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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 09/03/2019*Dl- H - -:�- CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Office Specialist II DATE: November 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, September 03, 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, SEPTEMBER 03, 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 Vice Chair Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Lynn Bixen Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Paul Murphy Absent Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Mike Hardin Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Ex-Officio Members: Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Also Present: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal Planner 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 Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains John Luff, Desert Wave Ventures Jason Miknuk, Wing Solutions PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 03, 2019 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JUNE 04, 2019 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, second by Commissioner Bixen, carried by a 6-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Bixen, Tanner, Murphy, Kelly; NOES: None; ABSENT: Housken, Hardin) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented V. NEW BUSINESS A. WAVE PARK UPDATE - Presentation by Eric Ceja, Principal Planner Principal Planner, Eric Ceja, and John Luff from Desert Wave Ventures gave a presentation. Mr. Ceja stated that the Planning Department received an application to develop a surf park from Desert Wave Ventures in December of 2018. It is a masterplan that will involve hotel space, an event center as well as villa units. The presentation included a proposal for a five and half acre lagoon with surf technology designed to create consistent waves and attract surfers to the desert. A specific and precise plan application has been submitted. The Planning Department will also be working on an environmental analysis for this proposal along with an environmental impact report. Mr. Luff, stated that this is a unique destination resort anchored by a surf lagoon. It's the first of its type in the world. The first of its kind technology will be utilized for this five and half acre surf lagoon to replicate ocean waves. The idea is to create a surf lagoon with a controlled crowd and controlled condition that will provide a premium experience. From a recreational aspect, it changes the entire vibe in the water. He believes a lot of people are looking for this type of experience, and will come to the desert to escape the beach crowds and experience this high end resort with the whole family. It is becoming increasingly rare throughout the world. Surf in a lagoon is much safer than an actual body of water like the ocean because of the fear of the unknown. They are able to produce waves that are actually safer and feasible for everyone. Wave Garden is a company that Desert Wave Ventures works with. A video of another concept located in Spain was played for the Commission. It was very vibrant and engaging. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 03,E 2019 Commissioner Bixen asked if there will be contests since she has seen them on television. Mr. Luff stated that from a competition division, and training events standpoint, the lagoon and surf pools are ideal for competitive purposes. It's something that a lot of the broadcast companies are particularly interested in because it can actually be planned and programmed. In response to Commissioner Murphy's question, Mr. Luff stated this is the first time he has taken on this kind of project. Mr. Luff worked for the current developers and consulted internationally, and domestically for these types of projects. Commissioner Guyer asked what the time frame is for the project. The lagoon itself will take 14 to 18 months to complete leaving the entire project to be, about 18 to 24 months. There are two operator partners for the hotel brand. Desert Wave is also hoping for night surf and integrating lights in this project that are sensitive to dark skies at night. It is a unique approach. They went to the International Dark Sky Association and worked with them and a company called Musco Sports Lighting Design to come up with a lighting design that effectively meets the International Dark Sky Association standards for a dark sky friendly lighting system. Chair Tanner asked what kind of international contests can be brought to the desert. Pro Forma does not bank on having any large formal international contests. Desert Wave Ventures has a great relationship with The International Surf Association and its president. The capabilities are high with surf lagoons. It opens the doors to many people with different disabilities, and the U.S. Olympics are conceivable. The Commission asked if there will be parking issues, water temperature controlled in the winter, and if season passes will be offered for residents. The water may have a solar thermal component to supplement the water with heat. We may not be able to bring up the temperature to 82 degrees during winter. Mr. Stendell explained the entire parking situation and its adequacy. There will be overflow parking, shuttles, and underground parking. The City is being guided as to what is appropriate for the area. Sabby Jonathan mentioned that the underground parking will be public not just Desert Wave specific. They are also contemplating programs for people that would like to come a couple times a week not just throughout the year. Sabby Jonathan stated that they have encouraged the developer to integrate discounts for locals, residents, YMCA members, and the colleges. It is important to build a relationship with the community. Surf camps would be a great envision. It would also bring jobs to the area. Commissioner Guyer is concerned with the lack of the recreational aspect. Vice Chair Kelly believes this project would be a great financial help for the City of Palm Desert. There has never been anything like it, and City staff has done a great job researching this proposed project. City Council would appreciate feedback from the Commission in regards to this project. 91 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 03, 2019 Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, second by Vice Chair Kelly, carried by a 6-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Bixen, Tanner, Murphy, Kelly; NOES: None; ABSENT: Housken, Hardin) the Commission motions to move forward with this project and present to City Council for approval. B. DRD MASTER PLAN SURVEY RESULTS UPDATE Kevin Kalman utilized a PowerPoint presentation to update the Commission on survey results. The DRD has been working on using a different approach from 2013. They have invested time to determine different statistics as a whole. The goal was to gather feedback. Mr. Kalman worked with City staff, not just district but everyone in the valley. They want to ensure and reflect the needs of each community. The survey was done online, by phone and intercept surveys as well between March and May of 2019. All methods were combined to achieve results. The Riverside County areas were divided as east and west. In total there were over three thousand involved with the survey. All survey methods included Spanish, to make sure everyone had the ability to participate, and Census data was also used; each participating municipality overall provided consistent representation to the communities. There was a high percentage of permanent residents, the average age is older in Palm Desert. The top three barriers in participation is consistent with 2013. Palm Desert resulted with having no time or other personal issues as a top reason, and not aware of programs of facilities was another. The overall result was higher about needs not being met. Both valley wide and Palm Desert, walking trails and paths have been number one for activity. Items to be added or to be improved are pedestrian and bike paths as a top priority. Parks and playgrounds were high needs for residents. Communication is essential to getting through and reaching out to the community. Sixty-two percent of Palm Desert residents surveyed, utilize the Community Center. Mr. Kalman offered to have the complete survey sent to all Commissioners. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VII. OLD BUSINESS A. BIKE REPAIR INSTALL Randy Chavez stated that the bike repair station was installed about a month ago. It's a nice big orange mechanism; a guinea pig for future installations. The reason that color was chosen is because they reached out to CV Link and their color scheme was orange, so it was decided to keep the themes linked. This is also a tentative install for all Palm Desert 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 03. 2019 parks. Mr. Chavez did confirm that the bike repair does get plenty of utilization Vill. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT - Civic Center Randy Chavez stated the Civic Center has been taking a holistic approach for the last twenty years. The last two years they have had to rebuild two ponds. The overpopulation of turtles is causing issues with the pumps. Fortunately, Wing Solutions reached out to the City and helped out with the over population of ducks; so far it has been working. Jason Miknuk was present to introduce one of his furry friends. They work at night when the ducks are less active. With two herding dogs and a hawk, this creates a hostile environment for the ducks and they leave the area They are working on pushing them more towards the east end of the valley. They have reduced the animal population by 65% since they started. They work with the evasive species as well. Commissioners seem very pleased with this approach. Mr. Chavez stated that we have to be very cautious and conscientious and try to be as humane as possible. The red ear slider turtles are problematic as well. Traps will be set in lagoons to humanely catch turtles, remove them and send them to a sanctuary in the San Diego area. The contractor will decide where to re -locate the turtles. Closure of dog parks will begin the week of September 23rd for over seeding. B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER David Keyes stated they had a great summer, no major emergencies this year, and the numbers jumped up substantially from last year. More non- residents are attending. Swim lessons were great, 1,195 group and private in total. Now they have a bit of space issues, however nothing major. Mr. Keyes and staff are coming up with creative ways to use the shallow end of the pool. Events coming up, Palm Desert Swim Club, Oct. 11-13; April & October of 2020. Diving competitions, Veterans weekend November 9-11. Programming, fall lessons start today, with 70 people, and will typically get well over 100. It seems that some Palm Springs residents are coming to the PDAC because of better pricing. Staffing was great this year. No issues with the pool being too hot. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT None PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 03, 2019 D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated that summer was very busy. DRD averaged about 80 kids in camp, youth basketball had 324 kids participate, music program continues with drums and guitar lessons. Salsa/aerobics was canceled. Fourth day was added during the week specifically for pickleball. First Tee — wrapping up construction this week. Next session is set to start October 15. E. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Tammy Martin stated that crews will be out evaluating all trails. They are working on signage near the cross, and has a volunteer who would like to do yoga on the trails, and would like the Commission to be on board with the proposed project. Ryan Stendell stated they would have to run a facilities use permit, and go through some options. Mr. Stendell stated he will touch base with Ms. Martin, Jennifer Nelson and update the Commission on the yoga proposal. IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS Vice Chair Kelly was glad to meet again and see everyone. Ryan Stendell introduced Jennifer Nelson, who will be replacing Johnny Terfehr and will be the operation arms for Parks and Recreation. Ms. Nelson was previously with the city of Palm Springs, and city of Newport Beach as Assistant City Clerk. Ryan Stendell is excited to be back to full staff in Community Development and encourages everyone to support the Vision San Pablo Project. Randy Chavez stated that the pickleball project starts construction soon. X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m. Qie Ma n cording Secretary 0