Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02A Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 03/02/2021CITY OF PALM DESERT MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION VIRTUAL MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 02 , 2021 - 8 :30 a.m. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Guyer convened the meeting at 8 :30 a .m . II. ROLL CALL 111. Presen t: Chair Randy Guyer Vice Chair Kim Housken Commissioner Paul B. Murphy Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Van Tanner Ex-Officio Members : Paula Simonds , YMCA of the Desert Also Present: Todd Hileman , City Manager Andy Firestine , Ass istant City Manager Absent Commissioner Mike Hardin Commissioner Gerald Dawson Kevin Kalman , Desert Recreation District Ryan Stendell , Director of Community Development Jennifer Nelson , Management Analyst Randy Chavez , Landscape Supervisor Sabby Jonathan , Council Liaison Angie Ma rron , Recording Secretary Guests : David Keyes , YMCA of the Desert/ Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Teal Guion , Desert Recreation District -First Tee Tammy Martin , Friends of the Desert Mountains Julia Schumacher , Palm Desert Library ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CITY COUNCIL ACTION APPROVED-,.---.--DENIED RECEIVED_4r 6 \ed OTHER----- MEETqvGDA~ ~-~ ~\ ~~~~~::_iiiLn,=fu::atm1zw, uo, <1.~•v ABSENT: Nooe ABSTAIN: N~ VERIFIED BY: A / StS Original on File with City Clerk's Office PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 02, 2021 2 None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2021 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, second by Chair Guyer, carried by a 5- 0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Housken, Kelly, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dawson, Hardin) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER BUDGET ANALYSIS Jennifer Nelson provided a memo with detailed information on the PDAC 21/22 fiscal year budget that will be presented to Council. David Keyes, Manager at PDAC, provided a status update on maintenance items that will be needed in the next fiscal year. Jennifer Nelson added that the City’s fiscal outlook is being closely monitored and staff is trying to be fiscally responsible with next year’s budget and only doing projects that are needed, not wanted. In reply to Commissioner Murphy’s question regarding revenue loss due to the pandemic, Ryan Stendell stated that the impact is hard to determine at this time and staff will update the Commissioners once more information is available. At Vice Chair Housken’s request, Jennifer Nelson and Ryan Stendell went through each budget line item. Chair Guyer asked if there is something for Capital Improvements in budget. In reply to Chair Guyer’s question, Ryan Stendell indicated that there are capital and maintenance funds set aside. Projects have been put off until next year but the funds will remain available. Discussion continued regarding upcoming capital improvement projects. Sabby Jonathan reminded the Commission that it’s important to get independent guidance from the group and suggested the Commissioners think more broadly and realistic when making recommendations for next fiscal year as the current deficit is likely to continue due to lack of hospitality revenue. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 02, 2021 3 Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, second by Commissioner Tanner, carried by a 4-1-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Kelly, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: Housken; ABSENT: Dawson, Hardin) Chair Guyer moves to carry over the Aquatic Center pool resurfacing project from the 23/24 fiscal year to the 21/22 fiscal year. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES BYLAW REVISIONS - Chris Gerry/Ryan Stendell/Jennifer Nelson Utilizing a Power Point presentation, Chris Gerry, Sr. Management Analyst, gave a brief update on the City’s comprehensive review on Commissions and Committees and introduced Julia Schumacher, Branch Manager of the Palm Desert Library who will become an additional Ex-Officio member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Schumacher explained that the Palm Desert library is 1 of 36 in Riverside County, and is open 7 days a week – currently with limited service due to Covid. The facility offers story time, book clubs and over 40 programs a month with great community partnerships. There is an onsite collection of over 88,000 items and 200,000 visitors a year. There is currently 23 staffed at the library. Ms. Schumacher expressed her excitement to become a part of this commission. In response to Chair Guyer, Chris Gerry confirmed that having an ex-Officio representative on the Parks and Recreation Commission would give the library the representation it needs due to the fact that the library committee is being dissolved. After further discussion, staff was asked to coordinate a virtual tour of the Chair Guyer expressed his concern of appointing a non-Palm Desert resident to represent the library. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tanner, second by Commissioner Murphy, carried by a 5-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Housken, Kelly, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: Dawson, Hardin) the motion carries for the branch manager of the Palm Desert Library to be added to the Parks and Recreation Commission as an ex-Officio. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 02, 2021 4 B. PARK AMABASSADOR UPDATE REPORT - Commissioner Kelly: Washington Charter - Commissioner Hardin: Palma Village - Vice Chair Housken: Magnesia Falls Commissioner Kelly provided an update on Washington Charter: • Washington Charter Park is currently locked up while the students are studying remotely. It is possible to observe from the fence, but not to interview any users. • The grounds look beautiful! The grass is very well cared for and seems to have benefited from the break. • The sign on the fence still posts regular park hours, so perhaps a sign should be added about the temporary closure. As the students return for some classes, what’s posted will have to be kept current. • Ms. Kelly understands that Mrs. Rose’s 5th grade class has an idea for a key park improvement. Since we are meeting on Zoom, she could prepare the students to make a presentation to us and would like to do that at the May meeting. This would give them a real life civics experience, so Ms. Kelly hopes the Commission agrees. In his absence, Commissioner Hardin provided an update on Freedom Park prior to the meeting: • Mr. Hardin walked through the park on 03/01/21 and noticed a few missing plants behind the dog park. If they aren’t going to be replaced, maybe underground sprinklers can be capped off. • There are monuments with plaques on them, which could use some repair – but feels the vandalism will continue. It looks like someone has scraped them with knives or something sharp. There are also some broken parking bumpers. • The park is in great shape and in use by many, many locals, he believe. In response to Vice Chair Housken’s question regarding star pedestals at Freedom Park, Jennifer Nelson indicated that she is working with Randy Chavez and his team to get the needed repairs and clean up completed quickly. Vice Chair Housken provided an update on Magnesia Falls: • Ms. Housken went by a few times and it was pretty quiet as usual on weekdays. This past weekend was bustling and really family oriented. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 02, 2021 5 • One thing adjacent to park is blue and white concrete along the street - it could be a problem. • People are parking along the north edge, north side on Magnesia Falls. Will that be a problem some time when school resumes? Will that be an issue with residents? Will drop off area be relocated? Ryan Stendell indicated that he would look into the parking concerns on Magnesia Falls and report back. PARK USE REPORT Commissioner Murphy Ironwood Park use update: • Park usage is unbelievable. • Mr. Murphy talked to over 100 people and not one single complaint with the exception of a few AA meetings. Commissioner Tanner inquired about the ongoing coyote problem at Ironwood but there was nothing to report. Jennifer Nelson responded to Chair Murphy’s concerns regarding the situation with the AA group by indicating that staff is working with the group, Code and law enforcement to look at other locations. C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER David Keyes stated that the facility has been staying within that 94% for the month of February. One change made in mid-month after receiving a couple of complaints. Moved sign up time because he had people unable to use the facility. There is a plan in place to double the amount of lap swim – splitting a lane. Numbers continue to get better from 14 to 28 per hour. D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Paula Simonds stated that numbers at Jean Benson Pre-school and Carter Elementary here at San Pablo for distance learning and enrichment child care remain consistent with no potential exposures or closures. They have received very warm regards from students’ families and are appreciative of how they have managed the program for them since they have opened up. Currently in the process of coordinating with the school districts and going back to potential hybrid learning (depending on what happens with DSUSD at tonight’s meeting). The recommendation moving forward is to re-open on March 15, now coordinating what that will look like for our working families and how moving forward with programs with hybrid and/or distance learning for families. There is a little bit of influx in change that’s occurring. Parents are anxiously waiting to see what the next step is going to look like because PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 02, 2021 6 child care is necessary for them at this time as well as education for the children. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated they keep trying to add more adult fitness programs outdoors and not getting a lot of response. They are adding volleyball - just drills and conditioning with over 30 participants; basketball training still most popular. Skate Park is now open: Mon - Thurs 3:30pm – 9pm and Fri - Sun 10:30am – 7pm. They are currently in the process of hiring two new people. F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Tammy Martin is working with Para Sports people in conjunction with the Desert Recreation District providing hikes to the ADA community as well and keeping up with trail complaints. Ms. Martin reminded everyone about the virtual wildflower event, it seems to be really popular with the community. IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS The group thanked City Manager, Todd Hileman for joining the Commission meeting. Vice Chair Housken gave kudos to staff on how well things have been handled over the last several months with the pandemic going on. Commissioner Tanner thanked staff for putting together agendas for the Commission and expressed how important it is for the commission to meet monthly. Sabby Jonathan noted that the Certified Farmers Market on Sundays is a big success and requested staff work to set up a group tour of the CV Link once completed. X. AD JOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:54 a.m. _________________________________ Angie Marron, Recording Secretary