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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 03/07/2017CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: May 2, 2017 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, March 07, 2017. 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, MARCH 07, 2017 — 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 Mary Helen Kelly convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chair Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Lynn Bixen Vice Chair Mike Hardin Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Van Tanner Ex-Officio Members: Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Also Present: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Kim Warpinski, Management Analyst Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: David Keyes, YMCA of the Desert / Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Tim Skogen, Desert Recreation District / First Tee Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountain Gordon Fiddler, Friends of the Desert Mountain Sargent Lugo, Riverside County Sheriff's Department 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 07.2017 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Guyer, second by Commissioner Dawson, carried by a 7-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Hardin, Tanner, Hall; NOES: None; ABSENT: Bixen) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented V. NEW BUSINESS A. PALM DESERT TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Kim Warpinski introduced the main volunteer from Friends of the Desert Mountain, Gordon Fiddler, who is very knowledgeable with the trails, and is also the Chair of the Trail Maintenance. Mr. Fiddler briefly stated that he oversees maintenance and signage from Palm Springs to La Quinta. There are some new trails out in Indio Hills that are currently being developed by the County; however his home base is in Palm Desert as it allows him to keep a closer look on our local trails. Over the last year they have touched all the trails in Palm Desert starting with Randall Henderson all the way to Bump n' Grind. Ambassadors provide reports on the trails all the time, giving them an idea on what needs to be done, and they strive to respond to those issues in a timely manner. Focus moving forward is signage; Mr. Fiddler senses signage is necessary because it is a weak point in a lot of areas. They are now starting to work on that, beginning with La Quinta, and working their way into Palm Desert. There has been some temporary signage put up in the Cahuilla Hills and that seems to have been working out very well. Mr. Fiddler is looking forward to working with the City regarding signage and appreciates any input. A new beginners trail is coming in from the base of the mountain at Cahuilla Hills over the bridge down to the community gardens. They are currently seeking a new name for it. Commissioner Guyer asked if it was considered an ADA trail, Mr. Stendell mentioned that it is gravitated more towards a beginners trail. Tammy Martin stated that the kiosk has been installed at the Henderson trail. The month of March, Friends of the Desert Mountain was chosen for the spotlight grant through the Berger Foundation. Ms. Martin also mentioned that the ADA trail was going to be for the visually impaired; the 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 07, 2017 trail has been paved and they are currently working with the Brail Institute to get things ready for them. Sabby asked what modifications would be made so that the trail is visually impaired successful. Ms. Martin stated that in addition to what has already been done, they are hoping to put in more kiosks, and hopefully pave the other side of the dirt trail and just continue to work on more ideas. Tammy Martin stated there were over 2400 attendees for the Wild Flower Festival, and has received nothing but great comments regarding the event. It was a successful turn out; Chair Kelly said it was very well organized with so much to do. Commissioner Guyer asked if the trail map on the City's website is current. Ms. Warpinski assured Mr. Guyer that everything is up to date; all that needs to be added is the beginners trail. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. DESERT X UPDATE Ryan Stendell gave a quick update on the event. Desert X is a temporary display of art work with 16 pieces spread throughout the Coachella Valley. Included is the City of Palm Desert at Homme/Adams, and north Palm Desert on Portola north of Frank Sinatra. Part of the event is all about the innovative experience. The Desert X website displays more brief descriptions regarding the pieces. The Phil Smith piece on Portola includes a circle of land and sky, with reflective mirror pieces. It can be found on a 170 acre piece of property; about three or four hundred feet off the beaten path. The piece at Homme/Adams describes curves and zig zags with free standing walls that integrate with the natural environment. It has brought out new and regular users to see it on a daily basis. There are more pieces placed in a more urban type of environment throughout the valley; they will be up until April 30. Kim Warpinski mentioned there will be an event surrounding the piece at Homme/Adams on April 8. There will be a musician out there playing music. Interestingly enough, music can only be heard if the artists' headphones are worn, and there will also be a Q&A with the artist. Everyone is welcomed to attend; time frame should be late morning around 10 a.m. Mr. Stendell stated that this is the first year for Desert X, and it is being proposed as an alternate yearly event; depending on the success for this year. So far it has been very virtual and effective. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 07.2017 B. PARK USE REPORT - Cam Homme / Ralph Adams The only updates to the park improvement are the removable bollards that are being installed in the north end of the park, due to cars off-roading into the park. Commissioner Housken mentioned she has seen heavy use of the park recently, and parking was limited. Commissioner Guyer mentioned that he noticed on the frontage road, half of the road is paved and half is not, have there been any complaints regarding dust. Diane Hollinger confirmed there have not been complaints, and Ms. Warpinski also confirmed that she has not received any complaints regarding that matter. Ms. Hollinger also mentioned there are a couple of projects that are currently out to bid. Basketball court resurfacing and playground shade cover replacements. Vice -Chair Hardin asked about replacing the fencing at the dog parks; because of the issue with the dog urine damaging and deteriorating the fences; it's on budget for next fiscal year. C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER David Keyes reported that swim lessons started on Monday, they had a good amount signed up; about 35 people. However, due to the rain some people transferred into the March session. Mr. Keyes stated that they are still hiring for all positions, including life guards, and swim instructors; ages start at 16. They also have a life guard certification class happening on March 24-26. Spin bikes are on deck, with a rent fee of $3; also, outdoor cycling class is starting to pick up. Recreation swim has also embarked, with the exception of the rain on Sunday; it had a great turnout on Saturday. Mr. Keyes also mentioned how he is pursuing more groups to come to the facility. The British of Columbia University will be coming out in December 2017/January 2018. February of 2017 went very well with a Canadian group from Saskatchewan who had a great time, loved the facility and had nothing but positive things to say. At the same time there was a masters group from Chicago with 50-60 people come in; they too enjoyed the experience at the facility. Xavier continues to benefit from the facility. Everything is moving along and looking for staff to train. Spring break will be April 10; there will be an underwater Easter egg hunt that will take place Easter Sunday. There were 310 in attendance last year; it's a possibility to go up to 400 this year. D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT David Keyes reported the following for Rob Ballew. • 270 kids — Youth Basketball • 88 kids — Youth Flag Football 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 07, 2017 • 75 kids — Y Rookies (3-5 yrs.) • 62 kids — Youth & Government One of the young ladies from the Youth & Government program got her proposal passed. Out of 400 of them, only 10 proposals passed and one of them was from our program. Spring football starts on April 7; Healthy Kids Day is on April 15, the day before Easter; 1200 people are expected to attend that weekend. The Annual Sustaining Campaign ends with a victory party tomorrow night (Wednesday, March 8) the YMCA is hoping to raise $485,000 for low-income families. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Kevin Kalman talked about the public opinion polling that was done; they discovered that thirty percent of residents do not know who they are, what they do or what they are all about. They started a PR Campaign and brought in an example of the FY 2016 Stewardship Report that will be handed out describing what the DRD is all about and what it represents; Mr. Kalman is open for suggestions in regards to the handout. Senior Games were great; Mayor Jan Harnik, and Council members Nestande, Weber and Kelly were there to help kick off the games. Brenda Nutcher commented on the Senior Games, it had 830 participants, who are down a bit from last year; basketball had to be canceled. On a considerable note, there were more volleyball teams than they had space for, so for next year's games there will be another venue added, which will give additional room for more volleyball teams. Disability Sports Festival was last weekend, with 159 participants and 500 spectators; it was a great turn out. Numbers are up for all programs, volleyball program has kicked off with 21 enrolled and numerous drop -ins; programs are thriving. Sabby Jonathan asked about the co-ed recreational softball; is there not enough demand for that. Kevin Kalman mentioned the demand stopped when Field of Dreams opened. There is a possibility to start a City of PD softball team soon. Commissioner Housken mentioned she read that this was the largest pickleball tournament in the state; how about having an exclusive pickleball event outside of the Senior Games since it is so popular. Ms. Nutcher stated that she spoke with the organizer for pickleball and they talked about possibly starting one in October; however he felt it might not work out, but it doesn't hurt to try. Mr. Kalman mentioned he was speaking with the City Manager of Indian Wells and they have 4 play days available at the IW Tennis Gardens; good possibility to pursue it. Tim Skogen stated that the First Tee has completed its sixth week of activities for the winter session throughout various sites in the valley. There are some retention challenges with older youth as they look forward to new experiences and opportunities as they grow. Spring session registration has started for current members, and new participant 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 07, 2017 registration will start the following week. One area of growth has been the golf team program under the supervision of Coach Sandy; she has done a terrific job, she is energizing players with fun and challenging courses to play and compete. First Tee started an outreach program with The Lights at Indio Golf Course on Wednesday nights, with up to 50 players. Golf activities are down a bit due to rain but the course looks great. Second Saturday parking lot sales continue to move forward. First tee invitational is April 22. Mr. Skogen invites everyone to stop by, on weekdays after 3:30 p.m., all day Saturday is always good time to swing by. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dawson asked if there are any significant security issues at the parks. Sargent Lugo mentioned that there has not been any; officers are saturating parks as much as possible with extra patrols at night, and giving citations as needed. Commissioner Dawson welcomed Commissioner Tanner on board. Commissioner Dawson stated that he remembers what the DRD used to be like from then and now, and the DRD has progressed significantly and is doing a fantastic job. Chair Kelly stated if there is anything the Commission can do to help the staff, please let the Commission know, as that is our purpose to help. Chair Kelly feels it's a great deed that the city contracts with the DRD, YMCA, and the Aquatic Center. Commissioner Tanner is happy to be back and part of the Commission. Mr. Tanner feels it's our responsibility that community tourist, and residents are kept with the same quality of life. Sabby Jonathan thanks everyone for the participation of the committee. Mr. Jonathan mentioned that the issue with dogs off of leashes near Ironwood Park continues to rise, and it can become a dangerous issue, especially because there are kids out there. If there are any thoughts or suggestions for a solution to resolve this matter, please share any ideas. X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m. r'm Angle Marron, Recording Secretary 6