave a Power Point presentation on the First Tee. She first introduced herself as Director of the First Tee since July of 2020. Ms. Guion grew up in Coachella Valley - born & raised. She has played golf her whole life and had the opportunity to coach golf for 15-years. She became involved in First Tee as a Program Director/Executive Director for about 9- years. Ms. Guion's 8-year old daughter is also actively a part of First Tee. Ms. Guion provided a brief First Tee history which began in 1997 as a partnership among LPGA, the Master's Tournament, the PGA of America, the PGA tour and the USGA to make golf affordable and accessible for all kids. A chapter of the First Tee's National program was founded in 2008 as a program of the Desert Recreation District. First Tee's purpose and mission is to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. Impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life -enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. First Tee always teaches with active warm ups, core value, healthy habits, golf & life skill, and opportunities for personal growth. The program has been very successful and the participants have a lot of fun. The fall session ran from October 26th — November 28th and restarted on January 11th, with (10) new coaches, (5) with prior First Tee experience and (6) PGA or LPGA instructors. Fall session has (33) total classes with maximum enrollment of (8) participants per class, totaling (264) fall participants. Winter Session (48) classes scheduled with a maximum of (8) participants for a goal of (360) participants. Little Linksters Classes (ages 4-6) will return this session. Classes start February 8'h and will run for (9) weeks. Ms. Guion provided a list of grants received from June — December of 2020 USGA - $5,000 PGA Superstore - $15,000 IECF Tucker Fund - $10,000 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02 2021 • Riverside Co. Non -Profit Assistance Fund - $10,000 • Coeta & Donald Barker Foundation - $10,000 • Phil Mickelson Foundation - $20,000 With grants received, First Tee was able to get a Stand up and Play para- mobile, both kids and adults can utilize it. Ms. Guion's 8-year old daughter gracefully and actively utilized the para-mobile and applied her skill to the game of golf. They also have a study room that one of the students redesigned and put a putting green in the middle of it, which turned out to be a genius idea. The 11'h Annual Tournament Benefitting First Tee — Coachella Valley will take place on Monday, April 121h at Desert Horizons County Club. Ms. Guion reminded the group that she is available at any time to answer any questions. The golf center has evolved substantially, revenue has been great with a lot of activity. There is a new website for the center GolfCenterPD.com, along with a new commercial. There are new artificial turf mats for range, golf course renovation turned out amazing, customers are happy with it. B. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT - Commissioner Dawson: Civic Center - Commissioner Murphy: Ironwood Park - Vice Chair Housken: Cahuilla Hills Park Commissioner Dawson provided the following updates: Civic Center: • My wife and I have made multiple visits at different times of day to walk the park. • We always saw several walkers of all ages — And almost all adults were wearing masks and all dogs were on leash. • We saw very little miscellaneous paper and plastic silverware on the ground (near picnic areas). • The most visitor activities were: Children with adults in the Tot -Lot; Volleyball players; Lane swimming; and sometimes, Break -dancing in the rose garden. • Duck pond areas look very good. Recommendations: • Remove the Coots from the pond — they are again VERY overpopulated. • 1 am not an arborist and know nothing about tree trimming/topping, but some deciduous trees look eligible for topping to protect them from injury in high winds. M PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02 2021 Ironwood Park: Commissioner Murphy was not present, no update available. �7iltftlFl:nl�Ti'A Ms. Housken was at the park three different times and parking was full. Tennis was busy and hiking was active and the bathroom is a plus. Ms. Housken inquired if it was utilized. Randy Chavez confirmed that it is getting utilized and it is getting pumped every (2) weeks and increasing maintenance to accommodate as well. Commissioner Tanner asked if there has been any attempt to grade the road. Staff has requested for it to get pushed back for summer when it's not as busy. C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Paula Simonds provided an update on behalf of David Keyes. The center is having a planned maintenance closure on the 11'h, and starting the additional hour of lap swim on the weekends beginning February 13'". Registrations for January are at 90% capacity for the month, which was 3,207 registrations. Chair Guyer would like to comment to the Commissioners and put into play some budget requests for a chlorinator and resurfacing of the recreation pool for next year, which is actually about 2-3 years late. Chair Guyer feels it should have been done already. The chlorinator seems to make more sense and requested for it to be put into budget. However, because they closed down they really didn't need it, so what Chair Guyer would like the Commission to do is consider using those funds to re -surface the recreation pool since it's closed anyway and then the group will look at funding the new chlorinator for the next budget season. Chair Guyer feels that having looked at that recreation pool it really needs to be done — the longer the wait, the harder it's going to be, and since it is closed, we won't be losing revenue by resurfacing that this year. Chair Guyer would like to get the item on the next agenda and get it done before summer comes if it is a possibility by using the funds that were going to be spent on the chlorinator. Jennifer Nelson can certainly get that on the next agenda and get into all the details. Ms. Nelson stated that the budget itself may not be at full capacity for this fiscal year, but they can definitely talk about it at the next meeting. Ryan Stendell stated that the item can be on the next agenda and staff can provide a fiscal analysis of what is available to the Commission. D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02. 2021 Paula Simonds stated that the YMCA is at capacity for distance learning and after school programs here at the San Pablo location with (47). They have been moving forward with more families applying and receiving Riverside County of Education funding. They just reopened this month of February after taking a pause between December and January because of the pandemic surge. They are moving forward now with (3) classes that are offered for Y-Rookies, two are at capacity enrollment with waiting list, one is at 11 am, so a lot of families wait to see what the weather will be like, so it is not quite full. Basketball and flag football skills and drills have (3) classes and those are almost at capacity as well. They continue to monitor as needed and had a closure at San Pablo sight. They report to Public Health and follow OSHA guidelines for staff and families. Based on these guidelines it presents a challenge due to closure time, however, it has been encouraging as we move forward getting past the surge. As the First Tee is in process for their golf tournament, we are also planning ours for May 215f at Indian Wells Country Club and offering a horse race the day before the tournament. The Jean Benson pre-school is up in numbers for enrollment which is encouraging. They still do not allow caretakers or parents to check in the facility, it's all done outside and it seems to be working well with everyone. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Kevin Kalman went over the report sent out to the group, the fears are less for families at this time. They are running (9) distance learning locations that are at capacity, parents are grateful for these opportunities. The DRD picked back up on January 4th and most of the outdoor youth programming is at capacity. They also had to put (78) people in quarantine on the District's staff, with zero of those transmissions locally and is pleased with how the pandemic has been handled as far as the DRD operations go. They are working with the County, Open Space District, City of La Quinta and CVWD on trying to find a solution to keep Lake Cahuilla open. They did have a big win last week when they got the CVWD Board to agree in extending the County's lease for an additional year to give time on the environmental assessment about what the true risks are at the lake and also looking on having custom liability policies drafted and what the costs might be on keeping that facility open because it's a regional asset to the Coachella Valley. Brenda Nutcher stated that programming participants are picking up and everything is outdoors, volleyball starts tonight and youth sports conditioning are working out great as well. F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 02 2021 Jennifer Nelson stated that Gordon and his team has been keeping up with broken signs, broken gates and graffiti. Staff is working with BLM to possibly getting that parking lot open to avoid having hikers running across Highway 74. IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS None X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:13 a.m. 4 W Angie Marron, Recording Secretary 0