HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 06/16/2020TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Grace L. Rocha, Acting City Clerk
Angie Marron, Office Specialist II
September 14, 2020
RECEIVED
i 1 i C-LEpK'S 0 F F I C E
PALM DESERT C'
2020 SEP 17 AM 11: 53
Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation
Commission
Attached for your records are the approved minutes of the Parks and Recreation
Commission Special Meeting of Tuesday, June 16, 2020.
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
VIRTUAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020 — 8:30 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Murphy convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
All members and those listed as present participated via teleconference.
Present:
Chair Paul Murphy
Vice Chair Randy Guyer
Commissioner Gerald Dawson
Commissioner Kim Housken
Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly
Absent
Commissioner Van Tanner
Commissioner Mike Hardin
Ex-Officio 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
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES JUNE 16. 2020
Rec: Approve as presented
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Guyer, second by Commissioner Housken, carried
by a 5-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Murphy, Kelly;
NOES: None; ABSENT: Hardin, Tanner) the Consent Calendar was approved as
presented:
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. APPROVE RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO NAME
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN CIVIC CENTER PARK ON SAN PASCUAL
AVENUE IN HONOR OF FORMER PARS & RECREATION
COMMISSIONER JOHN MARMAN
Vice Chair Guyer stated that the idea for the recommendation came about
while walking the park and crossing the bridge many times in the evening.
During this period he recalls years ago when John Marman had mentioned
to Mr. Guyer how proud he was of getting the pedestrian bridge as an
addition to the park because Mr. Marman felt it was necessary for the middle
school kids to have access to the park without having to walk on busy
streets. After looking at John's history with the City, Vice Chair Guyer
thought it would be a great idea to have the pedestrian bridge dedicated to
him. Vice Chair Guyer presents the idea to Chair Murphy and the rest of
the Commission to recommend for City Council to honor the request
Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner. Dawson, carried
by a 5-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Murphy, Kelly;
NOES: None; ABSENT: Hardin, Tanner) the Commission approves the recommendation
to name the pedestrian bridge in honor of John Marman.
VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
Paula Simonds provided a quick update, she knows that this is a very
challenging time for all. Ms. Simonds stated that when the pandemic hit on
March 18, the YMCA immediately began to formulate new plans, with these
plans there were obstacles, and however,, she looked at them as
opportunities. In reference to where the YMCA is, they opened up the doors
on April 20, for school age child care. They were able to open the doors,
even though it took quite some time, from when shelter in place began, and
working with staff to do proper training with local, county, state and federal
guidelines, but everyone came together as a team. They currently have
about 15 program participants enrolled. Some of the challenges were
concerned parents regarding the mask mandate and having their kids in
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES JUNE 16. 2020
masks for a full day. They are also working on implementing informational
and educational guidelines for participants.
There are many staff members doing their part to ensure safety in the
facility. They have been getting numerous calls for camp programs.
Preschools opened on May 5, bringing another opportunity for staff get the
appropriate training. Staff also put together a new handbook so that parents
can understand what staff was doing and have that comfort level. The early
childcare director presented to the COE at the Riverside County Office of
Education, they had never seen anything like it before. They moved forward
to invite her to be a part of the State of California's CDE focus group on
childcare programming - they were able to provide some feedback. There
are some changes in basketball and Y-rookies, since they can't be doing
contact sports. Camp Oaks last year had 330 participants, this year with
new camp guidelines there were 100 participants for one week. Ms.
Simonds also reported the Riverside County Orders: program participant
numbers are 10 per program space.
B. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
Kevin Kalman stated that there is a lot of conflicting information out there
with regard to what applies to what (referring to state and county mandates).
They have opened three of the outdoor restrooms at Civic Center, Freedom
Park and Cahuilla Hills Park. One of the big challenges is to open the fitness
facilities — at least the four large ones in the current weeks. Another big
challenge is getting part time staff back who have been home for the last
several months — not just for the facilities but also for the programs and
swimming pools. Mr. Kalman was able to get clarification from county with
regard to whether or not public pool guidelines are set in place. Both the
county executive office, Dr. Kaiser and county council have confirmed that
public pools and splash pads are part of the reopening plan. They are also
looking at extending the hours of operation and opening up on Sundays,
due to the limitation of people allowed in the facilities.
Brenda Nutcher stated it went well with the reopening of the restrooms, they
were being cleaned at night which seemed better. All went well, people
were taking care of them. They are getting ready to bring back part time
staff.
C. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
None
VII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Ryan Stendell stated that it is worth noting that Jennifer Nelson has done a
fantastic job updating everyone on City parks, trails and changes. There was a lot
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES JUNE 16. 2020
of pressure put on City's to close and Ms. Nelson was able to quickly get several
eyes to regularly look at the parks and observe behavior. Some measures did
have to be taken closing certain parking lots, however, no parks or trails were
actually closed because what was observed in the mornings was good behavior.
Jonathan Sabby asked when the playgrounds are set to open. Jennifer Nelson
stated it will be along with the public pools. Ms. Nelson will be.doing a little more
investigation and keep in touch with the county. Public pools are not extended in
this stage 2. As soon as pools and splash pads are ready, so may the playgrounds,
they are generally in the same tier.
David Keyes stated that public pools are still to remain closed until further approval.
Same language from state and county guidelines. The aquatic center is ready to
go as soon as they get the green light.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55
a.m.
4 7e
Angie Marron, Recording Secretary
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