HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 10/02/2018J
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk
FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant
DATE: December 4, 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, October 02, 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, OCTOBER 02, 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 Commissioner Randy Guyer
Vice Chair Van G. Tanner Kevin Kalman, DRD
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
Also Present:
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Johnny Terfehr, Management Analyst
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Department
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
Deborah Glickman, Management Analyst
Jacqueline Scibona, Youth Committee — Xavier High School Student
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111. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Murphy talked about the artificial turf that was mentioned at the
previous June meeting. Mr. Murphy called the University of Oregon and they
referred him to some of the top people in the country that deal with artificial turf.
Mr. Murphy was advised that there has been no breakthrough on turf that cools in
excessive hot weather. Mayor, Sabby Jonathan commented that DSUSD came
up with the same conclusion; there is nothing in the works that can change the
issue with artificial turf
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JUNE 05, 2018
Rec: Approve as presented
Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Dawson, carried
by a 7-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner,
Bixen, Murphy; NOES: None; ABSENT: Guyer) the Consent Calendar was approved as
presented.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. CIVIC CENTER SIGNAGE
Johnny Terfehr stated that the City set aside some funding for new signage
in the Civic Center area. The City is trying to make improvements to make
it easier to navigate throughout the facility. Staff is asking for someone to
volunteer to work with the committee working on this project. Commissioner
Murphy volunteered to be the official Civic Center sign liaison. Sabby
Jonathan commented that he attended the League of Cities Conference and
there were vendors with great exercise equipment and believes City Staff
was interested in that as a possibility; staff will look into it, and possibly
modernized park core stations. They are hoping to incorporate this into the
San Pablo project.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Tanner, second by Chair Hardin, carried by a 7-0-1
vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner, Bixen,
Murphy, NOES: None, ABSENT: Guyer) Commissioner Paul Murphy is designated as
part of the Civic Center Sign Committee.
B. HOVLEY PARK BASKETBALL LIGHTING
Johnny Terfehr mentioned that a citizen contacted him regarding the lighting
at Hovley Park. The email indicated the lighting was not that good and is
looking for suggestions from the Commission. Commissioner Housken
noted that it's her understanding that the park is typically closed off in the
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 02, 2018
summer. Would more lighting require opening the parking lot for cars, which
can promote for people to use the grass, or can it be something where
people can just walk on and access the basketball courts. Brenda Nutcher
commented that even after it is closed there are still people walking and
utilizing the park. Ryan Stendell commented that the primary focus is the
residential aspect near the area. He has not observed much use of the park
in the evening hours. However, there certainly is a community there that
may be looking for amenities and would like to ask the Commission for
ideas. Commissioner Housken is concerned that it may impact the fields.
Staff is looking for a recommendation to move forward and put it in line with
next year's budget. Vice Chair Tanner believes it is adequate lighting.
Chair Hardin suggested that the Commission go out and assess the issue
before making a decision or any sort of recommendation.
C. MURAL FOR CIVIC CENTER PARK
- By Jacqueline Scibona
Jacqueline Scibona, a senior at Xavier High School, and Deborah Glickman
presented a mural proposal to the Commission. Ms. Scibona is on the
Youth Committee and stated that she recently visited Washington D.C.,
while hiking she came upon a cabin surrounded by trees. She immediately
fell in love with what she saw, and would love to implement that visual at
Civic Center Park. Ms. Scibona would use acrylic paint, primer, and basic
paints. It would be painted on a board and installed in place for about 6-12
months. The Youth Committee voted to recommend this project to Council
to fund the $400 budget for supplies. Vice Chair Tanner asked if this would
be a continuous project moving forward; Ms. Glickman stated that it can
potentially become one.
Upon a motion by Vice Chair Tanner, second by Commissioner Murphy, carried
by a 7-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner,
Bixen, Murphy, NOES: None, ABSENT: Guyer) the Commission moves that this be taken
to Council to approve the $400 budget for the Civic Center Mural.
VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
NONE
VII. OLD BUSINESS
NONE
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. PARK USE REPORT
- University Dog Park
OCTOBER 02, 2018
Commissioner Housken stated that it is closed for reseeding. Ms. Housken
made a suggestion about signage that is able to be seen from the street.
There is a sign that refers people to Homme Adams Park during reseeding.
Chair Hardin stated that our parks are so nice that it attracts people from
throughout the valley.
B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
David Keyes had a busy summer, general admission was up all three
months. It was good until storms came in at the end of August. Group swim
lessons are up to 845, private lessons up to 240. They held 5 Dive -In
movies on First Weekend Fridays, which averaged about 212 people per
show, from May to August. Moving forward, Mr. Keyes has an idea about
what movies work best for attendees. Mr. Keyes also put together a
sponsorship packet that includes movies and dates for the upcoming year
and get it out in December in hopes of getting sponsors ahead of schedule.
The Aquatic Center received a grant to start adult swimming lessons, which
started in July. A total of 33 adults took advantage of the free lessons. The
lessons will continue through December to use the remainder of the grant
money. Fall lessons started in September and are doing great, with 191
people, which started the first of October; he is hopeful that numbers will
continue to grow throughout October for private swim lessons. The facility
has a few Xavier games, and have one coming up for the boys division, girls
are set to start the end of October. Palm Desert Swim Club will have a swim
meet Veteran's Day weekend. The Colorado Timing System (CTS) that
was installed in 2012 will be utilized. The holiday weekend will be full and
active; expecting between 1500 — 2000 attendees. Diving competition will
return after the Veteran's Day weekend that will be utilizing the timing
system as well. The end of school season was an issue because of bussing
from the east end of the valley. A couple of the ASES groups asked if they
were able to find transportation, would they be welcomed on a Saturday;
they had the field trip in September with 150 kids. There was also a special
needs group of kids from Palm Desert, and will have another group of 150
kids coming in the upcoming weekend from Palm Valley, and lastly Bobby
G. Duke Middle School will be coming out on Monday. The YMCA received
grant money to purchase swimsuits to give under privileged kids that don't'
have the proper gear for swimming. The splash playground will be drained
after the field trips take place, and it will be plastered. The Y Be Fit reverse
triathlon will be coming up. Mr. Keyes mentioned that a claim was filed
against the Aquatic Center. As he mentioned at the last meeting, facility
staff did everything possible to assist the victim within very adequate timing.
He welcomes anyone to a private discussion regarding that matter. Vice
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Chair Tanner asked, from a summer use standpoint, what is the percentage
from Palm Desert vs the rest of the Coachella Valley aquatic centers. Mr.
Keyes stated that most of the center use comes from non-residents, almost
70-80%, ranging from Indio to Mecca residents. The facility had a safe
summer with the exception of one major 911 call. Tammy Martin suggested
contacting Target. They have grants available for bussing for schools.
Sabby Jonathan suggested possibly giving a presentation to City Council
with pictures and a compressed three minute presentation, which he feels
it would be very beneficial. Commissioner Housken, asked to provide a cost
recovery report for next meeting.
C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
Rob Ballew stated that the Y Be Fit is this Sunday, over 1000 people will be
in attendance. They will be presenting something new called the Mayor's
Cup. A perpetual trophy that the top male and female athlete will receive.
There are over 100 volunteers available for the event; it will be a great day
for families to come out. Chairman is John Lane, who retired from the
Harlem Globe Trotters. The Marines are coming in from 29 Palms and
setting up a boot camp for everyone. They will also be bringing other
Marines and their families that want to participate. There will be a Rotary
event on December 8. District Governor, wants to have a huge free family
day event in the park, with one of the Beach Boy Band members; concert
will be held in the afternoon.
• June Day Camp — 241 kids, up 60 from last year
• July Day Camp — 643 kids, up 164 from last year
• August Day Camp — 386 kids, up 89 from last year
• Total Day Camp - 1270 kids, up 319 from last year
• Flag Football w/registration — 75 kids currently registered
• Y Rookies/Soccer — 108 kids
• Camp Oaks in Big Bear — 250 kids
D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
Brenda Nutcher stated that they had a busy summer with the camps.
Basketball league had 300-plus participants. They also had families from
Korea in the center who brought 20 kids to the center, and pickieball was
busy all summer. They averaged between 75-100 people a day.
Afterschool program is back and ready for season to start and Senior
Games registration has started with 85 pickieball applicants.
E. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Tammy Martin will have a booth at the Y Be Fit event. Carrizo and Dead
Indian Canyons are open through the end of the year, and are beautiful
during season. They are starting to do more private hikes, and receiving
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donations for them due to being on federal land, they can't charge a fee.
Ms. Martin received a call from the Brail Institute who will be bringing a
group of students with them, and the Media on October 15th to access the
newly installed ADA trail; she encourages City Officials to attend. A little bit
of work will be done on the Hopalong Cassidy trail, all other trails are in
really good shape. Sabby Jonathan asked about Bump N Grind and what
it would take to bring water to it. It was noted that installing water with a
new meter across the street, costs would be close to $30,000. It is a great
idea, and an expensive one too. Mr. Jonathan suggested that it would be
a great amenity for hikers. Commissioner Bixen suggested the possibility
of taking a look at the meter located at the track next door and possibly
utilizing it. Johnny Terfehr said he would look into it. This summer there
was a lot of activity with the bighorn sheep, they have crossed the fence
looking for water and food. There were some complaints that they have
gone into Bighorn Country Club chewing up plants. If anyone comes across
them, call the Bighorn Institute to help guide them back to safety.
IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Commissioner Kelly thinks everyone is doing a great job with the parks. Ms. Kelly
commends staff, YMCA, and the Parks and Recreation staff.
Commissioner Bixen, wanted to know where someone can join the Community
Center gym. Someone mentioned to her that they looked for it online and could
not find any information about it. Brenda Nutcher directed her to the proper website
for the Desert Recreation District and also explained the fees. The facilities use
card would be the best card to use at multiple facilities. Residents within district
boundaries will pay $75 starting in 2019. Residents outside the district is $120 and
will be going up to $150. They can find the information online or call the DRD
directly. Palm Desert residents pay less, and there is a $5 drop -in fee.
Sabby Jonathan, wanted to update the Commission on the North Sphere Regional
Park in the north end. The City is waiting for the population to get to a point where
its cost justified to move forward. Black Rock is currently processing a permitting
design for 1100 residential homes. He is hopeful that the moment is getting closer
for the Commission to recommend on the design, and the last new park of the City.
Commissioner Dawson thanked Johnny Terfehr and Ryan Stendell for updating
the plaque at the Aquatic Center, it demonstrates the Parks and Recreation
Commissioners.
The Golf Cart Parade is October 28, and the theme is Superheroes. The parade
is coming together, with tremendous amount of work. Chair Hardin invites
everyone to come out to the annual event. The City will have a float as well.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OCTOBER 02, 2018
X. ADJOURNMENT
With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40
a.m.
Angie Marron, Recording Secretary