Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 01/13/2015X-Es CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: March 4, 2015 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 13, 2015. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY OF PALM DESERT APPROVED MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015 — 8:30 a.m. Community Service Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Rodriguez convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Raymond Rodriguez Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Kim Housken Council Liaison Alternate Van Tanner Absent Vice Chair Deborah Hall Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Mike Hardin Council Liaison Robert A. Spiegel Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Staff Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Tim Skogen, Desert Recreation District - First Tee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2015 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015 Rec: Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Guyer, carried by a 5-0-3 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Housken, Dawson Rodriguez; NOES: None; ABSENT: Hall, Jutovsky and Hardin) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2015 Commissioner Dawson made a motion to elect Deborah Hall as Chair, seconded by Rodriguez. Commissioner Housken stated that in light of an outstanding job Commissioner Dawson has done, Housken made a motion to elect Gerald Dawson as Vice Chair, seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-3 vote of the Commission (AYES: Rodriguez, Kelly, Dawson, Guyer, and Housken; ABSENT: Hall, Jutovsky and Hardin) B. FREEDOM PARK SKATE / BIKE AREA Ryan Stendell stated that when Freedom Park was constructed it provided a small area for modular skate equipment pieces. Staff has indicated that this area is underutilized, and some of the modular equipment could be changed over time. The size of this area is somewhat limited which may become a problem, and may be a reason why it has become underutilized. There has also been concern from staff, who received a claim regarding that area, stating that during summer time heat, that equipment tends to get extremely hot. Mr. Stendell stated that with this concern being brought up to their attention, it forced staff to possibly consider that area for an alternate use. Possibly consider freshening up the bike/skate area with newer equipment, active recreation equipment, and gear it towards seniors or fitness enthusiast. Mr. Stendell felt this would be the perfect opportunity to bring this up to the Commission, and get a feel on what their thoughts are regarding this issue and possibly put this in the budget for the upcoming year. Commissioner Guyer brought up the usage of the Civic Center pavilions, and how it compares to the usage of the pavilions at Freedom Park. Mr. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2015 Stendell informed Commissioner Guyer that the pavilions are heavily used, primarily for birthday parties. However, all of the Freedom Park pavilions are on a first come, first serve basis. No sign up process is available, unlike the Civic Center, which does require a sign up process if you are seeking a reservation. Council Liaison Van Tanner brought up the usage of the pickleball courts, and how he believes the activity in the pavilions will increase, and if there were any thoughts on building more, due to the rising activity within the pickleball community. Commissioner Housken suggested possibly adding access by the pickleball courts, out by the northwest end. Mr. Stendell proposed the option of looking at other multiple ideas. Commissioner Kelly agreed with Mr. Stendell, and would like to look at other options before making a decision. Staff was directed to prepare a memo outlining costs of various projects for this area at the next meeting. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. None VII. OLD BUSINESS A. MILLENNIUM VILLAGE MASTER PLAN Ryan Stendell stated that since the last meeting the appraisal was completed in regards to this project. The follow-up memo provided information which outlined the results from the appraisal provided by the City's Community Development Department. Mr. Stendell mentioned that the approval approach selected was the highest and best use on each property, and it essentially came out as a wash. Mr. Stendell stated that they are looking at sales tax stats with the city's Finance Department, essentially looking at several retail centers within the city. The 16 acres along the freeway and Portola could possibly generate a quarter of a million dollars to the general fund every year, which can essentially pay for the North Sphere annual maintenance for the park. Mr. Stendell feels the park has a better centrality toward the neighborhood rather than the freeway. Mr. Stendell also proceeded to mention that staff is supportive of this project, not only because of the location but also because of the benefit of sales tax by doing the proposed land swap. Mr. Stendell noted that he had the information from the last meeting, which is a diagram for the new planned community. He also mentioned that parcels 9 and 10 are not set in stone. He is simply identifying areas, more importantly the City would have control over parcels 9 and 10 for the future development of the housing and park site. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2015 Commissioner Dawson questioned if Housing was on board with this plan, Mr. Stendell confirmed that Housing is in fact on board with this plan. Ryan also made it clear that the City and Park funds purchased the property, therefore Housing would have to acquire that property from the City, and that income would go to the CIP funds for the park, which would be beneficial for the City. Commissioner Kelly is also in favor of the proposed plan, she believes that it would provide a wonderful area for the neighborhood around it, and would also benefit the city with the needed income the city needs to provide parks for the recreational community. Commissioner Housken asked Ryan Stendell if the long narrow strip of land is usable space, and not an area where it would not be big enough to put in for example, a soccer field. Mr. Stendell stated that the area is in fact usable space, also noting that when the real basic analysis was developed, the lay out showed it was more than wide enough. There are also a few things that have to be accommodated in that space, including the bike path, a minimum soccer field width that would likely have a retention area with a slight embankment added to it. Housken questioned if parking would be a possible fit. Mr. Stendell stated that they played around with a couple of configurations, and it was probably conceivable that Housing and the park could have some sort of joint parking area. Commissioner Housken asked about the drainage, and if that would entail the drainage even for the residential sites that would be going in. Mr. Stendell stated that there is some regional drainage that is being accommodated on the park site, which is typical of many of our regional parks. Mark Greenwood also noted that the 10 year storm is retained entirely within the commercial and residential development. After 10 years, there is a possibility it may get to the park. Mr. Stendell mentioned that the master planners of this project are in fact building a regional facility, so that at some point it will use that storm drain, then after the 10 years, it will use the park. Commissioner Guyer brought up the subject on PA 3, the planned commercial property, and mentioned that there's been nothing submitted to build there. Commissioner Guyer questioned if the developer has the ability to sell that property in 10 years. He also asked if there was an appreciation of value; if the developer takes that appreciation, or if there is any way the City can get any part of that. Ryan Stendell responded, and stated that the developer does in fact have the ability to sell the property after 10 years, but we won't be able to obtain any sort of appreciation because we are trading an equal value property. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2015 Commissioner Guyer responded, and stated that we traded with the idea that the City would benefit from it within 5 to 10 years, and the developer is benefiting from it by not building. Mr. Stendell reminded Commissioner Guyer that we still have the benefit of zoning, and the benefit of zoning is commercial development. Commissioner Guyer expressed his concern, and feels that it would be unfair if the developer was the only one who benefited from this land swap and not the City. Commissioner Kelly mediated the issue, and wanted to remind the Commission Board that we will have the commercial part of the land swap, and the City would benefit from it. John Wohlmuth mentioned that if the freeway interchange was in today, the developer would most likely develop sooner. Mr. Greenwood stated that they are getting ready to start the hard design, which currently has a 30 percent design, but it is still 5 to 10 years away. Commissioner Guyer expressed that he is simply looking at a scenario where somebody can swap land, then never develop it, and gain a profit. Eventually the City will gain some profit, if the land does get commercial development. In the meantime we have swapped land and lost money. If the City hung on to the land and sold it or swapped it after it had been developed, he feels the City would gain more. Council Liaison Van Tanner stated that, part of the problem would be that there would be no regional park, and that would be in the center of a residential community. John Wohlmuth made it known that our staff was very interested in planning this entire site, and have spent close to a quarter million dollars so far. Mr. Wohlmuth also noted that they encouraged the master plan, and when they did encourage it, they were looking at the economics of ultimately having half of this land; buy the rest of it so they could master plan. The cost of master planning, the cost of roads and drainage system, you can say down the line, the land was 2 million, and they sell it for 4 million, but also they put in 2 million worth of infrastructure. Chairman Rodriguez interjected to state that it's obvious our intentions are to create the best deal we can for the residents. This is something that the residents might not want to go into, with development risks. Another cost that the developer is going to be incurring after taking over ownership, is going to be tax liabilities and insurance costs for however many years, which would fall in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for that land to stay dormant once that land swap takes place, Chairman Rodriguez also understands that the City is exempt from paying taxes on that land. Once the land swap takes place, the new owner will be responsible for the State and County taxes, as well as insurance liabilities. These are things that people do not often consider. Chairman Rodriguez can't imagine what the costs are going to be for properties of that size, with the commercial PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13. 2015 designation. They are tremendous costs, some to which have been outlined up front, some of which will be unforeseen, and some will take place during the building process. He believes there has to be a return for people and organizations that are willing to do that with our community. Chairman Rodriguez strongly believes in the good intentions and professionalism of the staff. Commissioner Kelly moved to motion, to approve Staff Recommendation for the Millennium Village Master Plan. Motion was seconded by Chairman Rodriguez, Commissioner Guyer voting no, and carried by a 4-1-3 vote (AYES: Kelly, Rodriguez, Dawson, Housken; NOES: Guyer; ABSENT: Hall, Jutovsky, and Hardin) Vill. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT - Washington Charter Park Ryan Stendell stated that the school district is making several improvements at Washington Charter, and also adding portables to the old basketball courts. Use on the weekends and soccer play has been great. Mr. Stendell also added that the city rehabbed the tot lot, removed the drinking fountain and will be replacing it per the request of the principal. Overall we have a great relationship with Washington Charter, and he feels it is a great example on how significant joint park use is. Mr. Stendell requested that the commission take time to visit our city parks to see what the community is enjoying or not enjoying, and present feedback at our next meeting. Commissioner Dawson asked everyone to visit Cahuilla Hills Park, between now and the next meeting, to enhance the discussion next time they meet. B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Karen Creasy reported they have a lot of action going on at the Aquatic Center, and is still doing very well. The Aquatic Center will also have some new things implementing for summer, and new strategic plans for the year ahead. Ms. Creasy stated that they had teams down on the deck from December 28 to January 13, and then the schedule goes back to normal. Ms. Creasy also mentioned they had teams in from Canada and West Coast Pentathlon, adding that they had good, strong swimmers in the water. The Aquatic Center has teams coming in the end of February to the first week of March, and those teams are not as large so they won't be taking up that much space. Swim to Win is back and will be happening May 23`d, noting that the Olympians will be there for swim day. The Triathlon has been penciled in to the calendar for next fall, happening on 0 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2015 October 4t', which will also include the Reverse Triathlon, which was a big hit last fall as well. Third grade swim lessons through the ASES program has third graders out on the deck after school, the YMCA is also partnering with the DRD to do third grade swim lessons with the Boys and Girls Club, trying to get more kids swimming. Ms. Creasy also mentioned they just got done doing a CPR training class with the COPS, which benefits the City and the community as well. Rob Ballew proceeded to ask what marketing strategies are in plan, and if they will be targeting different businesses. Ms. Creasy responded, and mentioned that right now they have some people going out with a table and some marketing material to places like, Jensen's, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Bristol Farms, and are working with the stores to be out in front and hand out relational materials. Ms. Creasy is also set up to speak at some Rotary Clubs and get some swimsuit donations because they have kids that come to the Aquatic Center and can't swim because they don't have the proper apparel, she also noted that last year they had donations from Costco, which was wonderful and beneficial to those children who were in need. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Rob Ballew reported that the YMCA just finished up Friday Night Lights, Flag Football, Basketball, Y Rookies, and Holiday Camps. He also mentioned the number of participants for each of the activities. • Flag Football = 160 • Basketball — 325 • Y Rookies — 120 • Holiday Camps — 40 Mr. Ballew, mentioned that the after school program learned there was color left over from the color run, so Carter Elementary decided to have their own color run, which was fun for the kids and �arents. The YMCA will also kick off their Annual Campaign on February 5t , which is an important part of their fund raising network. D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Kevin Kalman introduced Tim Skogen, who came on board as Head of the First Tee. Mr. Kalman also mentioned that he is actively recruiting for 3 additional board members. Mr. Skogen indicated they have a lot of exciting things going on at the First Tee. He stated that they are now operating in the new building, everything is up and running and going great, along with some fine tuning, and merchandising is also on its way. He also stated that programming is 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2015 underway with the Winter Session both on site and at the schools are in full force. The First Tee has had great responses with over 100 volunteers, and they expect to be signing up more. Mr. Skogen also mentioned the Grand Re -Dedication for First Tee will be on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 12 - 4 p.m., which will be held there at the First Tee location, and they will be announcing the Springs Country Club Center, who has been a strong supporter for First Tee. Marrakesh Country Club will be hosting an event the third week of April, and will follow up with more information. Lastly, Tim encouraged everyone to attend the First Tee Invitational, which will be held at the Classic Club on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Brenda Nutcher stated that December was traditionally a slow month for the DRD. It closed for maintenance and for the holidays. Ms. Nutcher also mentioned that there were 539 people enrolled for the Annual Senior Games, and will be having the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, February 12'h. They will not be doing the dinner this year, only the ribbon cutting ceremony and a continental breakfast in the center. They will also have a welcoming wine reception that Sonoma County Senior Games donated to the event. The cooking and concert series at the library is doing exceptional, with up to 250 people. The Disability Sports Festival will be held on Saturday, January 24 at Civic Center Park. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Rodriguez congratulated the DRD on hiring Mr. Skogen as head of First Tee. Commissioner Kelly congratulated the DRD and the Palm Desert Aquatic Center on the fantastic job they are doing. Ryan Stendell brought up Christopher Thomas' resignation; hopefully new appointments will be made by Council. Mr. Stendell briefly commented on the group of swimmers that attended the City Council meeting last week in regards to the Aquatic Center. He stated that the Aquatic Center will do what they can to juggle the use of the facility and accommodate local swimmers and other swim teams. John Wohlmuth stated that he has sat down with the DRD and Kevin Kalman to discuss the future lease of the community center. The current lease has in fact expired, but they will be renewing it. Commissioner Housken wanted to congratulate Mary Helen Kelly on her 90th birthday. .:7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 13. 201. X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:38 a.m. n Angie Marron, Recording Secretary E