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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 11/05/2019�]CE 2 CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Office Specialist II DATE: January 7, 2020 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached for your records are the approved minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of Tuesday, November 05, 2019. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY OF PALM DESERT MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2019 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Mary Helen Kelly convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. 11. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Vice Chair Mary Helen Kelly Chair Van G. Tanner Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Lynn Bixen Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Mike Hardin Commissioner Paul Murphy Ex -Off icio Members: Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Also Present: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Jennifer Nelson, Management Analyst Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: David Keyes, YMCA of the Desert / Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 05, 2019 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2019 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Guyer, carried by a 7-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Bixen, Housken, Murphy, Kelly, Hardin; NOES: None; ABSENT: Tanner) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. YOGA ON THE TRAILS Ryan Stendell re -introduced the idea that was verbally mentioned at the last meeting per, Tammy Martin with Friends of the Desert Mountains for yoga on the trails. Mr. Stendell stated that they haven't gotten into the realm of extra activities, and he has no issue authorizing this type of programming on city hiking trails. Mr. Stendell also stated that there is a process that could allow these type of activities with a facilities use permit that could permit yoga, or lead hikes with other types of recreation. Commissioner Guyer asked if this is a for -profit type of activity. His concern is the size of the trails and the type of extra activities on them. Ryan Stendell confirmed it is not a for -profit and more of a FOTDM program, similar to what they do with the parks and will only program through the DRD. Tammy Martin stated that she had a volunteer who does yoga on trails come to them. After in-depth conversation with her they realized the yoga was being done in places that were a bit congested. FOTDM looked at the bigger picture and asked where the volunteer can have yoga and not be impacted by hikers. A couple of spots were mentioned on the hike to the cross. At this time the person that was going to do the yoga acquired a full time position elsewhere and will not be able to move forward. If this idea is brought up again we should support it and maybe opt for donations since they can't charge because it's on federal land. Kevin Kalman stated it should be strictly limited to non-profit activities. Staff envisions a few appropriate spaces out there, and have a facilities use permit with Friends of the Desert Mountains. Vice Chair Kelly stated that we have to make sure how many people fit the space, and come up with some written policies. Ms. Kelly addressed the Commission and asked if 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 05, 2019 they are in favor with moving forward to allow activities on the trails. Commissioner Guyer has a concern with what the trails are really for. Take into consideration hikers and bikers on the trails. Sabby Jonathan asked how much of that is under City control since trails are on federal land. Ryan Stendell stated that the City is the leading agency. Sabby Jonathan recommends consulting with the CVB. Upon a motion by Commissioner Guyer, second by Commissioner Murphy, carried by a 7-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Bixen, Housken, Murphy, Kelly, Hardin; NOES: None; ABSENT: Tanner) the Commission moves to look further into expanded uses of the trails, and permit processing. B. PDAC ANNUAL UPDATE David Keyes presented the Commission with an aquatic center update. The facility sits on 8 acres, with a 50-meter Olympic sized lap pool, recreational pool, water slides, splash playground, cabanas and shade structures. Other great amenities available are locker rooms, showers, bathrooms, concessions, multi -use room, swim lessons, and water and land based fitness classes. The facilities can be rented for private parties, corporate events, swimming competitions, and other special occasions to accommodate about 2600 people. The annual report presented displays revenues throughout the fiscal year. Spring and summer months continue to have the highest revenues due to recreational swim. Group programming along with facility use rentals offset the declining daily admission revenue throughout the year. August tends to fall off a little due to the beginning of the school year. Yearly revenue total continues to steadily decline in daily admissions. There has not been anything new added to the facility to invite new or more people. However, programs are steadily rising and being utilized. Facility rentals remain fairly consistent. Food and beverage continues to decline along with admissions. Retail sales are on the rise. Dive -In movies premiered in 2018. TYR Sports continue to rent the entire facility for a 3 day photo shoot and videography shoots. Land classes and water exercise have increased along with the classes offered weekly. Residents are the primary group that continue attending programs, both swim lessons and water exercise. Monthly water exercise has increased by 75% in three consecutive years, and group swim lessons have had over one thousand yearly participants. Resident daily admissions are high within summer months, non-residents use the facility year round more than residents do. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 05,02 19 Facility Operations: Three and one meter diving board structures were newly installed. All filters were opened and cleaned out, with a new septa replaced. Multiple equipment replaced on pool heaters to ensure pleasant water temperatures. The splash playground was painted and resurfaced. Lifeguards increased the level of training and certifications they receive and begun working with local Cal Fire to arrange trainings. Asset Preservation: Replace partitions, clutches for splash playground wheel, purchase new deck umbrellas, deck chair re -sling, chaise lounges, new in -water lighting for the lap pool, new lane lines, recreation pool resurfacing, and security cameras. Mr. Keyes presented some issues that they have encountered with the diving boards, and tread was added for safety. Facility Enhancements: Cut back on water usage and chemical acquisition costs, and begin producing own chlorine to cut back costs with a chlorine generator. Upgrade/expand the snack bar. Install a splash pad and more shade umbrellas. Some of the photos Mr. Keyes presented were some ideas of possible upgrades with the snack bar and splash pool. Commissioner Housken asked if swim meets and TYR photo shoots pay the same rate. Ryan Stendell confirmed that each rate is negotiated, they don't pay a standard rate. Commissioner Guyer inquired about the budget process. Mr. Guyer asked the Commission about possible upgrades for the facility. Ryan Stendell stated there is a capitol budget, however none for the options presented by Mr. Keyes. Mr. Guyer is concerned with the drastic down slide of admissions for residents. New accomplishments for the aquatic center may surge revenue. Kevin Kalman stated that public pools are not money makers. David Keyes compared other city's costs, and did state that demographics and costs are pros and cons. Ryan Stendell asks if the Commission would like to designate someone to observe and monitor the PDAC. Commissioner's Guyer and Murphy volunteered. Upon a motion by Commissioner Guyer, second by Commissioner Murphy, carried by a 7-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Bixen, Housken, Murphy, Kelly, Hardin; NOES: None; ABSENT: Tanner) the Commission moves to look at ways for the Aquatic Center to expand its facility and services to make it more successful. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 05 2019 VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. HIKING TRAILS SIGNAGE Jennifer Nelson updated the Commission on previous safety issues with the hiking trails. After investigating the trails and grammar on the kiosks, she worked with Randy Chavez and fixed some errors on signage and maps. Homme/Adams is complete, Bump N Grind will be completed this week, followed by Cahuilla Hills. Ms. Nelson has been working with Tammy Martin and Chief White with CalFire, and want to plan a Hiking Safety Trail day, possibly on a Saturday morning for a few hours hand out water and sunscreen to remind people how to stay safe on the trails. A date is currently unavailable, however she is tentatively aiming towards the beginning of the year. B. COMMISSIONER ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Jennifer Nelson is tasked with assisting the Commissioners to become more engaged, and getting involved with the community. In the time that she has been here she has attended events and has received great feedback on how wonderful the parks are in the City. Ms. Nelson has come up with a few thoughts for the group. One idea is possibly assigning a specific park, and aquatic center to a Commissioner. Along with this idea, Ms. Nelson can create a checklist to engage, talk to park patrons, and become more involved with the parks community. She also presented the group with a tentative community service award goal. Its focus is about going out, acknowledging those who go out of their way to better our park culture, and to get feedback not only from the Commissioners, but also from the community. Ms. Nelson also spoke with the special events coordinator, Vanessa Mager, and thought it might be nice to volunteer some time, for instance a pop-up for a few hours, or volunteer a few hours for the Veteran's Day event. Final thing is, Ms. Nelson asks the Commission what their expectations are to get involved. Commissioner Murphy stated that the Commission has not done as much as they should in terms of getting involved. Mr. Murphy knows more about the Mecca community center since joining the board. He would like at least a tour once a year of the facilities. He had no clue that there are water aerobics programs at the aquatic center. He feels that Ms. Nelson's proposal is a great idea, and should meet every month not by -monthly. Commissioner Dawson feels that there are great things happening throughout the city, like the CV Link. The Commission's diverse ideas could 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 05, 2019 be great for the group, perhaps the board could get involved with the CV Link. Commissioner Housken mentioned that they used to meet twice a month and provided park use reports. Somewhere along the line, they realized that the reports were becoming dual -efforts. Ms. Housken is on board with having parks assigned, and the possibilities of having monthly workshops, which may relieve the burden of taking minutes. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the City app is working well when it comes to reporting issues. Mr. Guyer stated that reaching out to regular park patrons is easy, the hard part is finding the people who don't use the parks. Mr. Guyer suggested the possibility of a survey for residents, and find out why some parks or facilities are not being used. Commissioner Hardin stated that the group could get more involved with the everyday functions of the park. Mr. Hardin feels that hiring someone to get rid of the ducks and turtles, but also allowing people to feed the ducks is contradictory to funding. There are underlying issues, funds could be used differently, and the Commission should understand the depth of maintenance costs. Vice Chair Kelly restated the Commission's suggestions. Gathering monthly is a great proposition, however City staff has to approve the monthly meetings. Ms. Kelly likes the idea of the tours at the facilities, and appreciates the proposal. However, as a Commission, the group could be conscious of the staff time it involves, and make sure that what the group is doing will be beneficial to the City. Ms. Kelly takes interest in the idea of a park ambassador who will take time to go out and talk with constituents. Ryan Stendell suggested scheduling the workshops at each of the different facilities. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Paula Simonds introduced herself to the Commission as the CEO of the Family YMCA of the Desert. Ms. Simonds stated that she has been a part of the program stemming from 2007 — 2014, has previously sat in commission meetings and is very familiar with the process. Ms. Simonds was previously the Community Program Director with the YMCA. She then transitioned with the Desert Cancer Foundation, relocated to Northern California, and finally back to the desert with this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this community program again. Ms. Simonds commends David Keyes on such an in-depth report of the aquatic center. 0 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 05, 2019 D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated that they have been busy, and activities have remained steady. Ms. Nutcher invited Commissioner Murphy and the rest of the Commission to stop by the DRD anytime. The Board did approve for all new matrix equipment. On the week of Dec. 3, resurfacing, painting, and deep cleaning will take place at the center. They are getting ready for the Senior Games, and early registration has begun with 400-plus tentative participants. Pickleball is at the top of the list. Kevin Kalman is exploring to fill the Director position at the First Tee. Its grand reopening will be held on November 13. There will be a ribbon cutting, along with light hors d'oeuvres and beverages. The Commission is invited to come out to this great event and experience the wonderful renovations and improvements. IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS NONE X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, meeting s djoumed at 10:02 a.m. Angie Marron, Recording Secretary 7