Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 03/03/2015CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: April 8, 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, March 03, 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, MARCH 03, 2015 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 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 Commissioner Alternate Lindsay Holt Ex -Off icio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Absent Commissioner Raymond Rodriguez Kevin Kalman, DRD 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 Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains Judy May, Incight - Disabilities Sports Festival PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03, 2015 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chair Deborah Hall, wanted to take the opportunity to welcome new appointed commissioner, Mike Hardin and Lindsay Holt who will serve on the commission as an alternate. 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, 8-0-1 vote of the Commission (AYES: Kelly, Guyer, Hall, Dawson, Housken, Jutovsky, Hardin, Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Rodriguez) the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. YOUTH SPORTS POLICY Ryan Stendell stated that the presentation of the Memo is intended as a clarification of what staff believes is a historic Youth Sports Policy. This was brought forward from some of the things that the soccer league was currently doing, as far as how we handle new user groups, or new leagues, and clarification of what basic Youth Sports is. Mr. Stendell stated that the draft memo to the City Manager is intended to identify any Palm Desert youth based sports, which historically the city provided fee free field space. Secondly, defining the other two user groups are the club and travel ball groups, and organized adult leagues. Once we pass the threshold of basic Youth Sports, people will pay the commercial rates that are shown in the Desert Recreation District's fees and charges manual; right now for adult leagues field space is $30 /hour and if lights are needed that is an additional $30, and for non -organized adult leagues, those fees are actually half. Mr. Stendell wanted to give some sort of context of what the current fees are at the DRD, which might seem terribly expensive, but they are to recover some of the lighting expenses, because lighting can be costly. Also, going further in, the priority of use, we have always prioritized the youth based sports in Palm Desert. Next would be, youth based clubs, all other clubs and adult clubs, and then first -come, first -served. Mr. Stendell also mentioned that we all know that tournaments have come up in that past, we wanted to make sure that it was clear, no matter which group, whether its youth sports, or club travel they pay commercial rates, because tournaments can be big revenue generators. Mr. Stendell expressed to the commission that what he presented to them, will be presented to the Council, and hopes for the policy to be adopted. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03, 2015 Commissioner Housken asked with regards to tournament use, would that be proper to put it up under the definition of what tournament use is; secondly with regards to priority of use, should tournament use be listed under priorities and if so, where would it fall. City Manager, John Wohlmuth stated that it would depend on what is considered a youth tournament, a club tournament considered an adult tournament Commissioner Housken proceeded to say that since we are indicating that it depends on certain issues, we should list it under the term priority of use, or factor it in their like a youth tournament perhaps, or should that fall after the youth club travel team or after the organized adult leagues. She is simply asking where the priorities fall under. Lastly, under commercial use, what is that defined under. Mr. Stendell stated that private is defined as stated on the memo he presented. Commissioner Housken recognized that after having expressed her uncertainty, she wanted to say that she is happy that we are doing something like this, because it's a subject that was talked about years ago and the way that tournaments were, it seemed as if they were hosted by a local team, and then the local team would get a free slot in the tournament, a slot with a value of almost $400, and then the tournament use of our fields for no cost. Ms. Housken again, expressed how happy she is with this Youth Sports Policy. Mr. Stendell stated that at a staff level, that has not happened within the last five years, knowingly. Again, Mr. Stendell stressed that the purpose of doing this is to have it writing Sabby Jonathan wanted to commend Mr. Stendell for going through this process, and also wanted to mention that he did bring in the stake holders, the soccer community in this process and what the draft represents, and he believes this policy will be well received Mr. Stendell stated that the reason why we love all our youth groups is because we have great representation and great relationships, and the reason this came up also, is because the soccer league is looking at Cal South programs and they have a bucket full of programs, which compelled us to look at their program tiers of uses. Chair Hall had a question regarding the adult organized leagues, on whether you're a Palm Desert adult league, or from another city in the valley, does it make a difference. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03, 2015 Mr. Stendell stated he doesn't differentiate only because it's pretty standard in adult recreation fee for service, whether or not one is a gym member there is a standard out there that we are not going to get anything for free in the adult world, with that being said Mr. Stendell clarified that there is no difference on whether a league is local or not. John Wohlmuth stated a fact that adults will and can in fact drive if they are not local, to a facility that has a more competitive environment or less competitive, as opposed to a youth where they have to be driven; secondly you will find that the adults will be from all over the area, or do you measure how many teams are city residents. Commissioner Kelly inquired in regards to the tournaments, if each one of the groups request space for tournaments; because if the priority use would be like a palm desert youth base sports organization having a tournament, wouldn't that tournament be included in their group, or are tournaments something completely separate. Mr. Stendell clarified that tournaments are completely separate, and the reason why is because youth sports organization are usually large fundraisers and can be very lucrative if run correctly, which is great, but can be very intensive for the facility which can require us to staff the event. Commissioner Kelly proceeded to ask how it is determined who will get first place in tournament space. Mr. Stendell stated that the same approach would be taken, similar to the priority use. Commissioner Kelly moved to motion, to approve the Youth Sports Policy. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Dawson, and carried by a, 8-0-1 (AYES: Kelly, Dawson, Hall, Guyer, Housken, Jutovsky, Hardin, Holt; NOES: None; ABSENT: Rodriguez) VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. None VII. OLD BUSINESS A. FREEDOM SKATE / BIKE AREA Ryan Stendell spoke about what was discussed at the last meeting regarding what to do with the volleyball courts on the west, pickleball courts on the east, and a new proposed picnic area. Mr. Stendell also stated that he will be providing a new CIP plan, and it will be addressed for the next capital budget meeting. n PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03, 2015 Sabby Jonathan asked Mr. Stendell if the pickleball community is happy with the new courts. Mr. Stendell stated that they seem to be content, and they are still working on getting numbers on the posts; it's still in a bit of a transition. Commissioner Guyer asked if there is a plan for the wind abatement due to the high winds in that area. Mr. Stendell stated that it is in the works, along with some screens Vill. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS - Annual Wildflower Festival Tammy Martin wanted to thank City for being their main sponsor for this event. The festival kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and will continue through 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 07, 2015. Ms. Martin also stated that there will be a kid zone, a professional sand guy, along with a beer and wine garden; Ryan Stendell will be leading a bike ride. Parking will be located at St. Margaret's Church, and shuttles will be provided as well. Ms. Martin wanted to thank Sheila McGrew, one of the City landscape inspectors, for all her help, and doing such a fantastic job with the wildflowers. They are expecting a crowd of over 2,000 people, and hopes we can all attend the festival. B. DISABILITIES SPORTS FESTIVAL Judy May introduced herself and talked a little about the Disabilities Sports Festival. The festival started at Cal State San Bernardino 8 years ago; the program launched in La Quinta 3 years ago with a test run to see how it would turnout. The first year had a few sports with a subtle good turnout; the second year it jumped to 250 participants; by the third year it jumped to 550 people participating. Ms. May mentioned that it brought in major talent, as well as Olympians, many with disabilities, and also mentioned that she had the opportunity to talk to Chris Thomas, a former Parks and Recreation commissioner, who is interested in launching a wheelchair pickleball tournament sometime in the future. Commissioner Guyer asked how many participants can the festival handle and if it could go two days. Ms. May stated that no more than 750 people would be significant, just to be able to keep the whole event manageable, and a two day event could be a possibility. C. PARK USE REPORT - Cahuilla Hills Park Ryan Stendell stated that the reconversion of the courts is currently transitioning back to tennis courts with dual stripe lines. The hiking trail use has been exceptionally great; and also mentioned that a new water 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03, 015 fountain with a water bottle option for the hikers was installed. Cahuilla Hills Park continues to be one of the gems in the community. Chair Hall mentioned that the water bottle filler is going to become a remarkable trend, not only will it encourage hikers to use their own bottles, it will take away from using plastic bottles. D. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Karen Creasy stated that February was a good month for the Aquatic Center with an appreciable financial return. Spring swim lessons are coming up with the ASES & YMCA after school programs, bussing in 38 children, and they will also be hosting the Easter under water egg hunt on Sunday, April 5th, and the Swim to Win will be held on Saturday, May 23rd. Ms. Creasy also presented a newsletter, and will continue to do so, on a monthly basis and it provides monthly events and great information regarding the Aquatic Center, from parking advisories, bathing suit policy, birthday parties, to concessions, and anything relative to swimming. Chair Hall asked if there is a volunteer program, Ms. Creasy stated that there is one and it is run through the YMCA. Commissioner Guyer asked when the most underutilized time in the pool is; Ms. Creasy responded and said the middle of the day would be most underutilized. Mr. Guyer also inquired of there is anything that can be utilized at night. Ms. Creasy suggested, movies can be a possibility, however the pool does close at 7 p.m. and they would have to work on lighting. Commissioner Jutovsky asked if there was an increase with triathlons, Ms. Creasy confirmed that there was in fact an increase with triathlons. E. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Rob Ballew stated that the Y Rookies range from 3 to 6 years old with a total of 120 kids currently participating in that program; April 10th, flag football will kick off, with 200 kids taking part in that; and basketball has over 200 kids participating in that sport. May 7th, the concert series will take off; April 4th Healthy Kids day will be held here at Civic Center park and an Easter egg hunt to top it off; and last but not least, the first weekend of October the reverse triathlon will take place. Sabby Jonathan suggested there should be a swim portion training, prior to the reverse triathlon so that participants can be more prepared for the challenge; just a suggestion for Karen Creasy. F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT [.1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03, 2015 Brenda Nutcher reported that there were a total of 1045 registrants, 179 were Coachella Valley residents, and 866 were out of town participants; numbers were exactly the same as last year. Ms. Nutcher also stated that the DRD will be working on new marketing strategies for the next Senior Games Sports Festival, and next year the festival will be held, after the President's Day holiday weekend. They are also working to start a new wrestling program in April that will run throughout the year; and also partnering with AAA for the weekend of March 7th, a Dare to prepare event for teen drivers, that will be held at the Community Center, there are currently 110 persons enrolled for the program. They are also partnering with the Opera Arts for the Festival of Opera and Arts on March 22nd, here at the Civic Center Amphitheater. Ms. Nutcher continued to say that there are plenty of activities going on with the Desert Recreation District, and the weekends continue to be busy at Civic Center Park. Commissioner Housken inquired if there was going to be a big yoga event coming to Civic Center Park. Ms. Nutcher stated that the yoga event, Poses for the People, started at LuLu Lemon on El Paseo, it will now be migrating over to Civic Center because of the great turn out, and it will be held on Sunday, March 29th. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ryan Stendell stated that the concert series will kick off in May, and continue every Thursday evening. He would like to encourage everyone to attend, so they can get a glimpse on how this event is received by the community. This year they are getting bands outside of the norm, and the idea of putting the dance floor out there was a great aim. Rob Ballew complimented the Director of Public Works, Mark Greenwood, on the park maintenance, Civic Center Park looks exceptionally fantastic, Mr. Greenwood credited Brad Chuck, for the upkeep of the park, Commissioner Guyer agreed, and additionally complimented how all of the parks look great, and that all the landscaping staff is doing a great job maintaining our community parks. Council Liaison, Sabby Jonathan stated that he is happy to serve on this commission; he is conscious that recreation is becoming increasingly important to the community of Palm Desert; it's a very critical commission, but also a very positive transition. Mr. Jonathan also thanked everyone for serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 03 201 X. ADJOURNMENT With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m. A AngieWarr6a,,iecording Secretary 9