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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-06 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT i _. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - "= AGENDA # - Tuesday, January 6, 2009 — 8:30 a.m. i,t, Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2008 B_ MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM DECEMBER 16, 2008 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Any person wishing to discuss any item not on the agenda may address the Parks and Recreation Commission at this point by giving hisiher name and address for the record. This is the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on items not on the agenda. It should be noted that at the Parks and Recreation commission's discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes, unless additional time is authorized by the Commission_ V. INTRODUCTIONS A. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR APPOINTMENT Nomination and appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for 2009. B. FITNESS EQUIPMENT AT HAYSTACK Discussion and recommendation on installing outdoor fitness equipment at the Haystack greenbelt area. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA JANUARY 6, 2009 V111. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. COMMUNITY/AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE B. CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARKS INSPECTORS WORK AREA C. JOE MANN PARK VANDALISM D. MID VALLEY BIKE PATH E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT UPDATE F. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT UPDATE G. PARK INSPECTIONS IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS X. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda for the Packs and Recreation Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting_ Dated this 31sT day of December 2008_ Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary G'intvS0AtdarS2ritaLanolo4N+adAaralPsrxs icAceridasizdoi9Aondastit•e.a9.ao4o CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'�': PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 1111- 1 PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence: Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Kim Housken Vice Chair Michael Barnard (Jury Duty) Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant Guests: Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Derek Anderson, Bureau of Land Management Michael De Santo, Bureau of Land Management Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Laura McGalliard, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Kevin Kalman, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District (8:35 a.m.) Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NONE IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE V. PRESENTATIONS - NONE VI. NEW BUSINESS A. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT Discussion and recommendation to support an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Palm Desert and the Bureau of Land Management. Ms. Steele briefed the Commission regarding the agreement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM.) She indicated that six months ago Mr. Niemczak and she discovered the existence of this agreement, and that the agreement was for the BLM to do some patrolling and supervision of the trails. When this agreement was put together the City did not have an official Parks Department, and thus it was assigned to Ms. Frankie Riddle, Senior Management Analyst at that time. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement was for a period of five years and indicated that the City would provide some landscaping services for the BLM Visitor Center on Highway 74, and BLM would provide some supervision services on the City trails. Part of the agreement between the US Fish and Game, BLM, and the City stated that when the trails were built the City would provide supervision on the trails. This MOU was funded for three of the five years and ends on December 31, 2008, even though the MOU is for five years and lasts until December 31, 2010. Ms. Frankie Riddle contacted staff and inquired whether they would be interested in continuing the services provided by the BLM. Staff met with City representatives, Lt. Frank Taylor, Ms. Sheila Gilligan, and Ms. Frankie Riddle from the Community Services Department. They discussed the agreement and its extension. It was agreed that Parks and Recreation would oversee the agreement since this department manages the City trails. Staff felt that it was time to update the MOU as well because a lot of the trails were not built when the agreement was first created. Staff reviewed the agreement with BLM representatives, and the resulting draft MOU is being presented to the Commission. 2 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Staff is waiting for comments from the new police Chief, Lt. Andrew Shouse, and would like to request the Commission's approval to present this recommendation to City Council. Ms. Steele introduced the representatives from the BLM to the Commission. Mr. Jim Foote, BLM, greeted the Commission. He indicated that he is the Manager of the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. He circulated brochures with information about the monument and indicated that for the past few years the BLM has had an agreement with the City to provide support to the National Monument Visitor Center on Highway 74. These services include landscaping, staffing, and other operational needs of the center. The agreement funds in part a law enforcement division that works in the City within the National Monument. Mr. Foote added that with the implementation of the trails plan under the Multiple Species Plan, there will be new rules and regulations that will need to be enforced. Mr. Foote indicated that the BLM does not only provide law enforcement, but more importantly, they provide education to the public. Mr. Foote pointed out that rangers are a good contact for the public when they come to the trails. The rangers are a liaison between the federal agency that technically manages the monument and the user. Hopefully this is a very positive relationship, but there are those who do get out of line and officers have the ability to cite them and enforce City ordinances. Mr. Foote introduced Chief Area Ranger, Officer Derek Anderson. He is in charge of the law enforcement rangers in the Palm Springs area. Mr. Foote indicated that for quite a while they have been without a specific National Monument law enforcement ranger, but Officer Michael De Santo came on board recently, and is now the primary law enforcement contact within the national monument and the City of Palm Desert. Officer De Santo will be providing some educational background to the public as the BLM does. Mr. Foote invited Officers Anderson and De Santo to share with the Commission details about their duties. Ms. Steele added that in addition to conducting patrol, this agreement identifies monthly meetings to discuss issues pertaining to trails and discuss what problems are being encountered on the trails. She indicated that the City is responsible for maintenance to the trails in the City, but 3 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Staff cannot be present up there at all times and does not always hear about the problems that hikers are encountering. The information gathered at these scheduled meetings would assist Staff in planning what needs to be done such as upgrades to the trails, signage, etc. Besides that, having a law enforcement presence may assist in preventing some of the vandalism that has been experienced on the trails. Officer Derek Anderson, BLM, indicated that he oversees law enforcement within the counties of Los Angeles, Blythe, Riverside and San Diego. He noted that he covers a big territory and may not be the best source of information for the Palm Desert trails, but Officer De Santos will be present in Palm Desert. He offered his business card and invited calls anytime there are issues that need to be confronted. Officer Anderson explained that the Bureau of Land Management law enforcement is a little different from regular law enforcement like the sheriff's or Palm Desert police. He mentioned that most rangers, Officer De Santos for example, work for BLM all over the country in various parks, and can wear a lot of hats in addition to law enforcement. They are most like slave labor for the National Park Service, as they build and maintain trails as well as performing other duties. Rangers can hike and bike on the trails, whereas the sheriff and police officers are tied down to the radio and confined to keeping things safe and secure within city limits. Rangers can also stay at the trail heads and educate the users about regulations. Officer Anderson noted that the goal for Officer De Santos is to spend at least 50% of his work time in Palm Desert within the national monument. He feels that Officer De Santos will be a good fit for Palm Desert. Officer Anderson invited questions from the Commission. Commissioner Hall asked what type of law enforcement agents they are. Officer Anderson explained that they are federal law enforcement officers. They have a memorandum of understanding with the sheriff's office which grants them the authority to enforce state law within federal property and all land adjacent to it. Thus, the authority as federal agents allows them to charge under federal and state law. Vice Chair Barnard asked how many rangers are under Officer Anderson's direction within the territory he manages. Officer Anderson answered that there are eleven law enforcement agents including himself. The good thing is that the majority of the rangers are stationed within the Coachella 4 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Valley, which allows them to split the valley for coverage and have a coverage overlap. At any given time there is the potential for having two or three rangers in an area and if there are problems such as vandalism, parties, etc. they can pull all their resources and have eleven rangers addressing the problem. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they would call local police also. Officer Anderson replied that they would. He noted that they have an excellent relationship with the local police, and that he worked with Lt. Shouse previously. He noted that they try to work jointly with local law enforcement when possible. Commissioner Babcock commented that he has been on the trails with his dogs and has noticed a lot of dogs. He asked if there is still a concern about the bighorn sheep. Officer Anderson deferred the answer to Mr. Foote, as the National Monument Manager. Mr. Foote answered that the dog issue has been, and continues to be very contentious. He indicated that they have a conservation plan that has been issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Now it is time for the implementation of this plan that includes the trails plan which also addresses dogs and the bighorn habitat. This was a nine-year effort, and over the course of these years a number of issues regarding trails have been addressed. One of the big issues has been dogs. It is the perception of the wildlife agencies that dogs, when viewed by bighorn sheep, are considered predators. They look like coyotes, and the sheep cannot tell the difference between dogs and coyotes. The sheep will try to escape those areas and if there is repeated dog use, the sheep will abandon that particular habitat for good. So dogs are a huge issue. Generally under the trails plan there will be no dogs allowed in any of the mountains areas. The exception is the loop between Homme/Adams Park and Cahuilla Hills Park. The City ordinance specifies that in Cahuilla Hills Park the dog must be within voice control within 50 feet of the owner. Once one gets further up the trail on that loop off City limits and in BLM land, the dogs have to be on a leash. Mr. Foote agreed that the signage needs to be improved and as the BLM works through the Trails Management Subcommittee, BLM will be addressing implementation actions including better signage and how to educate the public about rules and restrictions. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if Mr. Foote oversees the staffing of the National Monument Visitor Center and if there are any problems. Mr. 5 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Foote answered yes. He indicated that several years ago the Center used to have three full-time federal employees. Currently there is a full-time and a part-time federal employee. Mr. Foote added that they are trying to engage the Friends of the Desert Mountains to step up and provide more support and coverage for the Visitor Center. They are doing a good job, but occasionally if one of the employees gets sick, no one can cover and the center stays closed. This is very rare and does not happen more than a few times a year. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they need more volunteers. Mr. Foote answered that more volunteers would be welcome. He encouraged anyone that is interested to work through the Friends of the Desert Mountains. Commissioner Babcock asked if the Homme/Adams Park is under the jurisdiction of the BLM or the City. Mr. Foote answered that it is under the City's jurisdiction. Commissioner Babcock commented that there a lot of dogs running there in the morning. Mr. Foote replied that it is allowed under the City's ordinance as long as they are under voice control. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel suggested that volunteerism for the National Monument Visitor Center could be promoted through the Bright Side, the City's newsletter. Commissioner Guyer asked if the Visitor Center is the contact point between the user and the BLM other than the actual trails. Mr. Foote answered yes. Commissioner Guyer asked what other places are available for users to contact the BLM in the valley. Mr. Foote indicated that currently the BLM offices are located on Indian Avenue by the 1-10 in Palm Springs, but by the end of the year they will relocate next to the FedEx building by the airport. Mr. Foote recommended their website also, which contains information about the trails and general trail information. He added that they are working with The Desert Sun on an interactive website where the public can get additional trail information. Ms. Steele pointed out that on the City's website there are links to these websites as well. Commissioner Guyer summarized that a trail user could have contact with BLM on the trails or at the Visitor Center. Mr. Foote agreed. He noted that the BLM has jurisdiction on the trails across the valley. This makes management of the trails a challenge because there are various cities, state, and federal lands and guidelines. 6 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Commissioner Guyer noted that this fact makes it a challenge for the trail user as well, because they may not know what rules and regulations apply to each area, such as what they are allowed to do and where are they allowed to go. Mr. Foote clarified that this is the challenge for the Trails Management Subcommittee, to address how they will implement a consistent operation. Users should not be concerned with the jurisdictional aspect of the trails. The rules need to be communicated, however, and the beauty of working through the Trails Subcommittee under the Habitat Conservation Plan is that there is consistent management for trails located on City, state, and federal land. Thus people will get information at the trailhead and once they start on their hike. Ms. Steele added that the City provides information on the kiosks at the trailheads. This information indicates where dogs are allowed and the importance of wild life and the bighorn sheep. This is part of City's effort to educate and disseminate information to the public. Mr. Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, asked if the BLM trails and programs information is available in all the cities in the valley. Mr. Foote answered that it is a challenge to integrate the information in cities' websites, visitor centers, and to be proactive in promoting the National Monument. Mr. Foote continued that the latest battle is trying to work with the Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA) to get listed on their website without having to join as a member. He looks at the National Monument as a huge amenity for the valley in terms of tourism as it attracts visitors to hotels, restaurants, etc. Everyone benefits from visitors knowing about the monument, yet he is encountering such a challenge of having to pay money if he wants to have their information listed. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Foote who he has talked to at the CVA. Mr. Foote indicated that he just recently talked to Mr. Terry Henderson and Mr. Rob Bernheimer. Commissioner Hall asked if the BLM has any information at the Palm Desert Visitor Center. Mr. Foote answered that he believes there is information available, and that the interesting thing about visitor centers is that their focus is on getting people to hotels and golf courses. Mr. Foote added that he has distributed the monument brochures and a new trail map that is for sale that is owned by the Friends of the Desert Mountains. This map is available at map stores, Barnes and Noble, and Borders. 7 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Commissioner Guyer asked about the length of the extension of the MOU. Ms. Steele answered that staff is looking at extending the MOU to the end of the five years with the amendments and with funding. She indicated that the funding in the past three years was $55,000.00 annually which is minimal considering the type of service that the BLM provides. Ms. Steele added that staff will have to go to City Council for funding for the next fiscal year. Currently the Parks and Recreation Division budget has funding that with Council's approval can be allocated to cover this service. Ms. Steele noted that the City has to have staff on the trails, and given the level of expertise and skill provided by the BLM staff, the cost of this agreement is peanuts. She added that she was happy to see that Mr. Anderson has some experience working with Lt. Shouse. It seems that they have a very good working relationship which is very important. Mr. Foote introduced Officer Michael De Santo to the Commission. Officer De Santo explained that he spends the majority of his time on the mountains off Highway 74. As the weather is getting cooler, the trails are being used more, especially in the morning. He indicated that currently the big focus is addressing the off-leash dogs, and where they can go. Officer De Santo added that he came to the desert in July, and is trying to be on the trails a lot more. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if he interacts with the Big Horn Institute. Officer De Santos answered yes. Commissioner Guyer inquired if he has had any major problems. Officer De Santos indicated that right now the big concern is the dogs on the trails. He noted that he has received mixed reactions when he is at the trailheads. Some people prefer to have their dogs off leash while others who do not have dogs would rather have them on a leash. Rangers face a tricky situation because the issue of voice command is viewed by some as 10 feet and by others as 100 feet. Ms. Steele noted that Lt. Shouse wants to have Officer De Santo present at briefings with them, so that they will get to know the people in the police department. Officer De Santo indicated that because they carry radios they are able to communicate with the police department directly. Vice Chair Barnard asked if they were issues with safety. He mentioned the incidents on the La Quinta Cove trails. He asked if this was an issue on the Palm Desert trails. 8 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Officer Anderson replied that they are in contact with the sheriff's department. He pointed out that the ranger staff as a whole is fairly new to the area, and one of his goals is to establish a good working relationship with local law enforcement. He noted that he will have the rangers go through various local trainings. He added that they get calls from the sheriff's department from time to time, when it relates to incidents occurring on federal land. Officer Anderson noted that the goal is to be fully integrated with law enforcement agencies in the valley so that they can share information. He explained a couple of instances where BLM rangers worked with the sheriff's department in minor incidents. Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Foote, Officer Anderson and Officer De Santo for the work they are doing, and for being at the meeting. Commissioner Schukart moved to support the extension of the MOU with the BLM with oversight and funding by the Parks and Recreation Division of the City. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Housken ABSENT. (Housken on Jury Duty) VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. ADA ACCESS TO DOG PARKS Mr. Niemczak informed the Commission that the Civic Center dog park is usually closed for reseeding every year in October. This year an individual in a wheelchair who uses the Civic Center dog park went to the Freedom Park Dog Park. She informed Staff that she could not access it because there was no sidewalk inside the park. Therefore, sidewalks were installed in the dog parks at Joe Mann Park and at Freedom Park. Sidewalks will also be installed at the University Park dog park. Mr. Niemczak indicated that Staff is working to ensure compliance with ADA access, and that citizens are being listened to when they indicate the need for access to the parks or certain areas in the parks. Chairman Dawson was appreciative of Staff's efforts, and mentioned that this item is worthy of mention in the newspaper. 9 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 B. CVRPD GENERAL MANAGER UPDATE Ms. Steele explained that this was an informational item for the Commission's review, and that Mr. DeWitt will be relocating his office to the Indio Community Center. Chairman Dawson asked Mr. DeWitt if he is still involved with the Palm Desert Community Center. Mr. DeWitt answered that he is. Chairman Dawson asked if there were any further questions with the report. There were no additional questions. C. THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER Ms. Steele indicated that she received this information recently, and thought this would be valuable information that the Commission could have that includes trends in parks and recreation. She added that the report includes websites and links that can be visited as well. Staff could follow up at the Commission's recommendation on items that might not be currently done in the City. This informational piece contains a lot of information about trends in parks and recreation in the country. Chairman Dawson invited comments from the Commissioners regarding the information contained in the report. Commissioner Guyer found it interesting that there has not been any increase in attendance at the National Parks. Chairman Dawson asked if everyone understood the per capita attendance. He assumed that the local per capita attendance is going up. Ms. Steele answered at this point Staff is not tracking numbers, but this is an item that will be looked at in the future. Commissioner Hall thought that the national parks attendance might be an average, and noted that the attendance at the Joshua Tree National Park attendance has gone up, while the attendance in other parks went down. Commissioner Guyer wondered if the increase in admission fees has influenced these numbers. Commissioner Schukart agreed that because fees have been increased, it will have an impact on attendance. 10 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Commissioner Hall thought that capacity is another issue. Commissioner Schukart added that some parks like the Grand Canyon have some access restrictions also. Chairman Dawson asked Staff to be sure to include this report every time it is available. D. NEWS ARTICLES Chairman Dawson asked if there were any comments pertaining to the news articles. He asked if the Commissioners would like to continue receiving these articles. The Commission found this information useful and would like to continue receiving them. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Babcock informed the Commission that he has attended some meetings regarding the trails and road along the wash, and at the next meeting they will have a speaker who will talk about what is coming up. He has tried to get the right information to share with the Commission, and found out that a new map will be coming out with information about the progress on the Whitewater wash, where they are, and what are they doing. He indicated that there are a lot of organizations involved and working together. Based on a discussion he had with a couple of people in that group, things are looking good. Chairman Dawson thanked Commissioner Babcock for attending those meetings and keeping the Commission updated. Commissioner Guyer had some questions regarding a couple of cities in the valley that are starting to use Redevelopment funds to purchase back parks so that they can be maintained. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel clarified that they are giving the money to the city to be put in the general fund. This is a way to move money around; if the city is running a deficit in a year and they do not have a surplus budget, the city will sell to the Redevelopment Agency a park, a library or whatever. Then the Redevelopment Agency will give the money to the city. Commissioner Guyer asked if these funds would need to be paid back. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel answered that they would not have to be repaid. 11 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel added that this is going to be a tough year, and some cities do not have the luxury of money that is set aside like Palm Desert does. He continued that this year the way business is going, the City will not make its budget and will have to dip into the reserves, but that is precisely what it is for. Commissioner Munson mentioned that the Veteran's Day Celebration was great, and to pass that to Pat Scully who did a great job. Chairman Dawson liked the multiple fly-overs. Commissioner Hall congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel on his re- election to the City Council. Ms. Steele indicated that a study session for the Community/Aquatic Center is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room (ACR). Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel added that this will be a joint study session with the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Chairman Dawson recommended that the Commission read the bylaws which were provided so that these can be discussed at the next meeting. He added that the park inspections are due to Mr. Niemczak when completed. Commissioner Babcock commented that the Veteran's Day celebration was a nice event. There was a nice turn out, the music was good and it was well done. Chairman Dawson asked Staff to prepare for the Commission a two-page outline that indicates the history of the deliberations of the Commission on the Community/Aquatic Center. He would like a brief statement that indicates the initial recommendation from the Commission to City Council and what their response was. In addition, he requested what was taken to Council the second time, and what their recommendation was. This will allow everyone to have the timing of the past recommendations and deliberations before the joint meeting on December 11. Mayor Pro Tern Spiegel suggested including the reasons why the Commission made the recommendations initially. Chairman Dawson requested to have this summarized to two pages, so that the information clearly identifies the timing, as well as information on why, when, where, and what might get everyone up to speed for the joint 12 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Mlnutesl11-18-08 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2008 meeting. Ms. Steele asked if the date of start for this report can be that of when she came on board with the City and the feasibility study was conducted. Commissioner Schukart added that the College of the Desert was invited to play Santa Ana College on Saturday. He indicated that they went to a new league where they play against colleges that have 40,000 students while COD has 9,000 students. He was proud to share that COD is starting to develop an interest among serious football playing colleges. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, the meeting was adjourned at 9:21 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 13 G:1DevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-18-08 min.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES et:*Itzeti DECEMBER 16, 2008 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Julie Munson Vice Chair Michael Barnard Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Mayor Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Guests: Van Tanner, City of Palm Desert Planning Commissioner Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Tatiana Hinkle, Desert Recreation District Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Spiegel presented the Commissioners with a gift for their time and dedication to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission thanked Mayor Spiegel and the City Council. Mr. Ford, Desert Recreation District, communicated that they received an award of excellence from California Park and Recreation Society for their catalog. The Commission congratulated the District, and Commissioner Hall added that it is a beautiful catalog. V. PRESENTATIONS A. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Tatiana Hinkle who provided a presentation on the District's new branding initiative. Ms. Hinkle presented their new branding effort. A copy of the Power Point presentation was provided to the Commission. She explained that a survey was completed and a new name was developed. Their new identity will be marketed, and they hope to build stronger partnerships with the community and organizations. Other items mentioned were thinking and acting "greener," fundraising to assist their community residents, professional discovery series training, an e-newsletter, and ideas for one stop recreation information. Commissioner Babcock asked Ms. Hinkle what the District can do for the City that the City cannot do. She responded that the District hopes to partner with the City and add to what the City already has and not duplicate services. She also stressed better communication, and partnering more strategically for a better outcome at the end. Commissioner Guyer inquired about the professional discovery series training. It was mentioned including all recreation organizations. He asked what the other recreation organizations are. Ms. Hinkle replied other organizations that provide recreation services such as cities, Boys and Girls Clubs, or anybody that provides recreation services in the valley. 2 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Mr. Ford added that part of their master plan they had focus groups such as AYSO and Little League. He explained that since the District is a little larger organization they can provide training valley-wide. Commissioner Guyer asked if valley-wide training is being done at this time. Mr. Ford answered no, and that some cities might be doing their own. Commissioner Hall commented that the mascot for the Children's Museum is Sunny, which looks similar to one of the mascot's presented by the District. She suggested that the District look into what they have before moving forward. Ms. Hinkle responded that there has not been a decision on the mascot, and that they would take a look at it. Commissioner Housken stated that she likes the idea of the one stop recreation information since it was an item that the Commission has mentioned before. She communicated that she does not really know how successful or what is working with programming for residents in the City of Palm Desert, and that is something that she would like to know. For example, she would like to know how many people attend an aerobics class or how many people are attending the boot camp in the park. Commissioner Housken stated that for her, seeing numbers is something that she would like to have. She asked Ms. Hinkle if that is something the District can do. Ms. Hinkle responded that it could be included in the e- newsletter. She stated that the District welcomes requests for information. She noted that the District wants to build a stronger partnership, and to please call them if they need information for a meeting. Commissioner Housken indicated that ultimately she would like to know the results. Did the program work? Was the program successful? Ms. Hinkle commented that there are trends in recreation. There might be programs that worked five years ago, and now no longer do. Commissioner Housken stated that information compared from a previous year would also be helpful. Ms. Hinkle noted that if the Commission has something that they want to see in the e-newsletter, to let the District know. Vice Chair Barnard asked how the District is going to measure the effectiveness of programs. Ms. Hinkle responded that the District has a computer system that tracks all of the members and sign ups. The program provides a very comprehensive report. 3 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard inquired if the District is going to create some benchmarks where they are today and where they are in six months or a year. Ms. Hinkle replies that the District has historical data for a few years back. It is a matter of compiling the information. Mr. Ford stated that North Star (consultant that performed branding survey), as part of their contract, will come in two years from now and do another survey. Vice Chair Barnard asked for the name of the company. Mr. Ford replied North Star Destination Strategies. Vice Chair Barnard inquired how much was the Districts budget. He commented that it cannot be cheap to hire a branding company, and have to do signage, logos, letterhead, etc. Mr. Ford responded that the contract with North Star was $80,000, and the District has not yet budgeted for the marketing. The District is going to discuss it during their budget process, and figure out how they are going to be able to afford it because they will not be able to do it all at once. The board is going to have to make a decision of when they would like to move forward. Commissioner Schukart commented that in the past the Commission has discussed raw data district wide. He recollected that the Commission has been interested in how the District pulls out participant information as to what city they live in, and it seems that it has been difficult to massage out the numbers from the District's computer base. Mr. Ford responded that approximately two years ago, the District purchased software called Rec Track. The software can capture the people that come into the building because they must scan their card. With activities like the concerts that might have 3,000 people; they do not know where the people are coming from. There might be some things that the District would not be able to capture. Mayor Spiegel noted that the presentation was good and thanked Ms. Hinkle. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. COMMUNITY/AQUATIC CENTER STUDY SESSION Discussion and recommendation based on the City Council's direction from the December 11, 2008, Study Session. Chairman Dawson stated that the City Council and the Commission met last week to listen and view the presentation by gkkworks. The 4 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commission must discuss what they learned, and make a decision on what, if anything, the Commission wants to send to the City Council. Mayor Spiegel commented that he did not get any feeling from anybody so he cannot really say plus or minus or anything else. He did take Commissioner Schukart's idea to the Council, and told them what they are going to do. They are going to phase in the project. His recommendation would be to make a decision regarding where to put the center. They know how many square feet is going to be needed. The Commission will need to take back to the Council where the site for the center will be located, and then go from there. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they had any objections to that approach. Commissioner Guyer stated Mayor Spiegel said, ". . . where you want to put it," and asked if "where" is in the Civic Center Park. Mayor Spiegel clarified that he was talking about anywhere in the City of Palm Desert, but not to put it in the City of Indian Wells. Ms. Steele noted that she has the presentation and drawings available if the Commission would like to review them. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they had any questions about the presentation. Commissioner Schukart stated that gkkworks was directed to look at two sites. He asked the Commission if they received anything from the City Council that they want gkkworks to look at one or two other options besides the two that were studied. He asked Mayor Spiegel if other sites are on the table. He replied that it could be on the table. Mayor Spiegel stated that the City Council could always reject the sites the Commission chooses too, which would mean going back to the drawing board. Vice Chair Barnard commented that it is hard to recommend anything because they have not really looked at another site. They have only really looked at the two options at the Civic Center. Commissioner Guyer stated that maybe what they need to think about is if either of the two sites that are being considered would be adequate. Chairman Dawson inquired in what time period. 5 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Guyer asked Chairman Dawson if that was a question or statement. He replied it was a question. Commissioner Guyer stated that if either one of the sites would be adequate for what they are trying to accomplish as the City grows. Commissioner Housken clarified that at this point in time, is it adequate? She stated that the fear is that there is not enough room to expand, but there is certainly a lot of land to the north where maybe a second site could be used. She understands that the only big negative with the location at the Civic Center is no real room to grow. Commissioner Guyer noted that as it gets busier and busier there will be no room to grow. Mayor Spiegel mentioned considering the college. They have 200 acres out there, and there always could be a possibility of an additional facility years from now on the campus. Commissioner Guyer stated that he personally thinks that the aquatic component is essential for the Civic Center Park, for the City, and for the College of the Desert (COD). That makes sense to him. The activity center as it started to materialize; he kept pushing it to the back of his mind. He always felt the aquatic center is what they needed; it fit and it worked with COD. Now they are trying to throw something else on top of it. He added that it now makes the aquatic component smaller. He stated that the more he thought about it; then when he saw the $28 and $31 million, his thought process was once they spend $31 million to have an activity center and an aquatic component, where are they going to justify another $30 million for another activity center somewhere else. When he got to that point, he went back to the idea of having a municipal aquatic center that was first rate that could be shared with COD and fit at COD, then look elsewhere for a large activity center that could take care of the whole City as it grew. He noted that the City is now at 40,000 or 50,000 people, and probably will be 70,000 or 75,000 by the time it is built. He does not see 75,000 people fitting in the activity center that was presented the other day. He stated that he hates going down this road again because he has done it before. He feels the best fit for the Civic Center Park is a good municipal aquatic center, and find another location for a really good municipal activity center that might have an aquatic component to it because of the activities that want to be offered. Chairman Dawson commented that he has heard that sentiment from several Commissioners. He asked what other thoughts are out there. 6 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Hall mentioned that when she heard $30 million and possibly $32 million, and noted that she was unable to attend the meeting, she was under the impression that the Commission was looking for something the would cost approximately $20 million. She stated that to go $30 or $32 million, she cannot justify that amount in her mind. She thinks it is a good idea to start with an aquatic center at the Civic Center, then moving forward from there. She commented that if she remembers correctly, an aquatic center would cost approximately $8 million. Ms. Steele communicated that $8 million would not get you an aquatic center like what they are talking about. An aquatic center that they are talking about is going to cost $14 to $15 million minimum. She clarified that gkkworks gave the worst case scenario. They wanted to provide the City Council with a true picture of what it could really cost the City. She mentioned that $2.1 million was for moving the skate park. Staff does not believe that it would ever cost that amount. She stated that in the current economy, the center may be built at $4 or $5 million less. If you wait five to six years, it will cost $30 million. She noted that some costs involved are in the LEED certification, green sustainability, and solar panels that the City would want to do to keep the building in a Silver LEED Certification. Mayor Spiegel commented the cost of building the center down the road is not a big problem because Redevelopment dollars would be used to build it. He noted that Redevelopment dollars come in every year for the City, and it is not General Fund dollars. He stated that running the facility is General Fund dollars. Mayor Spiegel stated that what the Commission needs to consider is how much it is going to cost to run it, can the City break even, how is it going to be done in conjunction with COD, is COD going to participate in the cost of running the facility, and a lot of other things like that. But as far as $30 million that is a lot of money, fortunately the City has the money to build it over the years. Vice Chair Barnard indicated that he spoke to the construction manager after the Study Session, and he also said that the figure was a pretty generous figure. He explained that the construction manager had an escalation figure built in, which he does not see happening. He stated that he is also concerned with squeezing something into a small piece of property, and not build what they want. He thinks the building has everything that the Commission asked for the last couple of years. The aquatic portion is smaller than what they had planned a couple of years ago. The pool is the same size, but they do not have the separate little kid's pool and the big lazy river that the City Council didn't really want. He noted that the Commission came back with is identical to what Ms. Steele and he saw when they toured the community centers in the Midwest for 7 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 towns of 10,000 to 50,000 people. His concern with having the facility at the Civic Center is the parking. The parking study was done, but he still had some reservations when the consultant mentioned that the peak time was 3:00 p.m. during a weekday. The consultant did not come back to do a study in the evening. Chairman Dawson noted that the revised page for parking in the presentation shows the 50-meter pool eliminating about 53 parking spaces. Commissioner Housken asked for clarification from Ms. Steele. She thought initially there was going to be an indoor and outdoor pool. But then she saw in the diagrams a competition pool and a leisure pool. The leisure pool looks like it is inside the building. She noted that she understands it was a massing plan, and it may not necessarily be there. She asked if the plans show the pool inside. Ms. Steele explained that in the drawings it is there to show you two things. It can be inside or outside. She believes that the Council has requested that it be outside, but if you keep it close to the building you can somewhat shelter it with a trellis so during the winter you can keep the pool warmer or block some of the sun in the summer. She noted that an outdoor pool was considered in the cost. Ms. Steele also clarified that the pool in the original picture is 25 yards by 35 meters. The 35 meters was to accommodate water polo and a diving well. The 25 yards is where people would swim their meets, which is competition length. She noted that 50 meters is used for long course competition, which the Olympics are run at. Commissioner Housken mentioned that she heard Councilman Ferguson comment during his Barcelona presentation that the facility in Barcelona had everything that the Council wanted; an outdoor element and an indoor element. Mayor Spiegel interjected that Councilman Ferguson did not speak for the City Council. He noted that Councilman Ferguson's objective is to have an Olympic size pool with diving boards. He believes that majority of the City Council do not want diving boards and an Olympic size pool. Mr. Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, noted that he did hear Councilman Ferguson say that he is in a position now to accept his colleague's decision on what that pool should be, and he thought that was pretty significant. 8 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard stated that one of his other concerns is building an aquatic center by itself. He is not an expert, but from what he has heard from Staff is that an aquatic center is a lot more successful when there is another component with it. Mayor Spiegel commented that they all went on tours and saw what other places look like. Vice Chair Barnard added that what they also saw were other cities that built aquatic centers, and later realized that they needed to come back and build an indoor recreational component. Mayor Spiegel noted that Coronado was a sample of that. Vice Chair Barnard noted that the City now has COD's participation. He is not sure if they can commit to anything, but they are having discussions with the City. Commissioner Schukart informed the Commission that the COD President is waiting to see what it is that the City is really going to show up with, and that would give evidence to him whether or not or to what extent COD would partner with the City. Mayor Spiegel interjected that it also depends on how much time COD wants. There are a lot of things to consider. Ms. Steele stated that after meeting with COD, as far as the pool standpoint, nothing has changed. COD would still share the pool in the morning, and it would still be available for the public. The only question would be the gym and how much they would want to participate. She noted that COD understands that in a shared facility, whoever is managing it is the person in charge of the schedule. Commissioner Schukart commented that was one of the discussions. Down the road, COD is going to have bond money for a new gymnasium at some point. One of the questions or ideas that was floating, you look at the footprint from gkkworks, if there is what would be termed on most complexes an auxiliary gymnasium in addition to what they have drawn. That would be paid for by COD and maintained by COD. He stated that is something he has not brought up because they have enough problems dealing with what is on the table let alone adding another mask to it; particularly when it comes to Commissioner Guyer's comments. 9 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Schukart communicated that the COD is going to grow. The YMCA, the Desert Recreation District, use of the park, the Street Fair, and the Golf Center is also going to grow. He stated that it is going to be interesting managing the entry and exit to the Civic Center area. He mentioned that if you look at a helicopter view of the area; there is a lot of action. He added that there is going to be a new fire and police academy at the end of Magnesia Falls and San Pablo. He stated that today it would work, but five or ten years from now it may not. So that is something that needs to be considered. Commissioner Guyer stated that another question that he had, as a councilmember, if a resident came to you and said why is the City building an activity center next to two buildings that are activity centers, how would you answer that? Mayor Spiegel responded that he did not know. Commissioner Guyer stated that he would not know either. Mayor Spiegel commented that he always thought that the two buildings would become one and that's where they would go, but that is just him. He agreed with what Commissioner Guyer said. If you talk to the YMCA and the Desert Recreation District, they would tell you that we can do our own business even with this facility. Commissioner Guyer inquired if with the growth of the YMCA and the Desert Recreation District requires expanding the buildings at some point. Mayor Spiegel answered that according to the agreement with the YMCA they should be three times bigger than it is now. Mayor Spiegel communicated that it gets very complicated. The most complicated thing is where you are going to put the facility. Once the Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council, the Council is going to decide if it is okay or not. He noted that the Commission does not have to make a decision today. Commissioner Guyer commented that the other dilemma is that the Commission knows that the residents want an aquatic and community center. Commissioner Schukart stated that even if the Commission deliberated and decided, in fact, that this over time is going to be too small of an area for such a facility, and the Commission decided to fly to the north and drop the facility in the north sphere; the cost of construction will not be more than what it is at the Civic Center. gkkworks is configuring construction around limiting factors. To the north, it would not be a problem. 10 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Mr. Croy commented that one of things that the Commission must keep in mind is that the City is at a point on deciding what to do. He noted that they have not talked finance, partnerships, and they have not talked about sharing costs with partners. That is the next phase they need to move to. He hopes that the Commission does not make a rash decision on one meeting. He noted that they are working on this in phases. He suggested moving on and considering talking to partnerships, operational costs, shared costs with COD, and possibly other districts who might want to participate. They do not know that yet because they have not broached out to that level yet of this discussion of this project. He noted that they are still in the conceptual stages. He stated that he wants the Commission to remember that as they further discuss the facility. Commissioner Guyer mentioned that not considering the cost; his thought process kept bringing him back to creating a good municipal aquatic center at the Civic Center Park site that can be used by COD, then figure out how to get the activity component into the City. He stated that he is not even considering the costs, which is the point that he is trying to make. He feels that they are sacrificing a little bit of the aquatic component to build both at the same time. He questions if the Commission should do that because they should have a good aquatic center in the City. He feels the aquatic center would be over utilized once it is built. Chairman Dawson asked Commissioner Dash if he had any thoughts. Commissioner Dash stated that he does have thoughts. He communicated that he agreed with Commissioner Guyer's comments in terms of the total space and the crowding as not being the most appropriate place for the community center. He indicated, as he has mentioned before, if it were going be helpful to COD then he could change his thinking because he supports the college. He is concerned with the crowding at the Civic Center Park. He stated that it is a beautiful park now, and that there is going to be growth. He stated that the Commission should really think about the freedom that an architect would have in having space, to come in and build something for the City as oppose to tagging it onto something else. In addition, try to avoid the tearing down of a building or adding onto a building. He stated that it is a conglomerate of bringing all these activities centralized into the Civic Center area. He stated that it is conceivable that everybody could have something going at the same time, and it is going to end up being a very disturbing thing. But if he could be convinced that it would be a tremendous asset to COD, which he does not see, it seems that COD would not even want the City nearby. 11 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Guyer asked Commissioner Dash if he is referring to the entire project and not the aquatic component. Commissioner Dash replied yes. Mayor Spiegel asked Ms. Steele if she sees a facility working where you separate the aquatic component from the fitness center to a different location. Ms. Steele responded that after the tours to other facilities and talking to the people there, they will tell you that without an aquatic component to a community center they are not as successful. She then stated that an aquatic center can sustain itself with the right features. She stated that you are then back to where the Commission started three and half years ago. Commissioner Guyer commented that he agreed, and hated bringing it up. He asked himself where they are going to have a good municipal aquatic center that people can use to not just swim laps but to go and play and have birthday parties. He feels they are missing something if they do not do that. Commissioner Babcock voiced his concern with the size of the facility and growth of the City. Mayor Spiegel commented that he now has a meeting every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. He excused himself from the meeting. Commissioner Guyer stated that Ms. Steele commented to him of other cities that have been in the same predicament, and they found as they grew, they added another center that sufficed the population. He noted that is something they might be looking at. He stated that they would basically be building a community center for the Civic Center neighborhood. Later, when there are another 7,000 homes built in the north sphere; another activity center can be built in the north. Vice Chair Barnard communicated that he does not feel that what is built at the Civic Center would be too small. Based on what they saw, some of the buildings were the same size and had 4,000 members. That is ten percent (10%) of Palm Desert's population. Commissioner Guyer agreed with Vice Chair Barnard. His question is why build an activity center next to two activity centers in the park that are basically going to be competing, and then not have an aquatic center that could accommodate a meet with 1,000 people. 12 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Ms. Steele commented in regards to the other facilities in the park. She stated that they would work together so as not to compete. She noted that the YMCA does some things really, really well. They do a lot of children's programs out of that building. Do they need to run those programs out of the other building? She did not think so. The City would talk to them because they (YMCA and District) would be using the facility, and they would make sure that they are not competing against each other. Commissioner Guyer noted that he did not mean competing with programs but for space. He stated that he could see the letter being written to the editor saying, ". . . why are they spending money to build a building right next to two buildings?" Mr. Ballew commented that a needs assessment was done for both the buildings, and nothing has changed. You just add another 10,000 people since the assessment was done. He stated the City should just do something. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Ballew if he considers their building being over utilized at this point. Mr. Ballew responded that programmatically they still have some available hours, but for administration it is busting at the seams. For that reason, they would prefer to stay there. They work all of their operations from the YMCA on San Pablo. Mr. DeWitt commented that studies show that most of the people that come into community centers, eighty percent (80%) that are utilizing them come from within three miles. So no matter how big you build it and no matter what you put there, you will have 80% of those persons coming from a three-mile circle. Commissioner Dash noted another consideration. The Commission is talking about two major entities; the City and COD. He communicated that as he is listening to the conversation, there is going to be a greater involvement between the two entities. You are talking about money coming in from one to another, which is not going to work in the years to come. There are going to be scheduling problems and management problems. He noted that those involved get along now, but you do not know who is going to be president or Board of Directors years from now. He felt that the burden was going to be on the City. The City was going to provide everything, and the City was going to be assisting COD. He now is hearing a combined effort whether it is money or power. Commissioner Dash asked Commissioner Schukart if COD has a bigger role now than originally. 13 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Schukart replied not really. He stated that initial conversations have always been that they are next to each other and they are on adjacent properties. He explained that whenever one of the two does something, there is a benefit in talking to the other partner and letting them know what they are thinking and asking the other what they think. Do you want to be involved, is it going to be helpful to you or not? He explained that is the conversation right now. There is no commitment one way or the other. But he thinks what the Board of Directors are saying is if there is something that can benefit COD students, they will take a look at that and see what assistance they may be able to provide if is going to impact a fair amount of students. Ideas have only been thrown around. As far as a shared project, it has never been a consideration. Commissioner Guyer clarified shared usage and not shared development. Mr. Croy reminded the Commission that the City owes the YMCA 10,000 square feet, which has been delineated behind their building. He stated that the City has to build the expansion or something for them to use to help them out with their overuse. Chairman Dawson asked if that is a long standing contractual agreement. Mr. Croy replied yes. Mr. Croy noted that the Desert Recreation District was built at a time of its need, and there was no need for further expansion. There is a difference between the two agreements. Chairman Dawson commented that in the absence of a motion, the Commission could bring it up at the next meeting. Commissioner Schukart asked what happens next. Ms. Steele responded that she thinks what the City Council is looking for from the Commission is a recommendation on a site. Commissioner Schukart stated that he was a little disappointed with the Study Session. He thought the Study Session would find conversation between the City Council and the Commission. He noted that a few years ago the Commission had their discussion, and the City Council had their own discussion; they make a ruling and the Commission says "what?" He feels the same thing coming. Commissioner Schukart stated that he is just as guilty as the next person because he did not stand and say, hello! He thought that is what study sessions are for. 14 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Mr. Tanner commented that there was not enough time. He noted that they scheduled the Study Session right before a 3:00 p.m. City Council meeting. So you are limited to an hour and the presentation was 40 minutes. Commissioner Guyer stated that he is not interested in what the City Council wants to do. He is interested in what the citizens would like to have, and making that recommendation; then let them decide. Commissioner Schukart voiced that his point is having them listen to what the Commission is discussing today. That is going to expand their thinking. Commissioner Housken mentioned that she did not feel like she received any type of direction from the Study Session. There was dead silence. Ms. Steele interjected that there was no direction from this Study Session. She keeps going back to their strategic planning goals because that's where they received direction. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the Commission needs to make a motion today or wait. Chairman Dawson responded that if he wants to make a motion, and someone seconds it; they can have discussion on it. Commissioner Guyer stated that he is not making a motion. Mr. Tanner commented that one of the things they need to look at from the City's standpoint is do we have an immediate need or do we have a 10- year future need? He communicated that the way the economy is trending now; you are not going to have the north sphere open for an opportunity for a community center anytime within the next five to seven years. He asked the Commission if they want an immediate fix. If so, it needs to be done now. He reminded the Commission of the type of time frame they are on. The Commission has been talking about this for the last seven to eight years. He asked what has been done, nothing. So maybe that is another consideration, selecting a site. There is the north sphere site and there is the Civic Center site. If the Commission agrees on the Civic Center site, the Commission could move forward. Mr. Croy summarized that there was a Study Session with the City Council and the Commission. The whole point of the Study Session was to study the project and not to make a decision. He stated that the City Council is waiting for the Commission's recommendation for the next step. 15 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Housken asked if the Commission waits, what is going to be different between now and the first meeting in January. Chairman Dawson stated nothing would be different. Commissioner Housken moved to recommend the New Building: Scheme B on San Pablo for a pool and recreation center that was presented by gkkworks. Vice Chair Barnard seconded the motion, and carried by a 5-3 vote with Commissioners Dash, Hall, and Babcock voting NO. Commissioner Guyer addressed Ms. Steele and mentioned that if the City Council asks for clarification, if Staff could press upon them the fact that the Commission is torn in all kinds of different directions. Maybe the Commission should receive more input from the City Council so that they do not have to be torn any many different directions. Vice Chair Barnard inquired if the City Council receives a copy of the minutes. Commissioner Housken suggested the people that are most involved with the pool may want to write a letter to the City Council with their recommendation and explaining their concerns. Ms. Steele indicated that if Staff takes the recommendation forward, she can provide a copy of the minutes. Commissioner Babcock asked if there could be a meeting to discuss the aquatic and recreation center at a different time. Chairman Dawson responded that there will be several meetings. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. IRONWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND Mr. Niemczak reported that the City Council approved the replacement of the playground at Ironwood Park. New installation would begin after January 4. The project should take about three weeks to complete. He displayed pictures of the playground, and noted there will be a shade structure. He also noted that a sandbox requested by neighbors would be included that is not in the picture. 16 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Guyer inquired if the shade structure covers all three playground pieces. Mr. Niemczak answered that it covers the entire playground area. Commissioner Babcock asked what the lifespan on the wood chips is. Mr. Niemczak replied there is no lifespan. He explained that the wood chips are topped off every one or two years. They do not need to be removed. B. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT NEW FITNESS PROGRAMS Ms. Steele reported that she provided the Commission with information on new fitness programs being offered by the Desert Recreation District. The programs will begin in January 2009. She briefly listed some of the programs. C. NEWS ARTICLES Chairman Dawson commented that if the Commission finds news articles that City Staff has not seen, please give to them to Staff so that everyone could see them. Ms. Steele thanked everyone from the Commission that was able to attend the University Park opening. The dog park has been a huge success, and has received a lot of use over the weekend. She noted that there was a lot of TV coverage, and there was a professional photographer that took pictures. She would share the pictures with the Commission when she receives them. Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Steele and Staff for all the work done for the grand opening. Commissioner Guyer commented that as part of Chairman Dawson's speech, he noted that University Park was the 17th park in the City of Palm Desert of 45,000 people. He stated that is pretty amazing for Palm Desert. Commissioner Guyer noted that there are articles regarding the Bump and Grind, and asked Staff if they are still receiving calls about it. Ms. Steele replied that she has not, and believes that people are now just writing to the paper. She mentioned that maybe they are calling Rancho Mirage. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson remarked to the Commission to return park inspection sheets. The next report will be provided at the next meeting in January. 17 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Guyer commented that he attended the last City Council meeting, and learned that funding was lost for the bike path. Ms. Steele interjected that only some of it was lost. Commissioner Guyer stated that the Council voted on some other funding in place of it. He asked Staff to explain. Mr. Stendell explained that CVAG pulled a little of the funding from the bike lane along the railroad. He stated that Mr. Greenwood, Director of Public Works, was able to redirect funds that were from CMAQ grant funds to the bike path project. Commissioner Guyer indicated that he believes that Councilman Ferguson had an issue with the redirection of funds. Mr. Stendell responded that he believes Councilman Ferguson thought there was a better use of the funds, such as transportation (cars). Mr. Greenwood explained to Council that the grant funds were not allocated to a specific project and those funds would be lost if not used. There were no traffic projects that needed the funds so the funds were allocated to the bike path. Commissioner Guyer reaffirmed that the bike lane project is still moving forward. Mr. Stendell replied that they are in the middle of a feasibility study. Commissioner Guyer requested a timetable of the bike lane project. Ms. Steele responded that they will bring a timetable to the next meeting. Commissioner Babcock noted that he is part of the Riverside County/CVAG group that has met before. They have not met since the guy in charge has been out, and is hoping that at the first of the year they meet again. Commissioner Housken commented that for Arbor Day they are planning a garden tour on Palm Sunday with the Horticultural Society. The City's Arbor Day celebration at Civic Center Park is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2009. The celebration will be open to residents of all ages. The committee hopes to have a movie that same week in the park on Thursday. On Earth Day, they plan on planting a tree at Ronald Reagan Elementary School, which will only be for the kids at school. The Living Desert will have a celebration on April 25. She mentioned that the committee is thinking of a name that encapsulates the whole month. 18 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 Ms. Steele announced that on January 13, 2009, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. there is going to be a drop-in open house at the Parks Inspectors office. Chairman Dawson commented that Haystack is used by kids off and on, but it is not officially a park. He asked if the City can make it an official park and utilize it for passive recreation. He wondered about installing workout stations. Commissioner Guyer asked the District if the stations they have get used a lot. Ms. Adair replied yes. Ms. Steele stated that she would need to check into it since Haystack is a Landscape and Lighting District area. She noted that she would bring back additional information. Ms. Steele mentioned, although most may already know, Mr. Ortega announced his resignation. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Schukart, seconded by Commissioner Hall, the meeting was adjourned at 10:03 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 19 G.IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-16-08 min.docx NMNN, �' � CITY OF PALM DESERT :1: PARKS AND RECREATION �`�7,.'� STAFF REPORT egT�9 3yo��f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Assistant Chief of Police Lieutenant Andrew Shouse is the City of Palm Desert's new Assistant Chief of Police. He replaced Lieutenant Frank Taylor in the Fall of 2008. He will be present and introduced to the Commission at this meeting. If you have any specific questions for him, please feel free to ask. He is very supportive of Staff and the City parks, and a great addition to the City of Palm Desert. CITY OF PALM DESERT -"`��, PARKS AND RECREATION e • F n %04, STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Chair and Vice Chair Appointments Annually, at the first meeting in January, appointments are made for the Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Nominations and appointment of these positions will take place at this meeting. NMNN, :11 -----tfi"--.44- � CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION 04,..�'� STAFF REPORT eaT9 3yo� f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Fitness Equipment at Haystack At the December 16, 2008, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Chairman Dawson asked if it would be possible to install outdoor fitness equipment along the Haystack greenbelt area. The Desert Recreation District installed the same type of equipment in Thousand Palms and in La Quinta recently, and the equipment has been very positively received. The Haystack greenbelt area is part of the Canyon Cove Lighting and Landscape District. Any proposed changes to this area would need to be approved by a majority vote of the residents. The process to gain support would be as follows: • Notify residents of the intent to install fitness equipment, and invite them to a community meeting. • Hold an informal meeting to present the project and answer any questions that residents might have. • If there appears to be support for the project, the residents would then be formally balloted. This process would take at least sixty to ninety days to complete. If you'd like to get an idea of the type of equipment available, a good website to check out is www.triactiveamerica.com. The approximate cost of equipment and installation would be $18,000 - $20,000. Staff would like direction from the Commission as to whether or not this project should be pursued. CITY OF PALM DESERT ��, PARKS AND RECREATION jrir e • ;n 00,4 STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Community/Aquatic Center Update Staff will provide you with a copy of the Staff Report that will be going to the City Council on January 8, 2009, at the meeting. It will include draft minutes from the December 16, 2008, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as requested by the Commission. �' � CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION %• 4404 �`ee." STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Construction of the Parks Inspectors Work Area Update In September 2006, Staff and Prest Vuksic Architects began a redesign of the Parks Inspectors work area. The project involved remodeling the existing office and lunch areas. The work area also served to house tools, repair parts, paper goods, and pesticides along with a small break room area. As part of the new design plan, the tools, pesticides, and repair parts were relocated to outside storage containers located in the enclosed area behind the dog park. Simon Contracting began construction on Monday, September 29, 2008. The construction was substantially completed during the week of December 14, 2008. Park Inspectors have moved into their new office space. An Open House will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. We invite you to drop in any time between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to see the new office space, and enjoy some snacks. Attached are before and after photographs of the project. II •II Iiii. li ill. 4116 4.01 •, 1' _ lbw, _ii(00.:77:7_,..ry- 4 o „ I 1 r I I / dili , F , —" —! .,- '''.40 7r7:111\: '11. Inimbe 11111. ; El '''-' — — \ . 100 i a l u ---. 11 1111 a ' / . . -.---.-4: In - i 4iii- Ali . - . • I — i -11111111411116. -Th.--r... 1 g -- . 10 ,,,a _ "� f -7-- illi I I, r NMNN, .�'�_ .. CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION ..�' ' N 94r9 3so4.;.r INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: January 6, 2008 Subject: Joe Mann Park Vandalism On September 3, 2008, the Community Association Manager of Palm Desert Country Club e-mailed Staff that they were having problems with a group of young people inside the locked rose garden at Joe Mann Park during the evening hours. Staff at the Palm Desert Country Club forwarded the same information to the Palm Desert Police Department, along with a video of some young people in the pool area. Palm Desert Police responded by increasing patrols at Joe Mann Park. During the first two weeks of December, Parks Staff found the restrooms at Joe Mann Park to be vandalized. Damage to City property included the men's room sink being ripped off the wall. The soap dispenser and the exterior drinking fountain were also ripped off the wall the following week. By the recommendation of the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Palm Desert, Staff is in the process of installing surveillance cameras and warning signs notifying the public that the park is under constant watch. The Public Works Department will, if time allows, be randomly stopping by City parks during their work day. This will increase the City's presence in the Parks and hopefully reduce the incidence of vandalism. Attached are pictures of the damage incurred in December, and the warning sign installed at Joe Mann Park. G\DevServices\Jay Niemczak\Joe Mann Park\Joe Mann Vandalism Dec 2008 doc frir ---- 11...1.17 ...: - •.-_ _ .• , -. . ., .•. . . -... 1., -a . ii.-- . 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STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Mid Valley Bicycle Path On August 21, 2008, Mr. Phil Joy, Associate Transportation Planner; Mr. Aaron Kulp, Associate Engineer; Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner; and myself met to evaluate the proposals of six consultants willing to complete a feasibility study of the 1-10 bicycle path between Washington Street and the Agua Caliente Casino. In September 2008, the City Council awarded the feasibility study for the mid valley bicycle path to RRM Design Group. RRM Design Group has extensive experience in the development of bicycle paths in a municipal environment. On December 4, 2008, RRM Design Group, Public Works, and Parks Staff inspected the entire length of the bike path to inventory and identify problem areas. Staff expects the results of the feasibility study to be completed in mid June 2009. G\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\January 6\Mid Valley Bike Path.doc NM� �N�, � � CITY OF PALM DESERT ya: PARKS AND RECREATION �`�7°��'. STAFF REPORT egT9 3yo� f N.To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Desert Recreation District Update Attached is a copy of the Desert Recreation District's December 2008 update provided by Mr. Stan Ford, General Manager. i i i� �i� • i �� i • DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Date: December 18, 2008 To: Board of Directors From: Stan Ford, General Manager Subject: Update General Information 1. The gymnastics team had a very successful showing at the state championships. Our first-ever Level 6 competitor, Ashley Kalman placed 6th in the vault and our Level 4 gymnasts, Annsley Duran (10th in balance beam), Kelsey Plumlee (3rd in balance beam and 6th all-around) and Zhana Coyle (2nd in uneven bars, 4th in balance beam and 3rd all-around) also performed well. All were excellent representatives of the program and The District. 2. With the gymnastics teams' increasing competence and growing participation in classes (110 in November), space has become an issue. Until a dedicated facility can be secured, staff believes there is an opportunity to expand the gymnastics area without negatively impacting activities such as basketball and volleyball. A proposal will be on the January agenda. 3. We are embarking on a new partnership with the Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Beginning in 2009, we will be offering Red Cross programs as an "approved provider." Our previous arrangement allowed us to do in-house training and the Red Cross offered classes to the public. In the future, Red Cross programs are being offered by The District including babysitting, first aid, CPR, swimming lessons, etc. 4. On December 13, Barb Adair, Maureen Archuleta and Kevin Kalman represented The District at the dedication of University Park East and University Dog Park in Palm Desert. City staff acknowledged our participation in the festivities that day (e.g. face-painting, maintenance, and opening and closing park facilities). 5. The Thousand Palms Park dedication is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at 10:00 A.M. 6. The Administrative Offices will be closed on December 26 and January 2. Although these are not holidays, staff will be working to catch up. 1 7. We have applied for a grant in the amount of $47,307 from Operation Splash. If approved, these funds will provide for swimming lessons, junior lifeguard training and recreational swimming to those who qualify (income based). We will be notified in February as to the outcome of our application. 8. Although I will not be taking off the two weeks I had planned, I will be off most of December 22 — January 2 (approximately six days of vacation). Business and Operations 1. The treadmills for the Coachella Valley Boxing Club should be ready for delivery in February. We will let you know when the dedication is scheduled. 2. Staff attended the Mecca Community Council meeting on December 10 and discussed the adjustment to A.D. 03-1, the swimming pool issues and the Spanish translation of The Catalog. The Council expressed it would like to see the pool continue to operate and will be exploring ways to help address security issues. Also, the Council indicated that as long as a translated version of The Catalog was available for pick-up, they did not foresee a need to directly mail the translated version. 3. The lights on the basketball courts in Mecca were replaced on November 24 (in response to a request from Mr. Montes who attended the November Board meeting). 4. Board vacancy. Code section 1780 indicates an appointment by the Board shall be made within 60 days of the effective date of the vacancy. If an appointment is not made or a special election called, the Board of Supervisors may fill the vacancy or order a special election. The 60-day window closes February 8. 5. We have been notified The District was selected to receive an Award of Excellence from the California Park and Recreation Society for the fall edition of The Catalog. See attached notification. Board Requests Gilbert: Request to have staff send congratulatory letters to newly-elected officials (November 19). Now that the elections results have been certified, letters were mailed. Acosta: Request to make presentations to governing bodies (and staff) of local agencies (November 19). Presentations have been scheduled with the Indio, Thousand Palms, Indio Hills, Vista Santa Rosa councils and with the Executive Committee of CVAG. The Coachella Valley Unified School District declined and the cities of La Quinta and Palm Desert referred us to commissions instead. Acosta: Request to present proclamations to the city of Indian Wells and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in recognition of their support of the "Suns Under the Stars" and Gus Macker championships (November 19). Presentations are to be made at the January Board meeting (pending confirmation from the recipients). 2 Gilbert: Request for the amount paid to Northstar Destination Strategies (December 10). Including a pending payment of $7,000, the total paid under the agreement will be $87,867.63. Gilbert: Request of the cost to begin The First Tee in Indio (December 10). Staff is developing a proposed budget. Gilbert: Request for the amount donated to The First Tee from a recent golf tournament as reported on local news (December 10) - $500.00. Acosta: Request to place a paid advertisement in The Desert Sun regarding the District's new name (December 10) - Pending. Gilbert: Request as to the option of granting Rick Alvarez a leave of absence. Legal advises this is not an option available to the Board. Acosta: Request for staff to have projects "ready" should Federal funding be made available (December 10). Staff is working on the request. McGalliard: Request GM to attend Palm Desert Study Session. GM did attend. A copy of the presentation will be provided to the Board. Board Meeting Agenda Preview (Tentative) January 14 1. Proclamations to the city of Indian Wells and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden 2. Discussion of CIP 3. Presentation of Results from Organizational Climate Survey 4. Consideration of Financial Support for New Lighting at Olsen Field 5. Report on Gymnastics Program 6. Report from RSG 7. Branding Update 8. Approval of Contract for Renovations of Mecca Swimming Pool 9. Discussion and Recommendation Regarding Cost Savings for The Catalog February 11 1. Approval for Purchase of Replacement Vehicles 2. Discussion of Nepotism Policy and Issues 3. Approval of MOU with the city of Coachella 4. Approval of Resolution Transferring A.D. 02-1 to city of Coachella 5. Approval of Park Development Standards 6. Presentation of Regional Trails Study Report 7. Closed Session — Real Property Acquisition 3 NMNN, /'�' -- CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION 0...�'. STAFF REPORT egT�9 3yo��f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Family YMCA of the Desert Update Attached is a copy of the Family YMCA of the Desert's December e-letter. It includes information on programs being offered from December 2008 through March 2009. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Winter Basketball, Holiday Camps, New Year's, & Sports Challenge Winter,2008-09 In This YMCA WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUES en-CaCalendarar -Winter Basketball -Winter Break Camps January- March, 2009 -New Year's Overnighter! **LAST CHANCE ** -Sports Challenge LATE REGISTRATION TAKING PLACE NOW -Personal Fitness Training IN PALM DESERT AND PALM SPRINGS! -Tennis YMCA Rents for Events ** Don't forget to sign up for 2-day PD Family YMCA basketball camp over the holidays also on Dec. 22-23! ! See information under camps section Upcoming below! ** Events Basketball at the Family YMCA of the Desert is a great way to learn and or refine basketball and athletic skills. Plus...kids develop character, meet friends, stay in shape, and have fun! Progams Leagues are offered at both the Palm Desert YMCA and the Palm Springs YMCA for boys and girls ages 5 - 15 years old. Calendar Volunteer coaches are always welcome and are an important part at a Glance of the league. Those interested are asked to please call the YMCA. All fees include participation in the league for the entire 8-week season, as well as jerseys, trophies, and an opportunity for team and individual photos. 2008 Family members are encouraged to attend games as well as practices, and the YMCA offers a variety of team sponsorship opportunities which are necessary and vital in supporting the Friday,Dec.19 league each season. All sponsors will receive prominent signage by close of business display in the YMCA gym. Those interested in providing Late Registration sponsorships are asked to call the YMCA Deadline (Palm Desert YMCA: 760-341-9622, for Palm Desert YMCA Palm Springs YMCA: 760-320-6430) Winter Basketball League Palm Desert YMCA Basketball League: Saturday Dec.20 **LATE REGISTRATION UNDERWAY THROUGH DEC. 19th** 12:30-3:30pm Location: Palm Desert YMCA at Registration and 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert Skills Evaluation Dates: January 24th - March 14th for Palm Springs YMCA Days: TBD Winter Basketball y League Times: TBD Fees: $90 YMCA members, $110 non members Thursday,Dec.18 (Add $15 late fee after Dec. 5th) 5:00-6:00pm Child and Parent Please call 760-341-9622 or visit in person at address above Holiday Parties to sign up. Ford and Reagan Elementary YMCAs San Pablo YMCA ** Don't forget to sign up for 2-day PD Friday,Dec.19 basketball camp over the holidays also on Dec. 4:00-6:00pm 22-23!! See information under camps section Child and Parent Holiday Parties below! ** Carter, Rancho Mirage, and Lincoln Elementary YMCAs Monday-Wednesday Dec.22-24,all day WA I Winter Break Day Camps Palm Springs YMCA CLOSED DEC. 25& 26 FOR CHRISTMAS _ r Monday-Friday, Palm Springs YMCA Basketball League: Dec.22-24,all day **LATE REGISTRATION AND SKILL EVALUATIONS Winter Break Day WILL BE H Camps Palm Desert YMCA ELD ON THE FOLLOWING DATE ** CLOSED DEC. 25 FOR CHRISTMAS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20th ($10 late fee) Monday-Friday, 12:30 - 3:30pm Dec.29-Jan.2,all day Please call 760-320-6430 or visit in person at address below to VET TECH Critter sign up for a registration/evaluation date. Camp Palm Springs YMCA Location: Palm Springs YMCA at CLOSED JAN. 1 FOR 3601 E. Mesquite Avenue in Palm Springs NEW YEAR'S Dates: January 7th - March 7th Days: Practices TBD, Monday-Friday, Games on Wednesdays or Fridays Times: 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm Winter Break Day Fees: $75 facility members Camps Palm Desert YMCA $85 program members CLOSED JAN. 1 FOR $95 non members NEW YEAR'S Wednesday,Dec.31 PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT 7:00pm drop off TEAMS AND GAME DAYS CAN BE DETERMINED. 8:00am pickup (Jan. 11 r0. New Year's Overnighter! SEE YOU COURTSIDE! Palm Desert YMCA t 2009 Monday,Jan.5 "" Personal Training with Valentino - *—It sessions begin Palm Springs YMCA * Saturday,lan.10 • Celebrate You! YMCA Staff Recognition til Dinner Palm Desert YMCA Monday,Jan.19 ' Y a 9:00am-3:00pm Sports Challenge (School holiday) Palm Desert YMCA 1 f;. January or Feb. TBD Cocktails and Hors d'Oeuvres fundraiser JJ • to benefit Palm Springs - •. - • ! YMCA Location TBA YMCA WINTER BREAK CAMPS Monday,Feb.16 December 22nd, 2008 - 9:00am-3:00pm Sports Challenge January 2nd, 2009 (School holiday) Palm Desert YMCA An exciting variety of day camps will be offered at both the Palm Thursday,Feb.19 Desert and the Palm Springs YMCAs during the holiday break. 6:00pm There's a camp for every kid, every interest, and every personality - Sustaining Campaign plus, winter break camps are a fantastic way for the young ones to Kick Off Dinner stay mentally and physically active! "A Big Time Under the Big Top!" Palm Desert YMCA Sign ups are currently taking place. Please register as soon as possible, as many camps fill up quickly. Monday,Mar.16 9:00am-3:00pm Sports Challenge PALM DESERT YMCA HOLIDAY CAMPS (School holiday) Palm Desert YMCA Thursday,Mar. 26 Ages: 8 - 13 5:30pm Sustaining Campaign Victory Party and Location: Palm Desert YMCA at Casino Night 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert "A Three Ring Circus" Palm Desert YMCA Dates: WEEK ONE: BASKETBALL CAMP Saturday, Apr. 11 December 22nd and 23rd 9:00am-12:00pm (2 days) Easter Egg Hunt and YMCA Healthy Kids Day WEEK ONE: REALITY TV SHOW Palm Desert YMCA and AND Palm Desert Civic Center Park MUSIC VIDEO CAMP December 22nd - 24th Thursday,May14 6:00-9:00pm (3 days) YMCA Golden Circle Donor WEEK TWO: FAVORITE "MINI" CAMPS Recognition Dinner Location TBA Favorite "mini-camps" will include: Survivor, Project Runway, Thursday,May 28 Planet Lego, Mythbusters, and Wii Camp 12:00-5:00pm December 29th - January 2nd YMCA 5th annual (3 days) Charity Golf Tournament Location TBD Times: 7:30am - 5:30pm 5:00-1:30pm Fees: $90 YMCA members, $110 non-members Golf Awards After- Party Early lune YMCA Pre-School Exception: Basketball Camp (Dec. 22 and 23 for ages 6 - 13) Graduations $30 YMCA members, $40 non members Location and Times TBA Saturday,lune 13 or 20 To sign up for one or both weeks of camp, please call the Palm TBA Desert YMCA at 760-341-9622 or visit in person. 3:00-4:15pm YMCA Desert Bicycle Giveaway Palm Desert YMCA �. Friday,Nou.13 6:00pm PALM SPRINGS YMCA HOLIDAY CAMPS Hoedown at Sundown Location TBD Ages: 8 - 13 Location: Palm Springs YMCA at 3601 E. Mesquite Avenue in Palm Springs Dates: WEEK ONE: WINTER WONDERLAND CAMP December 22nd - 24th (3 days) WEEK TWO: VET TECH CRITTER CAMP WITH SPCA AND A NEAT NEW YEAR CAMP December 29th - 31st and January 2nd (4 days) Times: 7:30am - 5:30pm Fees: $70 facility members (WEEK ONE) $75 program members $80 non members (WEEK TWO) $90 facility members $95 program members $105 non members To sign up for one or both weeks of camp, please call the Palm Springs YMCA at 760-320-6430 or visit in person. P 5:0,P * 5_,lin '` t: AO ig cil ro 1145 4 ii _ 5 CI a , go a ��.t il Nji CI * il 5:0,0 M1 A xii* k-- . ... , , ,,,ro pil rii_ ,.•„r ‘ ' - -- - Gli *V. �u�lll1 IF NEW YEAR'S OVE ' IGHTER! Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 What a great way for the kids to ring in the New Year - and parents, too! The annual YMCA New Year's Overnighter is a favorite, and last year there were 60 kids who attended. It's the ultimate slumber party, in a safe, supervised environment. Kids will play Wii games, basketball and dodgeball. They will also watch movies, take turns aiming for pinatas, and enjoy a real NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION with a countdown to midnight! Dinner, snacks, and breakfast will all be provided. Ages: 6 - 14 Location: Palm Desert YMCA at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert Date: Wednesday, December 31st - Thursday, January 1st Times: 7:00pm drop off at the Y 8:00am pick up at the Y Fees: $50 per child Special rates for additional members from the same family/household: $30 for second child (same family) $25 for each additional child (same family) Please register AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (no later than Friday, December 26th) by calling the Palm Desert YMCA at 760-341-9622 or visiting in person at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert, next to Civic Center Park. 1111 pm- -ACV . h titl- r YMCA SPORTS CHALLENGE January 19th, February 16th, and March 16th, 2009 Holidays may be a day out of school, but they don't have to be a day without action! At the YMCA Sports Challenge, offered at the Palm Desert YMCA, kids ages will "have a ball" learning about and competing in dodgeball, tennis, flag football, soccer, basketball, and running relays on a rotational basis. Competition is fun and friendly, and winners in various categories will receive awards at the end of the day. Kids are asked to bring their own lunch and beverages. Activities will be provided for those children who require early arrival or later pick up. Ages: 6 - 12 (boys and girls) Location: Palm Desert YMCA at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert Days: Mondays Dates: January 19, February 16, and March 16 Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm (early drop off and late pick ups available at 7:30am and 5:30pm) Fees: $20 YMCA members, $25 non members $10 late fee added if registration occurs less than 6 days ahead To sign up, please call the Palm Desert YMCA at 760-341-9622 or visit in person. We look forward to seeing you! PERSONAL TRAINING WITH VALENTINO PALM SPRINGS YMCA Starting January 5, 2009 1,,,. .___ .f.J ' . . J . ' T. , - I: L. "fr L.:... 04011111 '1 i Ji:'� So, you all know about the fantastic fitness center at the Palm Springs Y. Well...Valentino has arrived to take us all to the next level! The YMCA is proud to welcome Valentino Sator, ISSA certified personal fitness trainer, beginning in January, 2009! Valentino, the owner of "Valentino's Personal Training - The Power of Fitness", understands the challenges involved in maintaining a fitness regimen as well as the ups and downs of dieting and trying to stay healthy during the holidays and into the new year. Personal training sessions with Valentino are never intimidating, and they are designed to make you feel BETTER about yourself...not worse. The goal is to BUILD your self esteem through empowering yourself physically and mentally. You'll be interacting with a trainer who's more concerned with your progress and your comfort level than with what the latest work-out fashions are or posing in front of those darned mirrors. Group training packages, individual training packages, and optional nutrition plans are available. You can choose from 1 session or 60 sessions, for 30 minutes or 45 minutes. Fees start at $40 per person for group training and $45 per person for individual training...however, signing up for multiple sessions at one time reduces your per session rate to as low as $30 per session! An annual fitness level membership is required for enrollment in personal training sessions, which provides unlimited access to the fitness center and gymnasium at the YMCA. Get started and feel better. There's nothing to be afraid of here. Valentino and the YMCA are with you every step of the way. Come on in and sign up! It just might change your life! YMCA Tennis Lessons January, February, and March, 2009 "Tennis anyone?" The YMCA is partnering with the National Junior Tennis League to offer tennis lesson sessions in both Palm Desert and Palm Springs. Both beginning and intermediate levels of instruction will be offered. Space is limited, so please register early! #fri_ .}.Yr Tennis at Palm Desert i • MCA: *;;;:;,. Ages: 7 - 14 Location: Civic Center Tennis Courts (next to Palm Desert YMCA) Dates: January 5th - February 11th and February 18th - March 30th Days: Mondays and Wednesdays (2 classes per week for 5 weeks: 10 lessons total) Times: 5:00 - 6:00pm Fees: $40 YMCA members, $50 non members To sign up, please call the Palm Desert YMCA at 760-341-9622. Tennis at the Palm Springs YMCA: Ages: 7 - 14 Location: Demuth Park Tennis Courts (near Palm Springs YMCA) Dates: December 29th - February 4th Days: Mondays and Wednesdays (2 classes per week for 6 weeks: 12 lessons total) Times: 4:30 - 5:30pm or 5:30 - 6:30pm Fees: $25 for all YMCA membership levels To sign up, please call the Palm Springs YMCA at 760-320-6430. GAME, SET, MATCH! DID YOU . lei the Family YMCA of the Cresert RENTS FOR EVENITS YMCA locations in PALM DESERT and in PALM SPRINGS are p a rkI ing clean and have affordable rates and plenty of parking fde f for evenis a aff sizes. WEDDINGS. BIRTHDAYS, RECEPTIONS, JG3 FAIRS. FAMILY CELEBRATIONS. BDARD MEETINGS, FUNDRAI E ERS, OFFICE PARTIES, CHURCH EVENTS, AND MORE' PaIrn Desert YMCA Features: i Palm Springs YMCA features: 1,*Fkilim liesedertkOWterPase 11.7dm.121 bt En1 Df DES Piic 4l 7D- t.1111.enaii P .1:1 ;rl,EA F5,2 1 E.FAQ'iIeAaEr'!Ran ,1. 5, . D2-264 Fatal-PLIME Ran X 7D',51315c R jE M IJJ FCSE!�:.:cm. IA MI Mil 11. mirth Ph= 30 x.' sq.n. i n Mur1-Puri Mon: 55 x W. Tr1.111 Eq.It x 23' SODA.n. iliregraim I ail on: z;x sq.fi 15R1.i. 1LK}5a Q gtitclmr. 11X1G. Z112 Calf 7 4f- 522 to k your fentaf f hew�tw�trmrar ar�rtyvr ,1 moor�xa1� i rc ar�sl Cal!/ , 643O to boot[y c renter SEASON ' S GREETIN �,- -• - - - -•-•-- --,B BALLEW President,Board of Directors Executive Director and C.E.O. Van.Tanner@DesertEmpirelns.com rballew@desertymca.org FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT PALM DESERT LOCATION: PALM SPRINGS LOCATION: 43-930 San Pablo Avenue 3601 E.Mesquite Avenue Palm Desert,CA. 92260 Palm Springs,CA. 92264 760-341-9622-phone 760-320-6430-phone 760-779-9651-fax 760-320-1679-fax Forward email Email Marketing by ®SafeUnsubscribe cg, This email was sent to jsteele@ci.palm-desert.ca.us by aelsner@desertymca.org. Update Profile/Email Address I Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe-rm I Privacy Policy. COnStintCOntare. TRY IT FREE Family YMCA of the Desert 143-930 San Pablo Avenue I Palm Desert I CA 192260 NMNN, CITY OF PALM DESERT ya ----N : PARKS AND RECREATION 1'.�' rs 4.... STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: January 6, 2009 Subject: Park Inspections Attached is a copy of the newly designed inspection forms as well as a new 2009 Inspection Assignment sheet. Please remember that inspections are due the third Tuesday of the month for the month of your assignment. Also attached is a copy of the inspections completed in the last two months of 2008. Park Inspection Assignments 2009 Park Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1. Ironwood/Haystack Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken 2. Homme/Adams Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Cahuilla Park 3. Joe Mann Park Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart 4. Palm Desert Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Soccer Park 5. Palma Village Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Park 6. University Parks Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer (Dog & East) 7. Magnesia Falls Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall City Park 8. Washington Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Charter Park 9. Civic Center Park Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Dash 10. Freedom Park Schukart Housken Dawson Dash Munson Hall Guyer Barnard Babcock Schukart Housken Dawson Note: Inspections are due by the 3rd Tuesday of the month (at or before scheduled Commission Meeting). Park Inspections October- December, 2008 Date Park Inspector Date Deficiency _ Corrected Corrective Action Joe Mann Dash 12/19/08 Tot benches could be painted. 12/23/08 Power washed &cleaned scuff marks. The surface Park Bench/Table in picnic area should be is rubberized. On the tables & benches where the painted. Would be nice to pressure wash the steel is exposed, staff is orderings new tops after _ surfaces in the picnic area. _ the first of the year. _ Civic Center Park Guyer 10/19/08 Nothing noted. N/A None Palma Village Housken 12/16/08 Just inside the entrance from San Carlos 1/1/09 Remove irrigation risers and plug them by the first Park (near restroom)there are 20 exposed sprinkler of the year(will schedule). heads with no plants next to them. Should plant more there or remove 19 of the heads. Park looks &smells great due to yesterday's rain. Grass is beautiful. Homme Adams/ Schukart 12/25/08 When will upper shelter be replaced on the 12/30/08 Bid for replacement palapa will be out by Cahuilla Hopalong trail at Homme/Adams? January 15, 2009. Park Ironwood/ Schukart 11/16/08 Looks good, popular on weekends. N/A None Haystack 6-8 holes in exterior bathroom stucco wall 1/2/09 Holes will be filled by 1/2/09. (woman's) Restroom Supplies needed. 12/05/08 CVRPD Staff_notified to bring supplied. Women's restroom (1)toilet out of order 11/20/08 The diaphragm was replaced. Joe Mann Dawson 11/20/08 Since the owner doesn't seem to be Will get bids for shrubs after the first of the year. Park landscaping the area beyond our back fence, can we plant something to hide that area? 01/15/09 Washington Guyer 10/20/08 Hanging slide is locked. N/A The hanging slide/trolley has been locked by the Charter School School Dist. They believe it is a safety issue. It is Park locked during school year& unlocked for Summer Worn spots on tot lot surface. 11/22/08 Resurfacing was complete on 11/22/08. Palm Desert Housken 11/17/08 The walls in restrooms are dirty& could use 12/09/08 Walls were washed but still looks dirty from black Soccer Park a cleaning or fresh coat of paint. _ _rubber shoe marks. Will have walls painted. 3 nets missing on lower field. 12/12/08 Nets purchased. Youth Soccer Assoc. has them. Fields have numerous scraps of paper from 12/08/08 Spoke with contractor about doing a better job of mowers going over bigger pieces of paper. picking up trash. Middle fountain is rusty around top and 12/09/08 Fountain is being cleaned up. If it does not clean water barely comes out. up, Staff will replace it. Large wood frame seems like climbing hazard 12/08/09 Removed large wooden frame. Both areas had water running into them & 12/09/08 Water running in was from rain run-off. Will have pooling. _contractor clean all debris to promote better drainage. Disc Golf sign not looking too good. 12/12/08 In future, signs will be placed on planter side, where water doesn't reach it. CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION PARK INSPECTION CHECKLIST 1) Ironwood/Haystack 6) University Parks (Dog & East) 2) Homme-Adams/Cahuilla Park 7) Magnesia Falls City Park (PDMS) 3) Joe Mann Park 8) Washington Charter Park 4) Palm Desert Soccer Park 9) Civic Center Park 5) Palma Village Park 10) Freedom Park Commissioner: Date of Inspection: Day of Week: Time: Item to be checked Deficiency Date (Use Inspection Action Form to record a brief description of the problem) N/A OK Noted Corrected A. Grounds 1• Is general overall appearance of the Park satisfactory? 2• Grounds clean? 3• Broken glass,debris? B. Restrooms 1• Is general overall appearance of the restrooms satisfactory? 2. Interiors clean? 3• Broken glass,debris? 4. Adesuate supplies? C. Tot Lo 1• Is general appearance of the Tot Lot satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3• Surface clean? 4. Tot Lot benches in satisfacto condition? D. Picnic Areas, including Pavilions/Shelters/Grills 1• Is general ppearance of the Picnic Area satisfactory? 2. Broken tables,benches? 3• Graffiti? E. Tennis Courts 1• Is overall appearance of the Tennis Courts satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3. Courts clean? F. Volleyball Court 1• Is overall appearance of the Volleyball Courts satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3• Courts clean? Park Inspection form.doc 12/29/2008 PARK INSPECTION CHECKLIST (Continued) Commissioner: Date of Inspection: Day of Week: Time: G. Baseball Fields 1• Is general overall appearance of the Baseball Fields satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3. Fields clean? H. Basketball Court V , 1• Is general overall appearance of the Basketball Court satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3. Courts clean? I. Dog Park 1• Is general overall appearance of the Dog Park satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3. Turf areas clean? J. 4 -ields 1• Is general overall appearance of the Soccer Fields satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3. Fields clean? K. Skate Park 1• Is general overall appearance of the Skate Park satisfactory? 2. Equipment missing or broken? 3. Concrete and ram's clean? L. Miscellaneous 1. Other(Please describe): M. Suggestions/Recommendations Park Inspection form.doc 12/29/2008 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION Park Inspection Action Form Commissioner: Date of Inspection: Day of Week: Time: Item Deficiency and/or 1 Corrective Action Taken or Number Recommendation Recommended Action Parks Inspection ACTION form 12/29/2008