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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 06/04/2019C--r- - xn - G- �) CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Office Specialist II DATE: September 4, 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, June 04, 2019. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) cc-yl-G-�� CITY OF PALM DESERT MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 04, 2019 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 CALL TO ORDER Chair Van G. Tanner convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Van G. Tanner Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Mike Hardin Commissioner Paul Murphy Absent Vice Chair Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Lynn Bixen Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Ex-Officio Members: Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Also Present: 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 Mountains Bryan White, CalFire PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2019 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Hardin, second by carried by a 6-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, D� Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: Kelly, Bixen) the approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. HIKING TRAIL SIGNAGE Commissioner Dawson, wson, Housken, Hardin, Consent Calendar was Johnny Terfehr stated that there have been discussions regarding the number of incidents of individuals being hurt on local hiking trails. Mr. Terfehr is asking if signage on hiking trails should be revised. Bryan White from CalFire was present to inform the Commission that call volume has raised significantly for help. CalFire has encountered a number of incidents. There are falls, bites and stings, allergy attacks, and cardiac issues. The biggest issue is lack of preparation due to the weather and rising temperatures. Bike riders are also a concern. Limitations and access is a crucial concern for the fire department. They have used the back access road in Rancho Mirage, but that road is starting to wash out and is dangerous for the fire crew. The helicopter has also been used to assist hikers. Chair Tanner asked who pays for the helicopter. Mr. White stated that no one pays, it is provided through the contract with CalFire and Riverside County Fire Department. In the budget sessions with the Counsel, a mechanism for cost recovery was discussed; if they can prove negligence. In the future they will have more accurate reporting tools. Costs start roughly at $1378 an hour, for rescues on the Bump N Grind trail, and it includes the helicopter use. Medicare does not pay for the helicopter because it is not billed. However, there is a new ordinance, to bill insurances or Medicare for medical transportation or emergency medical calls. Tammy Martin mentioned that there was a helicopter rescue at the Santa Rosa Visitor Center, and staff mentioned that they were going to bill the city of Chicago; where the rescued people were from. It was a CHP helicopter. CalFire does not bill for helicopter rescues. KA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 04, 2019 Tammy Martin would like to work with CalFire and assist with helping hikers in need of assistance. Mr. White thinks that would be a great idea. Ms. Martin offered to provide Mr. White and CalFire with trail maps to possibly provide better resources for access. Commissioner Guyer asked what the City can do to make Cal Fire's job easier to help. Mr. White is requesting signage, or mile post markers. Kevin Kalman thinks that a "Know Before You Go" campaign, providing them throughout the City and concierge stands would be an initial great start. Most visitors are not familiar with the area and the dangers of hiking in the summer. Regulatory signs that remind hikers, or a blunt campaign about the dangers of hiking in our trails during extreme heat. Awareness signs would be a good initiative. Chair Tanner feels that a shock announcement would be good, Commissioner Guyer feels that better roads for accessibility would be more effective than warning signs. Ryan Stendell will get with the Chief from CalFire and talk about AVL and GPS layer system added to software for location purposes. Mr. White submitted for a side by side vehicle that can be used on the trails and load a patient on it. It would be a useful tool. Total budget submittal is about $44,000. They are seeking grants as well. Commissioner Guyer feels that the City can provide it, if the volume of calls are increasing substantially. Sabby Jonathan recommends that staff study the issue, and present options to City Council. Commissioner Housken agrees with Kevin Kalman and involving all entities, and hammer down with factors and notices that it is dangerous to hike the trails without proper amenities. Chair Tanner wants to formalize suggestions to present to City Council. Mr. Stendell has a list of possible suggestions. The Commission moves that staff initiate actions on the items that Mr. Stendell has mentioned and come back with recommendations to analyze. Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Murphy, carried by a 6-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: Kelly, Bixen) the Commission stated that staff review the current operations of our hiking trails and make recommendations on the following: 1. Updates to signs to better alert users of the importance of preparedness. 2. Feasibility of an Education / Public Safety Announcement (PSA) campaign. 3. How can technology better help with rescues? 4. How can CalFire gain faster / safer access to trails? 5. Should the City implement a fee for rescues? B. REVIEW OF DOG PARK POLICIES Johnny Terfehr spoke about a dog attack at one of the City's dog parks. Mr. Terfehr provided staff with a copy of the current policies and signage and would like the Commissioners' input on the current policies. Jan is a guest 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES who witnessed a dog attack at University Park. She related the victim's message. She is deeply concerned about owners who do not take responsibility for their dogs' actions. Jan and other dog park patrons would like to see more control and coordinate with Riverside County Animal Control. Jan mentioned that it might be beneficial to look at Title 6. Jan would like more done to protect pets. Staff contacted JPIA, which provided the City with the best management for dog parks. The City is consistent with all policies and is following accordingly. The DRD receives a few calls a week, most of them are not about dog attacks. Generally, staff follows up with these types of issues. The City has not been able to make direct connection with the suspecting party, Code Enforcement and Animal Control have made several attempts to contact the owner and were not successful, and therefore were not able to ban the attacking dog. These types of things do not happen often, but when they do the City gets actively involved. Ryan Stendell suggests that the first call needs to be to the Park Ambassador, Animal Services are not available on weekends, and we need documentation. Sabby Jonathan suggests (Jan) talk to dog loving friends and volunteer to help with these issues. Charging a fee and locking parks are not City standards. Commissioner Murphy feels that more research needs to be done before the Commission can make a decision. Commissioner Dawson recommends that staff work on better signage and reporting options. Randy Chavez is seeking approval from the Commission regarding incidents on new signage, i.e. (Using caution, excluding any breed, and owners are responsible for actions of their pet). Sabby Jonathan stated that negligence is the key issue. Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Guyer, carried by a 6-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: Kelly, Bixen) the Commission recommends that staff present the Commission with signage that emphasizes on protocol for calling to report incidents in reference to dog assaults. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS A. JOE MANN PARK UPDATE Randy Chavez stated that the new court was resurfaced and will be donated and installed at Father's Springs. playground was installed, basketball repainted. The old playground was Heart Ranch located in Desert Hot 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ,TUNE 04, 2019 B. BICYCLE REPAIR STAND UPDATE Randy Chavez stated that the bicycle repair stand has been ordered, and is waiting for it to be manufactured, installed, and it will be the color orange. VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT - Cap Hommes / Ralph Adams Commissioner Lynn Bixen (absent) related an email stating that all looks good and in great shape, most visitors are obeying the leash rules on the trails. Chair Tanner stated that it is very well maintained. B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER David Keyes stated there was a near drowning on Easter, staff revived the child and is in full recovery. They have over 500 attending Spring Swim Lessons. Dive -In movies start in June. Splash playground was resurfaced and will be repainted. June 14 kicks off the Summer Swim Program. June 17 is the first day of summer lessons. Parking lot was redone and it looks great. The YMCA is acquiring money for in -water bikes. Training is still in full effect and getting ready for Fourth of July. Commissioner Guyer talked about more swim programs; Ryan Stendell did state that there was a program called Swim to Win for the month of May. Commissioner Housken asked if bracelets are still required to be able to swim in certain areas; Mr. Keyes confirmed they are. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT David Keyes reported in Rob Ballew's absence. • Easter —1500 attendees • Spring Break Camp — 43 kids • Y Rookies — 36 kids • Camp Oaks — 303 kids (include 30 foster kids/50 from 29 Palms Marine Base) Summer camps are starting up, and Y Be Fit is set for October. D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated that there were a total of 1182 athletes for the Senior Games. The DRD is looking at their 20"' anniversary next year and already working on something for that. Spring camp was good and they are getting 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ready for summer camps. Programs and pickleball have been busy. Kevin Kalman stated that the First Tee will be closed for the summer. Children have been moved to three different country clubs, until the First Tee is properly maintained and irrigation issues are resolved. E. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Tammy Martin stated that some signs were installed and the guys are out monitoring the trails and everything seems to be in good shape. Attendance for the Wildflower Festival tripled this year and are looking forward to next year's event at Civic Center Park. IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS Ryan Stendell informed the committee that Johnny Terfehr will be leaving the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City of Palm Desert, June 21. His presence has been impeccable and delightful. We will miss him dearly. East Vale is lucky to have such a great and exemplary employee X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:16 a.m. n "—' Angie Minn) Recording Secretary 9