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CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: RECEIVE AND FILE INFORMATION REGARDING THE
POTENTIAL OF HAVING COLLEGE OF THE DESERT
HORTICULTURE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE TURF
CONVERSION AT THE CHARGER SCULPTURE
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
DATE: May 12, 2016
CONTENTS: Vicinity Map
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, receive and file information regarding the potential of
having College of the Desert (COD) horticulture students participate in the
turf conversion at the Charger Sculpture.
Strateqic Plan Obiective
Engaging our community college and local students with real -world experience furthers
the Strategic Plan by supporting community -based education and providing the students
building blocks for their future success.
Backqround
With the continuing drought and mandatory water restrictions throughout the state,
turf -style landscapes are being removed in favor of more desert -appropriate,
water -efficient landscapes. Staff submitted a white paper during the Fiscal Year
2016-17 budget review process requesting allocation of $50,000 for conversion of the
turf surrounding the Charger Sculpture to drought -tolerant landscaping.
During the budget review, Councilmembers asked staff to contact COD to determine if
there is an interest in incorporating the Charger Sculpture turf conversion project into its
horticulture curriculum. Staff contacted Jeff Pace, Professor of Horticulture at COD, and
Mr. Place indicated that this would be a great opportunity for his students to obtain
real -world experience in the landscape industry. However, both courses, Landscape
Design and Landscape Construction, will not be offered until spring of 2017. Therefore,
any assistance from COD would come in the later part of Fiscal Year 2016-17 and may
carry over into Fiscal Year 2017-18. Staff will meet with Mr. Place in July to discuss the
parameters of the project.
Staff Report
Informational Item — COD Participation with Charger Sculpture Turf Conversion
Page 2 of 2
May 12, 2016
Staff recommends moving this project to the latter part of Fiscal Year 2016-17 to fulfill
the Councilmembers' request for local student outreach and to accommodate Mr.
Place's curriculum.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Prepared By: Depart t d:
Randy Cliiavez, ndscape Supervisor Mark Gr4e wood, P.E.
Director o Public Works
Approval:
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Ju i McCarthy, Interim Cit ger
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