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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 01/05/2016CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: April 5, 2016 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, January 05, 2016. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY OF PALM DESERT f1W'1014*1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 05, 2016 — 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 Deborah Hall convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present. - Chair Deborah Hall Vice Chair Jerry Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Mike Hardin Ex-Officio Members: Not Present Absent Commissioner Raymond Rodriguez Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, DRD Also Present: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison Van Tanner, Council Alternate Liaison Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert / Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Tim Skogen, Desert Recreation District I First Tee Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Aiden Brossfield, Youth Committee Liaison Joe Pradetto, Planning Commission Liaison PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 05, 2016 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Joe Pradetto, who works with the Office of John J. Benoit, introduced himself to the Commission as part of the City's Planning Commission Liaison. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2015 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, by an 8-0-1 vote of the Commission, (AYES Jutovsky, Hardin, Holt; NOES: None, ABSEN approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS T: second by Commissioner Guyer, carried Kelly, Guyer, Hall, Dawson, Housken, Rodriguez) the Consent Calendar was Commissioner Kelly made a motion to elect Jerry Dawson as Chair, seconded by Commissioner Housken. Commissioner Housken made a motion to nominate Commissioner Kelly as Vice Chair, seconded by Chair Hall and carried by a 8-0-1 vote of the Commission ( AYES: Hall, Dawson, Kelly, Guyer, Housken, Jutovsky, Hardin, Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Rodriguez) B. PARKS OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT CHANGES Ryan Stendell wanted to bring to light, a big transition that will be taking part within the Parks Operations Department. Part of his discussion with the City Manager regarded that, Parks and Recreation will move with him to Community Development, until a new candidate is on board. They will be looking for someone with the same mentality; a generalist, one who will work with our contract partners, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center and the Desert Recreation District. Mr. Stendell expressed that great things are happening in the Parks Department. Vice Chair Dawson, took a moment to congratulate Mr. Stendell on his current achievement as the new Director of Community Development Sabby Jonathan stated that the City Manager was very proud on how great our City staff stood above outside applicants for the Community Development Director position. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 05. 2016 C. NORTH SPHERE PARK DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE Ryan Stendell stated that Chair Hall approached him at the Veteran's Day event here at Civic Center, and asked what the status was on the north sphere project. Mr. Stendell had a video presentation on the north sphere. They are anticipating about 6,000 units to be constructed for the north sphere. A little over a thousand have been constructed with little bits off of Gerald Ford, Shepherd Lane and existing units that have popped up. The City also owns about 30 acres, to which ten will go to the housing department in the north sphere for the regional park. The north sphere will be served by one regional park and served by other residential parks. Mr. Stendell mentioned that the question keeps being brought up, as to when the north sphere will be built. Staff did a quick analysis on the number of units that are out there, and not building before it is necessary. A target has been set, and we probably will need about three to four thousand units before we start planning for that park. Other quick analysis, were fees and what it takes from the funding side of it. Quimby fees come in via developers when they pay developer impact fees and we calculated what it takes to take the necessary twelve and a half million to build a park, which is about a half a million an acre. We are also taking into consideration that Housing has to buy some land from us, so there is an infusion of cash from that. There is also an existing park fund balance with a little over a million dollars, which leaves us to come up with a little over nine million for funding. The calculation of park fund collection can be a bit complicated, because it's based on land value. Bottom line is we need over four thousand units before a park can be built. The layout provided is not the final master plan of the park; it's purely marketing for the Millennium builders. Van Tanner asked about the apartments being built, would they be counted as units that are necessary to start the north sphere project. Mr. Stendell confirmed that they will be counted as units. Commissioner Jutovsky asked what was currently being built there now. Mr. Stendell stated that parcel one single family homes are currently being built. Commissioner Guyer asked if there is a specified number of units for the subsidized housing, and if there is a limit to the size of those structures. He also asked if there are any anticipated demographics in that area and if those demographics will dictate what kind of parks will go in there. Mr. Stendell displayed on the screen the area that will likely develop in our area which will be a place for both students and families. Van Tanner gave a positive outlook on what the outcome will look like and an update will be available within a month or so. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES .JANUARY 05, 2016 VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE Vill. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT - Joe Mann Park Commissioner Guyer brought up the subject of senior housing, had we known that the Carlos Ortega Villas were going to be built in that area, something different could have been done with Joe Mann Park, because he is not sure how much the senior's at Carlos Ortega Villas will be able to utilize the park, other than the rose garden. Ryan Stendell stated that the reason the park was built that way, was because the rose garden was left in a very passive area, and on the other side there is some of the largest contingents of families, so it serves two potential audiences. Van Tanner stated that the roundabout is the best improvement the city did for that area and it adds more to the Palm Desert Country Club, it is very well used. Chair Hall mentioned that the playground is well utilized and the dog park is always at full capacity, and at some point, possibly rethink the use of the rose garden area. Mr. Stendell stated that the city doesn't actually own the property, it is a long term lease with Palm Desert Country Club Association; the city does however, maintain the park. B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Karen Creasy stated that there are three teams swimming at the center, as we speak. One is University of British Columbia, Edmonton Canada and West Coast Pentathlon. Ms. Creasy also mentioned that there is a better communication relationship between the teams and our existing users this year. There are also kayaks on the deck now, and will be expanding into a kayak program, all that is missing is an experienced kayak person who could put together a great program. The Aquatic Center has also partnered with InCight-Judy May, who will be using kayaks for some of her disability programs, and then we also get to use them on the side. Lap swimming has been busy, even with the cold weather. There are also some pool closures for maintenance that are coming up, notifications have been sent out, and it will be happening between now and the end of February. The Desert Sun also had some news coverage on the Aquatic Center, which was really fun. Swim lessons begin the end of February, so group lessons aren't happening right now, only private swim lessons. There is financial 511 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 05, 2016 assistance through the YMCA for swim lessons, so now we are able to work out a fund to help those in need of assistance in order to participate in the swimming program. In February, a Parks and Recreation management article is coming to the center that highlights the pool, which will be a big major publication for us, and will also include pictures of our facility, so it will be great press for the Aquatic Center. Sabby Jonathan asked about paddle boarding, since kayaks were mentioned. Ms. Creasy stated that there are two people that bring in their paddle board. We just haven't looked at bringing paddle boards in, yet. TYR, is the direct competitor to Speedo, and both TYR and Speedo are direct competitors with Nike. TYR, is a huge heavy hitter, and every year they put out a publication with photos and articles. They have rented our facility to do their annual publication this year. They will be bringing in some specific athletes, and two days to do an exclusive photo shoot. They also agreed to include the name of the facility in their shoot. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Karen Creasy reported on behalf of Rob Ballew. Flag football season one just finished with 220 kids, flag football season two is starting in late January, and they expect about 150 kids to register. Youth basketball will start in late January, and they expect 320 kids. Youth and government has a strong 60 kids learning about the state legislature. Carter school was busy through the vacation days, with YMCA day camp of 50 kids. The YMCA helped over 400 hundred families around the valley with some holiday support, like gifts and food. One hundred of the families were specifically from the city of Palm Desert D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated the DRD was closed for maintenance, the gym floor was resurfaced, painted and got everything back in to shape at the center. Winter camp was held with 48 kids and numerous daily drop ins. We are getting ready for senior games, we are at the same number as the previous year for registration. We are also getting ready for the Disability Sports Festival and will be working with Judy May from InCight, and that will be on January 31 st at the community center and at the park. They will add the kayak program to this year. We also started a new drums program, also working on a new men's adult basketball league, and indoor pickleball still remains popular. Ribbon cutting for games will be the 18th at 9 a.m. at the community center. Tim Skogen, with the First Tee, gave fall summary. First Tee is up 7 percent, and they just started their winter session yesterday, Monday January 4th, with 5 new classes weekly, with a total of 35 classes, which PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 05. 2016 represents a 15 percent increase within the last couple of years. The Career Builder event is also coming up, which is a big event for the First Tee because we are trying to get more involved with that event and get more support through activities there. There is also a master class, which involves behind the scenes activities, and trying to get the kids more involved. Spring fundraiser is this upcoming Saturday at The Springs Country Club, which brings in over 4 million dollars. Six new board members have been added, which brings it up to standard number of members for their size chapter. Finally, Mr. Skogen welcomes everyone to stop by the First Tee and show support. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Sabby Jonathan thanks everyone for being such a great and effective commission. Commissioner Hardin stated on how the City has done a tremendous job with the new hotel being built on El Paseo. He feels the operation of moving so much dirt with that project is being done in such a clean and efficient manner. Vice Chair Dawson would like to recommend a topic for the next agenda. Concussions is a popular topic in the news, and the commission should examine it from a stand point, of the YMCA, the DRD and city, because of the land use as well as any financial sport we get. We should also take a look at all the possibilities of kids having concussions in our city, more importantly to make sure we as a city are doing everything right. X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, Jthemeeng was adjourned at 9:25 a.m. Angie arron, Recording Secretary N.