HomeMy WebLinkAboutMintes - Parks and Recreation Commission 12/04/2018CCyN4
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant
DATE: February 5, 2019
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, December 04, 2018.
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, DECEMBER 04; 2018 — 8:30 a.m.
Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center
73-510 Fred Waring, Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Mike Hardin convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent
Chair Mike Hardin
Vice Chair Van G. Tanner
Commissioner Randy Guyer
Commissioner Kim Housken
Commissioner Lynn Bixen
Commissioner Gerald Dawson
Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly
Commissioner Paul Murphy
Ex-Officio Members:
Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert
Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District
Also Present:
Lauri Aylaian, City Manager
Ryan,Stendell, Director of Community Development
Johnny Terfehr, 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 Mountain
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES DECEMBER 04, 2018
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Hardin welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that it has been a busy
last 6 weeks. Sabby Jonathan presented the Commission with a `Thank You' gift.
He noted that the Commission is what makes the City so special. Sabby Jonathan
thanked the Commission for giving their time and passion, and offered 'a token of
appreciation on behalf of the City and staff. City Manager, Lauri Aylaian, extended
her gratitude to the Commission and mentioned that our parks have been voted
number one in the valley, and not just by Palm Desert residents, votes were valley,
wide
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 02,
2018
Rec: Approve as presented
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Tanner, second by Commissioner .Murphy, carried
by a 8-0 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Bixen, Hardin,
Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: None) the Consent Calendar was approved as
presented.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT FOR CIVIC CENTER
Johnny Terfehr presented a catalog to the Commission that showcases the
ideas of the equipment that they are tentatively gravitating towards for Civic
Center. The equipment would be located near the skate park area. It will
be prepared for next year's budget. Commissioner Bixen asked if this was
something that was previously talked about. Ryan Stendell also gave input
in regards to this topic. Mr. Terfehr referenced the La Quinta Park that does
have similar equipment; Kevin Kalman recommended the company. This
is all for the purpose of staying healthy and have a fit way of life. Vice Chair
Tanner feels that it may be a social attraction in addition to fitness use. Vice
Chair Tanner suggested to possibly consider the North Sphere Park in the
future. Commissioner Kelly asked if there is a difference in costs in terms
of up -keeping versus the installation. Randy Chavez also noted that if
installed near a playground, it would have to have the same surfacing as
the playground, which could turn out to be more costly. The Commission
asked if the material of the equipment is heat resistant in the summer. Kevin
Kalman stated that most of the issues is wear and tear of the equipment.
Sabby Jonathan suggested that whichever configuration is recommended,
he sees a lot of benefit in Civic Center because of the walking, paths. Staff
would like the Commission to take a formal action, move forward with this
item, and make a decision that is fit for the community.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES DECEMBER 04, 2018
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Tanner, second by Commissioner Dawson carried
by an 8-0 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Bixen,
Hardin, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: None) the Commission agrees to move
forward with proposals for the fitness equipment.
B. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2019
Commissioner Kelly made a motion to elect Vice Chair Tanner as Chair,
second by Commissioner Guyer. Commissioner Murphy made a motion to
elect Commissioner Kelly as Vice Chair, second by Vice Chair Tanner, and
carried by a 8-0 vote of the Commission (AYES: Kelly, Hardin, Guyer, Bixen,
Housken, Dawson, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: None)
C. 2019 COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE
Johnny Terfehr proposed to keep the current meeting schedule that was
previously agreed 'upon for 2018. All Commissioners agreed to keep the
current schedule (even months of the year). The first meeting will be on
Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Upon a motion by all Commissioners, carried by an 8-0 vote of the Commission,
(AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Bixen, Hardin, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None;
ABSENT: None) the proposed 2019 Commission meeting schedule was approved.
VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. HOVLEY PARK BASKETBALL LIGHTING
In the October meeting, Commissioners were asked to provide input
regarding the lighting and current condition for the area at Hovley Park.
There has not been much requests for lighting. Vice Chair Tanner doesn't
believe there is need for extra lighting., The lighting looks adequate. Ryan
Stendell stated that high pressure sodium lighting provides enough light to
play under. Staff has not seen sufficient use in the summer to justify
dedicated lighting. Commissioner Housken mentioned that the east corner
was very dark, she feels it's more of a safety issue. There was no action
taken by the Commission.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
NONE
VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. PARK USE REPORT
- Washington Charter School Park
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Commissioner Kelly and Commissioner Housken went to observe
Washington Charter activities and reported that the school is utilizing the.
park for good use. More like organized activities, and not necessarily
utilizing the equipment during school hours. Commissioner Housken feels
we have a good relationship with the school district, but it is not open to the
public. Ms. Housken noticed that the playground was closed and the park
was not accessible, and the playground was also under construction. Ms.
Housken checked both Lantana gates and they were all locked — both Kelly
and Housken agreed that there is no access during the weekend. The
school primary access and use for the park is due to an agreement. Staff
will check with them and follow up regarding the locked gates during
weekends.
B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
David Keyes had a presentation regarding the cost recovery requests. FY
16-17 had a 55% recovery, and FY 17-18 had a 54% recovery. The main
reason for the decline is in admissions. Another impact is minimum wage,
by 2020 it will be $15 an hour. It has been difficult keeping up with that
without raising admission fees. Non-residents use the facility year round
more than residents, which is about 70%. There are more residents using
programs, and facility use are non-residents. More than 5,300 participants
in the past two years for exercise programs; better controlled programs will
have more in admission. A good bump to revenue was the Three Tier photo
session. Staff is really looking at facility rentals that can make up for cost
recovery. The facility is very well used, over 700,000 have been through
those gates. Winter months come up with daily admissions because of
winter residents. There have been big events in November this year. The
Veteran's two-day swim meet was a great turn out. Diving competition
equaled to more than 3,000 people - the entire facility was utilized. There
are also land based programs available at the facility that average about
350 people a month for Silver Sneakers. Yoga is held in the multi -use room.
Team building has been great with teen staff. Mr. Keyes will be getting the
sponsorship packet ready for the 2019 dive -in movies program. Staff did
work with Cal -Fire to be more involved and it was a great training day turn
out. They will be having more medical in-depth training with Cal -Fire.
Things are going good with the facility, and looking to have a
mermaid/merman class which is popular on the coast. There has been an
increase with the Ironman competition coming up. Sabby Jonathan
recognized that the 1,600 plus people for the diving competition were all
from out of the area, his concern is if there was an opportunity to reach out
with local schools and colleges will there be greater utilization of the diving
boards. It all depends on the clubs that have the facility already booked like
Xavier and swim clubs. The pool space is 100% utilized, but weekends
would be preferable. Space can be available for competitions. Generated
revenue for Silver Sneakers is about $2 a person in return. Commissioner
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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Housken asked about the concession, if it's doing well for facility use. Mr.
Keyes stated that it is open, there has not been a large use out of it, until
the summer months. They have tried exploring different options, but some
patrons have specific preferences.
C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
Rob Ballew gave a quick update on Y Be Fit, he brought the Mayor's Cup
in honor of Sabby Jonathan. They ,wanted to have something that
recognized the top male and female athlete. There is a place in City Hall
for the 'cup, and thanked Mayor Sabby. Jonathan. Sabby Jonathan
commended the YMCA for always doing such a great job with the Y Be Fit
Challenge. Over 100 volunteers, total over 1,300 people. They, brought in
over 40 marines and their families to participate - really fun event for kids.
They will start basketball season in January, winter camps will start in
December through January, and anticipate over 100 kids. Rotary Club will
be taking over the park on December 08, Family Fiesta Day, along with a
concert by Surf City Group. Activities will be going, on all day and invites
everyone to attend, there will be a beer, wine and margarita garden, food
trucks and children activities.
D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
Brenda Nutcher stated they are getting ready for the busy season.
Volleyball program has really grown and now has two advanced teams that
are winning first place. Coach is from CVUSD, he is doing a great job with
the girls and has over 40 girls. Music classes are doing really great. Staff
is also getting ready for the Senior Games, pickleball continues to be the
top sport with over 400 registered. Camp for Thanksgiving had a total of 39
for a three day period.
Kevin Kalman commented on the Y Be Fit event, it was super easy, with a
great turn out. First Tee had 380 for the fall session, usually fall is the
slowest time of year because of soccer season wrapping up; winter and
spring is usually busier. First Tee is also getting ready to do some
realignment out on the golf course. The irrigation system will be getting
replaced, as well as realigning the course with the CV Link. CVWD will also
need a service road on the northern bank, and because of the CV Link, they
will be moving the course about 20 ft. inland from the wash edge. They are
anticipating getting, the project done soon. The First Tee Board remains the
same.
E. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Tammy Martin stated that trail crews have been busy out at the Mike
Schuler trail to fix some water damage. The good thing about the trail crews
being out, a lot of the people stop and ask who the group is; it gives them
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES DECEMBER 04, 2018
and their hard work appropriate acknowledgement. Crews are out on the
Hopalong Cassidy Trail behind Stone Eagle that needs maintenance.
Stone Eagle has also reached out, it seems that hikers are hiking down to
their properties. There has been issues with kids going out on the trails
behind the Cross and partying, Sheriff's Department is on top of it. They're
hoping to put out signs to prevent that. They are working hard trying to get
rid of short cut paths, and all trails are in good shape. Trails are normally
cleaned up on Trail Tuesdays. Wildflower Festival is March 2, 2019 and
invites everyone. Fundraiser at Barnes and Noble this Saturday, Dec. gtn
IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Chair Hardin stated that vandalism has been an issue, and copper is a huge target.
Randy Chavez also concurred that copper thieves have been active. Staff
purchased an insert, which covers the wire, which prevents access to it. It has
worked 90% to prevent copper theft. City staff is looking in to different ways to
eliminate costs for fixing the damaged boxes.
Commissioner Guyer asked if the commission is interested in expanding the
amenities for the public at the Aquatic Center at this time. Maybe a small group
can get with staff to regenerate ideas. Mr. Guyer would like to put it in next year's
budget and have it on next agenda for the February meeting.
X. ADJOURNMENT
With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00
a.m.
n, Recording Secretary