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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 09/05/2017Th(f - 1)2 CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: October 3, 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, September 05, 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, SEPTEMBER 05, 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 Van Tanner Vice Chair Mike Hardin Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Lynn Bixen Commissioner Gerald Dawson Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Also Present: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Deborah Glickman, Management Analyst Guests: David Keyes, YMCA of the Desert / Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Tim Skogen, Desert Recreation District / First Tee Frank Taylor, Resident (Pickleball Advocate) Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 05, 2017 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, MAY 02, 2017 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Bixen, and a 6-0-2 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Dawson, Hardin, Bixen, Housken, Guyer; NOES: None; ABSENT: Hall, Tanner) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. FREEDOM PARK / PICKLEBALL FACILITY IMPROVEMENT - Presentation by Staff Randy Chavez gave a presentation regarding the progress with Freedom Park, and the pickleball court rehabilitation. Previous issues with the skate park were removed. Ray Lopez, a local architect, presented an initial concept. The intention is to give players a pavilion. The idea of making a square grand stand, and adding bleachers with an enclosure came up. Along with a cantilever steel structure, they would be reducing the height of the west fence line, a drinking fountain would be added, where the skate park was. They would also be adding a picnic shelter, and adding lights to mitigate, and encourage night time play. Chair Kelly asked if players had given their input on the upgrades. Ryan Stendell stated that would be the next step, he just wanted to bring it up to the Commissioners first. This is an expansion project that helps with capacity. Players show up with all their equipment, and limits space with current layout. Commissioner Guyer asked if lowering the fence would be an issue with the wind. Mr. Frank Taylor said it may be an issue, and would require a possible wind fence. Mr. Chavez reiterated that they are just presenting a conceptual plan; nothing set in stone as of yet. The plan can be changed or modified. Mr. Stendell has not had any complaints regarding the skate park removal. Mr. Chavez stated that this is a pretty aggressive project, and would like the ideas and suggestions from the Commissioner's first. They are trying to accommodate all park users, not just pickleball players. Kevin Kalman mentioned that City of La Quinta is planning a huge skate park in the north part of town, so it may not affect the removal of the Freedom Skate Park. Sabby Jonathan gave his opinion on the redesign, 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 05, 2017 and he suggests perhaps expanding the square that expands the view corridor. Mr. Taylor anticipates that the number of players will explode this upcoming season, and feels that the sport will generate revenue itself. Palm desert is the hub of pickleball in the valley. Players are drawn to Freedom to prepare for tournaments as well. Upon a motion from the Commission; City Representatives are to reach out to the pickleball community, and to be mindful about limiting future pickleball court expansion. The item was continued. B. TAKE ME HOME HUEY - Presentation by Staff Deborah Glickman gave a presentation on the project. Huey is a sculpture using a helicopter that was shot down during the Veteran War. They are looking to bring the sculpture to Freedom Park on November 30, and hoping to work with the school to tour the helicopter. The educational programming is based on the age of kids, and they will also be working with local Veteran groups. They are hoping to make it a fun filled day, and also a part of the film festival. The artist views this as a sculpture, a film, and a song, and will be out there as well. The sculpture will go in the park west of the current mother and child sculpture already located at Freedom Park. It will be highly visible from a security stand point. It's a vinyl wrapped sculpture, the artist worked with veterans, and talked about their experience in Vietnam. The sculpture was created and brought to the local Palm Springs Air Museum so it has a local tie to it. Huey will be there Thursday — Sunday, the end of November through the beginning of December. Ms. Glickman also stated that they are working on starting a new event, Coffee in the Park, at Palma Village in April of 2018. They are working with the Coachella Valley Art Scene to bring in coffee vendors. They will be using December as a test run, and it will be included as part of First Weekend for that month as well. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CIP PROGRESS REPORT - Presentation by Staff Randy Chavez gave a presentation displaying the improvements that were made at Joe Mann Park, and went over the new installations regarding the shelters, and the tables. A window from shelter to playground was installed, lighting was also installed, and it's one of the areas that have a high population of families. Pathway and security lights stay on all night for safety reasons. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 05, 2017 VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. Y BE FIT PALM DESERT CHALLENGE Rob Ballew handed out postcards for the event. This event is a concept that Sabby Jonathan came up with; this is its fourth year. Registration is about 15 percent ahead of last year. Any active military members, and families are invited to participate free of charge. The City has a great group of participants. There will be a new element added this year. The Harlem Globe Trotters will be bringing some interesting aspects to the outside of the basketball courts. The course will be the same as the previous year. Sunday, October 1, 2017 will be the big day, and Mr. Ballew encouraged everyone to go out and volunteer. B. PARK USE REPORT - Freedom Park Ryan Stendell proceeded to ask the Commissioners if there were any concerns regarding Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell reminded everyone that soccer season is in full swing. Soccer clubs and youth soccer use the park, heavily. It's also a relief valve in some way, due to the over -seeding process as certain facilities are taken down because of the over -seeding; they do their best to overlap. C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER David Keyes stated that they had a great and safe summer. Programs and water aerobics are up. The Silver Sneakers program is almost at 446 to count. During the summer they passed all major inspections. Air horns were added to the three whistle blasts. Chillers were great in the lap pool; night watchmen were added to prevent teenagers with booze from jumping the fence. Fourth of July had a total of 1500 people. Fall swim lessons are ahead of last year. A Lazy Man Triathlon will be held through September as a training spot for Y Be Fit. They have also increased hours on Saturdays for the long course with a coach on deck. Sabby Jonathan asked if they have a relationship with the Joslyn center. It may be a good idea to get in touch with the new Director, in terms of filling empty times slots. Maybe Mr. Keyes can arrange for some programs to be through the Joslyn Center. D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 05, 2017 Rob Ballew mentioned the feasibility study that was done back in May for a new facility or an additional facility, based on wellness and fitness. The study tested a $7.6 million capital campaign. The Board made some suggestions and revisions; the results indicated it can only raise $3 million. Results also indicated that the facility would lack leadership, and people view the facility as child care related, not a wellness center. The Board met, and had some recommendations from the consultants, and suggested a really big PR campaign to let the community know what the YMCA does. Day camps were near capacity in the summer, teen camps and groups worked out well. Mr. Ballew also gave an update on summer camps: • Basketball — 90 kids • Camp Oaks — 160 kids (40 additional volunteers) • Camp Fox — 30 kids Youth flag football is gearing up for the fall, and Y Rookies will have a soccer program with about 60-80 kids. Youth and Government is still active, and it teaches local high school kids how the government, and the court system works. Hoe Down is scheduled for November 4; it's a program to help generate funds for families that can't afford to participate. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Kevin Kalman stated that the DRD had previously shared a proposal for renovating the existing community center. Plans were slightly adjusted, and they are in the middle of putting together a second proposal. Once that is done, he will present it to the Commission at the upcoming meeting. The Ready -Set -Swim program is coming up, and was also selected by last season's representatives; the United States Department of Agriculture. Brenda Nutcher mentioned summer was very busy with youth basketball league. It was the largest in years, with over 300 kids involved. Summer camps were very active this year, with 75 - 80 kids. Tim Skogen with First Tee had a busy summer. They will be participating in the Golf Cart Parade. First Tee 10th year anniversary kicks off in January. There will be golf course over -seeding preparations going on, and will be reopening on September 23. F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Tammy Martin was present to give an update. They are starting to gear up for the trails. A new trail will be going up north of the 110, Indio will be getting a new trail as well. November 30, 2017 will be their 30th Anniversary. 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTE$ SEPTEMBER 05.2017 IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL -LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS Commissioner Hardin mentioned that the Golf Cart Parade is ahead of schedule, and is already in the planning stages. They are hoping to make it bigger and better. This year's theme is, "Palm Desert on Safari," and will be held on the last Sunday of October. The Marine Band canceled this year due to budget restraint. They are working on some other things as part of a marching band. The senior area is set for 300 seats, and VIP tickets are on sale for shade and sandwiches. The kid's area has been moved this year, west of San Pablo. Few changes and arrangements had to be made, due to the growth of the El Paseo Hotel. Commissioner Hardin also mentioned that he has become a full-fledged dog park person. It is one of the most well used locations in the city. It's unbelievable what the city does for the dog parks and its patrons. Dog park patrons are very happy but also very demanding. He thanks the City for all the hard work they put in. X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the mee jng was adjourned at 9:52 a.m. Angie arron, Recording Secretary 6