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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 04/03/2018111. Et CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: June 5, 2018 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, April 03, 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, APRIL 03, 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 B. Murphy Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Also Present: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Tim Jonasson, Interim Director of Public Works Johnny Terfehr, Management Analyst Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: David Keyes, YMCA of the Desert / Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Frank Taylor, Pickleball Community Representative John Greenwood, Planning Commission 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2018 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Tanner, second by Commissioner Guyer, Carried by an 8-0 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner, Bixen, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: None) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. JOE MANN PARK NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT - Presentation by Staff Johnny Terfehr presented the Commission with a tentative playground design proposal. The intention is to attract a more diverse crowd like seniors, children, and children with disabilities. They are still working on the old equipment. Mr. Terfehr stated that they are currently working with the YMCA and the possibility of having it donated to them. If the YMCA does not retain the playground, it was suggested that it be possibly donated to our sister city in Mexico. A combination of funding and a $75,000 grant is in the works. Mayor, Sabby Jonathan stated that we have to take into consideration the shipping costs. Mr. Jonathan suggests looking at local options. first. Tim Jonasson, also mentioned that the liability still falls on the City if donated, which can be a challenge for the City of Palm Desert. Vice Chair Tanner asked on a time frame, Mr. Terfehr stated that they are working towards the summer. B. CIVIC CENTER UPDATE REPORT - Presentation by Chair Hardin Chair Hardin reminded everyone about what was talked about at the last meeting. It was suggested that one of the Commissioners select a park and bring back a report on it. He took it upon himself and chose Civic Center. Chair Hardin had a presentation and talked about how big the park actually is. It also goes along the wash, which is not a heavily viewed area that has D & G. Chair Hardin suggested the possibility of planting more trees. They did a fly over the entire park with a drone, and it shows the problem there is with duck waste. You can see where the ducks create holes and where they reside onsite. Chair Hardin asked if the removal of the duck feeder 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 should be something to consider, or is it better that people show up with their own pieces of bread. The over-all view of the presentation displayed some of the issues where it lacks grass. Chair Hardin also inquired if someone would volunteer to do a report on another park; Commissioner Tanner volunteered to take on Freedom Park since he spends a lot of time there. Sabby Jonathan commented that it is difficult to tell park patrons not to throw bread to the ducks. Commissioner Kelly commented on how Civic Center is always busy with families on the weekend, it is a wonderful park. C. PARK FUNDING SOURCES Ryan Stendell presented a memo to the Commission. Mr. Stendell made it clear that he made a mistake at the previous meeting, indicating that some funds were used from Park Fund 233 for the San Pablo project. Park Fund 233 is a bit complex, but it is also the biggest savings account. Mr. Stendell indicated on how the funds are calculated. There are two variables on how the quimby fee is set up, which can be a bit confusing. There are a number of dwelling units (residential subdivisions), then current land valuation per acre. Fees have not been updated as of yet. It is highly likely that this should get simplified within the next year. Over the years, a couple of evaluations have been done in regards to the North Sphere Regional Park. The total cost for the park would be somewhere around $12.5-million. An average of 4200 rooftops with an average of the land value per acre of $225,000 would be ideal to generate essential funding. Again, this is just a quick tentative forecast of how park funding works. The City is currently sitting on a balance of almost $1.4-million. Commissioner Guyer asked if it can be spent anywhere or if it is geographically controlled funding. Mr. Stendell stated that it can be spent anywhere, it can be utilized for expansion not for maintenance. Park Fund 233 — Developer impact fees (Quimby Fees), is used to account for fees collected for residential and sub -division developments collected at either time grading permits are paid, or prior to the approval final map. These funds are restricted to being used for the creation of new parks, or improvements to existing parks. Funds are assessed to residential projects based on a formula containing current land valuation. Current fund balance - $1,387,776 Park Capital Fund 430 — A separated savings account set up for minor park improvements. This is an unrestricted capital account funded by the General Fund when monies are available and projects are imminent. As currently structured this fund helps pay for minor renovation projects, which cannot be paid for with 233 monies. Current fund balance - $63,482 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 Unspent Bond Proceeds —The City has funds on hand from previous bond issuance on behalf of the City's former Redevelopment Agency. Through the dissolution process, the only funds the City can legally retain were for projects specifically listed in the bond documents. Specifically listed projects are regional drainage improvements, interstate interchange (Portola Ave.) Civic Center Parking Improvements, Core Commercial Parking Improvements, and Alessandro Alleyway Improvements. The San Pablo project is contemplated in the General Plan as a critical project. The project is currently estimated at a total cost of $10-million, with preliminary funding coming from a variety of sources. Final allocations have not been solidified, however, will be approved by the City Council prior to award of a construction contract. There currently is not a balance on the Unspent Bonds. Maintenance & Operations General Fund 110 — Mostly funded for the maintenance of Civic Center and all daily activities, tree pruning, turf renovations, playground maintenance and repairs. Aquatic Center Special Revenue Fund 242 — It operates as its own special revenue. Annual operating expenses are drawn from this fund, with the shortfall being covered by a Transfer In from the General Fund at year- end. To date, the General Fund Transfer In had ranged from $550,000-$700,000 annually. Current fund balance - $1,890,200 VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. DRD FEES INCREASE Kevin Kalman presented a handout to the Commission demonstrating the fees and tentative changes. The district reviews the fees every year, and had to look at a number of things. Personnel implemented a 5-year transition plan; COLA and merit -based increases are suspended until 2022. There are also changes in the formula; a reduced allotment for health benefits, and reduced employer paid contributions to retirement. There is also plenty of retrofit on facilities, such as investments on infrastructure to reduce energy consumption. The Palm Desert facility is about 26 years old. One of the things that affects the City are membership fees. The City sets the fees; last time fees were raised was in 2006 from $10 to $25 a year. Currently it is at $25 and proposing to raise it to $50. One of the concerns at the last meeting was the proposal of a fee increase and it affecting the senior community; Palm Desert age range is higher. In total, this would generate roughly $81,000, district wide it will generate over $200,000. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 Commissioner Kelly moved to, approve the Commission's recommendation to the City Council to approve the updated Palm Desert Resident Fitness Pass fee from $25 to $50. Motion was second by Commissioner Tanner and carried by a 7-1 vote of the Commission (AYES: Kelly, Tanner, Harding, Bixen, Guyer, Dawson, Murphy; NOES: Housken). VII. OLD BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL FACILITY IMPROVEMENT Johnny Terfehr presented one of the most recent drawings that is intended for the pickleball court improvements. Mr. Terfehr met and discussed with some of the players regarding their requests. One of the most urgent things requested was the resurfacing of the courts and net replacement, which has been done. The players are requesting more courts, lighting, and squaring off the corners. The funding is there for the upgrades but it is all based on an actual decision moving forward. The skate park equipment is gone, which makes room for more grass area. Pickleball season is winding down. Frank Taylor stated that it has been chaos at the park with 75 - 100 people utilizing the courts. Mr. Taylor also mentioned that in November, the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens contracted a pickleball event. There will be well over 1400 players with families and will ultimately affect Palm Desert. It is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and will continue to impact the City and the Coachella Valley. Mayor, Sabby Jonathan, asked if the City had more courts available, however not at Freedom Park. Alternatively, a possible pickleball facility would seem ideal with 32 courts. It turns into a major deal when you consider all that comes with building a new facility. Sabby Jonathan mentioned it is worth exploring. A question was brought up regarding how many country clubs embrace the sport. The Lakes has nine dedicated courts. Chair Hardin stated that pickleball courts were part of a recreational package within the parks. Is the City and the Commission willing to consider stadiums for pickleball, or continue to keep our parks recreational for our citizens. VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT - Magnesia Falls Commissioner Bixen went by the park, and did not see a soul there. It is often used on the weekends, especially for soccer tournaments. The biggest problem is that there used to be a sign that noted a contact number for any issues that might occur, and it is no longer there. There is also no parental supervision when Lincoln school is out. The two barbecue grills 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 are vaguely used. Overall, it is a very well used park and it is a full ADA compliant park. B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER David Keyes stated that the facility had the Easter Sunday under water egg hunt. Mr. Keyes presented a video displaying the fun. Over 1000 people attended, making it their largest crowd ever. All the kids had Tots of fun, traded eggs for goodies and ran four egg drops. It can be a bit stressful for the lifeguards so they doubled up on staff. A group from Canada came by and the facility had an uptick on lap swimmers. A group from LA was there taking photos and rented out the facility. Spring swim lessons started with 151 kids for the first two sessions. They are offering a low rate for anyone attending baseball or softball who come in with uniform. Mr. Keyes stated that they had an emergency in the pool in March. Death Valley National Park was conducting scuba diving lessons. There was an incident with one of the attendees. Facility employees were working on the victim until the EMT arrived. They were very impressed by the degree of CPR that was given to victim. Staff at the facility was able to maintain the victim's life until paramedics showed up. Staff was very responsive. The victim was taken off life support four days later, it was not a facility issue; he had a pulse leaving the aquatic center. Battalion Chief came to thank the aquatic center staff for doing such a great job. YMCA acted with extreme appropriateness. John Greenwood commented on how great the facility is; his boys do participate in swim lessons. The facility was very busy the beginning of the first week of spring break. They are now in the second week with less impact. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Rob Ballew gave .a quick update on camps. They just finished their campaign, which helps fund all the activities that take place and it raised over $550,000, which is good news for the YMCA. • Spring Camp — 55 kids • T-ball/Y Rookies — 90 kids • Spring Football — 134 kids • Spring Egg Hunt / Healthy Kids Day — 1250 kids D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated that the Senior Games are over. Numbers are up, pickleball was the highest played sport, and volleyball was second highest. Numbers were down for the swimming category, so it was dropped; they will try to push it next year. Spring camp just finished up, there were many drop -ins, registered kids were down, and they are currently trying to get another boot camp going. 6 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 E. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Update from Tammy Martin: Ribbon cutting was held, and they are seeking funds for the ADA trail that will be located at the visitor center. All trails are in good shape. Sabby Jonathan noticed there are "No Dogs Allowed" signs at the Art Smith Trail, and there were people with a dog off leash. What could be done about situations like that; he is concerned that Bighorn residents will start to get involved. Mr. Stendell stated that they are working with the BLM on that issue. Trash receptacles will not be a consideration for mid points at hiking trails. All advising groups have advised against it; it is encouraging bad behavior. IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS Commissioner Kelly commented on the thank you letter that was provided. She thinks it was a great idea to see positive feedback because park patrons usually have complaints Mayor Sabby Jonathan commented on how dangerous it can be that dogs are off leash. He kindly asked a dog owner to put a leash on her dog and he was verbally attacked. Mr. Jonathan gave an update on the CV Link, which is a few steps forward. First, he saw the proposed updated design, and the park that will be constructed will be essentially from Monterey, Magnesia Falls, to Eldorado. The second important development, the CVAG Transportation Committee voted to allocate just under a million dollars towards the engineering and design of the link for Palm Desert, specifically. Lastly, there is a proposed apartment complex to be built near Hovley Soccer Park, between Carter Elementary and Canterra apartments. There has been some passionate and concerned residents about a 400-unit complex being constructed. Also, keep in mind the potential impact that Hovley Soccer Park may sustain. Rob Ballew mentioned that the rose garden is in full bloom and looks fabulous. Diane Hollinger put out an RFQ for replacement of the shade structure at Hovley Soccer Park playground. Commissioner Bixen thanked Mr. Terfehr for keeping them updated on events. Tim Jonasson was given a tour of all recreational facilities and commends the Commission for overseeing all parks. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 03, 2018 X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m. Angie Marra, cording Secretary 8