HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-16 PRC Special Meeting Agenda Packet .•••''"" ""'••... CITY OF PALM DESERT
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
A, AGENDA
JUNE 16, 2020
(VIRTUAL MEETING)
8:30 A.M.
City of Palm Desert, California
CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 03, 2020
Note: In consideration of the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic and pursuant to the
Governor's Executive Orders, Commissioners may participate via teleconference/Virtual
Meeting.
Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the agenda has the following
option for public participation:
Public comment may be received by email from the time the agenda is posted up until
one (1) hour prior to the posted time of meeting convening.
Emails received will be printed and distributed for the record prior to the meeting. If the
sender so request they will be read into the record at the meeting not to exceed (3)
minutes in length.
Email:jelson@cityofpalmdesert.org
Because the Brown Act does not allow the Parks & Recreation Commission to take
action on items not on the Agenda, members may briefly respond or instead refer the
matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future Parks & Recreation
Commission meeting.
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA June 16, 2020
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. APPROVE RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO NAME
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN CIVIC CENTER PARK ON SAN PASCUAL
AVENUE IN HONOR OF FORMER PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSIONER JOHN MARMAN
VI. UPDATES
A. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
B. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
C. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
VII. COMMENTS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Declaration of Posting
I,Angie Marron,Office Specialist II for the Department of Public Works of the City of Palm Desert,do hereby declare that the foregoing agenda for the
PARKS&RECREATION COMMISSION meeting of Tuesday,June 16, 2020 was posted on the bulletin board by the outside entry to the Council
Chamber,73-510 Fred Waring Drive,Palm Desert,on Thursday,June 11,2020.
Date:June 11,2020 Angie Marron
Recording Secretary
Page 2 of 2
CITY OF PALM DESERT
r ��: PRELIMINARY MINUTES
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
,� �rym REGULAR MEETING
••••4T`e�i�3��.•••'•
TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2020 — 8:30 a.m.
Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center
73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair (insert) convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent
Chair Paul Murphy Kevin Kalman, DRD
Vice Chair Randy Guyer
Commissioner Gerald Dawson
Commissioner Kim Housken
Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly
Commissioner Mike Hardin
Commissioner Van Tanner
Ex-Officio Members:
Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert
Also Present:
Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
Eric Ceja, Principal Planner
Jennifer Nelson, Management Analyst
Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor
Sabby Jonathan, Council Liaison
Angie Marron, Recording Secretary
Guests:
Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 03, 2020
A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY
13, 2020
Rec: Approve as presented
Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Dawson, carried
by a 7-0 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Murphy, Kelly,
Hardin, Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: None) the Consent Calendar was approved as
presented.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. RECOMMEND ONE YEAR EXTENSION APPROVAL OF THE YMCA
OPERATION AGREEMENT FOR THE PDAC
Vice Chair Guyer asked how long the contract runs with the one year
extension. Ryan Stendell stated that it runs through 2023, in one year bites
so long as both party's consent. The only fixed cost in the contract is the
management fee, everything else is then approved by the City Council on
an annual basis. All operating costs are reviewed annually by City Council
and then a program budget adopted. Mr. Guyer inquired if the management
fee is in fact a fixed cost; Mr. Stendell confirmed it is. Mr. Guyer asked if
the YMCA has an issue with this annual agreement and Paula Simonds
stated that it's necessary and important.
Mr. Guyer asked Ms. Simonds if a longer term would make things better.
Ms. Simonds stated that a longer term would be great, but she is not
opposed to having an interview and conversation regarding the item. Ryan
Stendell also stated the City Attorney always advises to take smaller bites
with municipal operational contracts, it gives a chance to go back out with
RFP's, and City Council supports that methodology. In reference to a five-
year term, staff appreciates (the one-year term) because the process of
going back out is very cumbersome. Commissioner Dawson asked if there
is no need for an RFP with the one year contract. Mr. Stendell stated no, it
is presented to City Council with a general half page acknowledgement, if it
is status quo, signatures are given for approval it's very efficient.
Chair Murphy asked how much the management fee is a year, Ms. Nelson
stated that it's $13,700 a month, $165,000 a year.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Dawson, carried
by a 7-0 vote of the Commission, (AYES: Guyer, Dawson, Housken, Murphy, Kelly,
Hardin, Tanner; NOES: None; ABSENT: None) the Commission moves to recommend a
one year extension of the approval of the YMCA Operation Agreement.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENTS FOR PARK AMBASSADOR
PROGRAM
Jennifer Nelson stated that staff previously looked at a schedule for the
Commissioners to go out to parks, come back and report on them. Ms.
Nelson went over the schedule that she put together, and reminded
everyone to wear the new shirts she provided. Commissioner's Tanner,
Hardin, and Chair Murphy will report on assigned parks for March and report
back in April. Commissioner Dawson asked if the City maintains the
basketball nets at Washington Charter School because they are hanging by
a thread. Randy Chavez stated that they would go out and take a look at
them, he also mentioned that they replace nets periodically. Mr. Chavez is
currently in discussion for next fiscal year to go out and bid for basketball
and tennis court maintenance, he is all about being more proactive rather
than reactive.
Commissioner Dawson asked if we put big signs out on City Ordinances
like other parks have. Ryan Stendell stated that we technically have the
ability to, and staff should go out and walk the property; general park rule
signs can be done. Mr. Dawson loves the new signs at Ironwood Park, it
states that the City is serious about the rules. Randy Chavez confirmed that
more signs are on order.
Ryan Stendell is working with marketing on new signs and conveying a
message. Chair Murphy said that the vast majority of people that use the
parks are not Palm Desert residents. If you ask about the parks to people
that live here, they say they're not very aware of all of the parks here in the
City. He thinks it's great that outside residents are using the parks but it
would be great if residents also used the parks. Identification could be
better for our parks.
Commissioner Kelly stated that the reason is that there are a lot more
elderly people in Palm Desert than the other cities. The younger families
are more likely to use the parks. Mr. Murphy mentioned that he was told
the average age in Palm Desert is 37, contrary to that, the average age is
60 and under. The Census data will be the freshest to confirm age
demographics. Commissioner Tanner feels that we can't control who uses
the parks, Chair Murphy understands that we can't control who, but as a
City and Commission we should be doing more for the community.
Ryan Stendell suggested that this is a topic we can brainstorm, come back
with more data, and talk about how parks fits into that.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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Vice Chair Guyer suggested visiting Civic Center in the summer evenings,
everything from tennis courts to volleyball courts are being utilized. Every
park offers something different.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
NONE
VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. CV LINK UPDATE
Eric Ceja presented the Commission with an update on the CV Link (Mr.
Ceja also noted that 13 years ago, he married his beautiful wife on this day).
The project was approved by City Council in 2018, just last year Council
took action to expand the route in the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Ceja
familiarized the committee with CV Link, an alternative transportation
corridor connecting Palm Springs to Coachella, with potential expansion out
to the Salton Sea and Desert Hot Springs. Most of this trail system runs
along the Whitewater Channel, the one thing that makes it unique in Palm
Desert is that it's mostly on surface roads. This will enter Palm Desert at
Painter's Path & Hwy 111, and extend at Hovley Lane East and Tava Lane,
closer to Eldorado (next to CVWD's water facility). Mr. Ceja displayed the
original route that followed from Hwy 111 coming in from Rancho Mirage,
and also highlighted San Pablo, which is currently under construction and
connects right into the CV Link.
The route will enter on Hwy 111, follow along Park View, north on Monterey,
down Magnesia Falls, connect into the wash where there is already a partial
existing trail, which connects to Palm Desert High School. It will come back
up to the signal on Cook at the high school, back out to the Whitewater
Channel where it will eventually cross behind Desert Rose, and extend to
Hovley Lane. On the west end, it's also extended to go down Painter's Path
and connect to the Bump N Grind Trail. Rather than the trail die out in Indian
Wells, it takes you across the channel up to Hovley Lane, through an
abandoned roadway near Toscana. In the future, this allows us to provide
additional linkage. It may connect to numerous areas somewhere down the
line.
Commissioner Tanner asked what part of the link the City is starting with.
Mr. Ceja stated that the City should go out to advertise for construction in
March, with a contractor in place. It is anticipated that we do everything in
one shot. Sabby Jonathan explained the longer range path. The idea is to
hopefully connect to El Paseo and San Pablo since it's under renovation to
be more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 03. 2020
Vice Chair Guyer asked where the trail head starting point is. Mr. Ceja
stated that the CV Link has a branding scheme that will identify starting
points with colors and signage. There are also angular shade structures
that are shown in Cathedral City and other graphics. He also showed some
of the sections and improvements that are happening on Parkview and
Highway 111 that will have additional signage, directional signage, and the
color schemes to brand CV Link. Parkview will require some modifications
at Monterey and College of the Desert entrance, and Monterey at Magnesia
Falls.
Ryan Stendell stated that Civic Center will also have a trailhead.
Additionally, it will evolve and eventually the thought process is that you
won't start from a trailhead, but rather start from your home and find ways
to access CV Link. Mr. Stendell believes Hovley Lane West is a great
connector, and it has a great amount of housing stock on it and can see a
figure 8 loop developing there. Initially people will omit to cars and utilize
the CV Link. Sabby Jonathan mentioned that if there is a need for cars to
gather, Civic Center Park has plenty of parking, if one wants to start at the
Bump n' Grind, Desert Crossing has more than ample parking.
Eric Ceja continued to explain the rest of the improvements at Parkview,
Painter's Path and Hwy 111. Mr. Ceja restated that the branding scheme
will have the orange and blue paint laid into the concrete or asphalt along
with additional signage to brand CV Link and also some directional signage,
along with crosswalks that will be redone along Hwy 111 and Parkview. He
pointed out some conflict points where driveways interact with the street
and bicycles coming across, that branding scheme will be carried out at
every street intersection so that when they all come together, everyone will
eventually pay more attention to cars, bicyclists, or anyone using the
system.
Mr. Ceja continued to state that the biggest change will be when Parkview
gets into Monterey Avenue at the College of the Desert entrance. Parkview
will require some modifications to Monterey Avenue based on some
engineering challenges. There are some conflicts already without a bike
system in place. Mr. Ceja stated that instead of being able to go straight
through, you will have to make a dedicated right on the third lane. There
will be changes to accommodate this system including a sidewalk
expansion and other improvements on Monterey up to Magnesia Falls and
many other connecting points.
B. FREEDOM PARK PICKLEBALL COURT GRAND OPENING EVENT
Jennifer Nelson stated that we have all been anxiously waiting for the
completion of the construction and went over what was previously talked
about, a grand reopening. Friday, April 3rd at 8:30 a.m., a 45-minute event
with coffee and donuts, and invite the public to come out and join us. It
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 03, 2020
should be a great ceremony and we will send out the confirmation invitation
to everyone.
C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
NONE
D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
Paula Simonds stated that they are in partnership with the Westfield Mall
and have events for the entire family at the dedicated spaces, which creates
an opportunity to promote the YMCA and the Aquatic Center. Enrollment
at Jean Benson and school age sights have been consistent, and they are
currently working with the Desert Rose community to continue the approved
lease for the next 15 years.
They currently have the following:
• Jean Benson: 37 participants
• Reagan Elementary: 33 participants
• Carter Elementary: 75 participants
• Basketball: 310 participants
• Y Rookies: 85 participants
• Youth & Government: 3,000 (overall state participants)
The YMCA was really able to connect with kids to attend the City Council
meetings. Sabby Jonathan suggested expanding that program with the City
Clerk, Rachelle Klassen. She is great at explaining the way City Council
works. Ms. Simonds stated that it is such a worthwhile program, the State
Alliance for YMCA is really looking into it because it is an expensive
program due to the number of times they travel to Fresno and Sacramento.
The Y-State Alliance is looking at how they can assist with the $1300 cost.
Ms. Simonds stated that the alliance does hold numerous fund raising
events for the active participants.
Ms. Simonds also shared that their school age program received some
grant funding for Steam Education for science technology, art and math
education and have implemented that funding in childcare programs. They
also received funding from CarMax for concussion goggles and it's only
appropriate to have a concussion awareness education program. It's not
just for athletics but the importance of wearing bicycle helmets and safety.
There were break-ins in the YMCA vans last summer, now there are
security cameras inside and outside the facility. October 4th is the Y Be Fit
event.
E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 03. 2020
Brenda Nutcher announced another successful Senior Games event.
Pickleball was the biggest sport, soccer also had a big turnout. Volleyball
was huge again, 28 teams between COD and the sports center. The Teen
Driving Program had over 100 participants. DRD is getting ready for prom
dress giveaway, 15 - 20 girls will participate. Also getting ready for spring
camp and summer programs, which have all been busy. Commissioner
Housken asked if they still have the soapbox derby. Ryan Stendell stated
the event fizzled. Ms. Nutcher added that the event was quite expensive to
do. It required a lot of man power and a lot of money. Ms. Housken would
like to know what happened to the cart that the City donated to the program.
Ms. Nutcher stated that it was taken one year and never saw it again, she
will do some research and find its location.
F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Message from Tammy Martin: Wildflower Festival is happening this
weekend and looks forward to seeing everyone. Also, break-ins happening
at the visitor center. Randy Chavez and Jennifer have ordered some signs
to put up.
IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Chair Murphy mentioned an article in the LA Times about the La Quinta Wave
Park, he asked how the surf park is going in Palm Desert. Sabby Jonathan stated
that the developer is working diligently, and he believes it will happen and set forth.
Chair Murphy asked Ms. Nelson if there are any events the Commission needs to
attend between now and next meeting in April. Ms. Nelson stated that she would
like the group to attend the Concerts in the Park in May, and the event on March
14.
X. ADJOURNMENT
With unanimous consent of the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:46
a.m.
Angie Marron, Recording Secretary
7
Mr. John/Coach Marman
Sixty-year Palm Desert Resident
City of Palm Desert
• Parks and Rec Commission 1978-1995
• Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee 1985
• Sister Cities Committee 2004-2008
Board of Directors of the Historical Society of Palm Desert
Palm Desert Rotary
Riverside County Fair Board member
33 years at COD
• Desert Community College District Board
• Dean of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
• Chairman of the Board COD Alumni
• Athletic Director
• Coach and instructor: coached 10 different sports, starting off
with track and field in 1969 and two years later became the
defensive back coordinator for the COD football team,
eventually taking the head coach position from 1982 to 1986.
He became the athletic director from 1976 to 2002.
Mr. John/Coach Marman
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February 12, 2020
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-33
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A PARKS & FACILITIES
NAMING POLICY FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the
14th day of May 2015, did consider a request by the CITY OF PALM DESERT for
approval to establish a Parks and Facilities naming policy, as identified on Exhibit "A;
and
WHEREAS, said City Council did find the following facts and reasons to exist to
approve said request:
1. The City has studied naming policies for parks and governmental facilities
in the region and found the proposed policy to be appropriate. The
proposed policy balances the desires of the City to provide naming or
sponsorship opportunities with the values of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings
of the City Council in this case.
2. That the City Council does hereby establish a Parks Naming Policy as
identified on Exhibit "A" of this resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
City Council, held on this 14th day of May 2015, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: HARNIK, JONATHAN, TANNER, and WEBER
NOES: SPIEGEL
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Susan Marie Weber, Mayor
ATTEST:
RA LLE D. S , ITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-33
pm
...
[This page has intentionally been left blank.]
pm
■.
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-33
EXHIBIT "A"
Parks Naming Policy: Naming/Renaming of Parks/Recreational and other City
Facilities.
Background:
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to those who have an interest
in naming and/or renaming of the City's parks and/or recreational facilities.
The naming or renaming of parks and recreational facilities is complex and sometimes
emotionally evocative since assigning a name is a powerful and permanent identity of
a public place and/or facility. The naming and renaming of parks and recreational
facilities often requires significant resources in terms of changing names on signs,
maps, and literature.
Renaming of existing parks is discouraged due to excessive/constant name
changing can be a source of confusion to the public.
Naming Principles:
Facilities which may be named include buildings, centers, parks, open spaces, or
any other recreational facility or amenity observed by the Parks and Recreation
Commission and/or City Council.
Facilities may be named
for:
1. A distinct geographic, environmental or developmental feature.
2. A neighborhood, community, or access street.
3. A name of historical significance of the facility.
4. A reflection of the ethnic diversity of the community.
5. An individual or family who has contributed significantly to the community or
the facility.
6. A significant individual donor or corporate entity. Such donations can
add considerable value to the City's parks and recreation and therefore will be
considered.
• Donation requests should not result in the
undue commercialization of a park facility or
amenity.
Naming for Major Donations: As a guideline, the threshold for considering
the naming of a facility will include one or more of the following:
1. Land for the majority of the park was deeded to the City.
2
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-33
2. Contribution of a minimum of 50% of the capital expense associated
with development of the facility or amenity. ...
3. Contribution of an endowment equal to a minimum of 20-years of
maintenance and repair as calculated by the City. The naming right shall ..
end at the conclusion of the agreed up endowment period.
4. Short term sponsorships and naming opportunities can be considered
on a case by case basis utilizing the procedures set forth in this policy.
Naming Policy Procedure:
1. Naming recommendations can be made by submitting a written request to
the City Manager's Office.
2. The City Manager and appropriate staff members will review the proposed
name to ensure it is consistent with the principles set forth in this policy.
3. The Parks and Recreation Commission will review proposals and make a
recommendation to the City Council based on the request.
4. The naming proposal will be presented to the City Council for final review
and approval. For naming of facilities that have a significant interest citywide,
the Council may appoint a working group of council members, commissioners
and/or community members to further review a naming request.
Terms and Conditions:
1. The City reserves the right to approve appropriate signage consistent with the
City's signage policies. ...
2. All operations and maintenance of parks and facilities is to remain under the
direction of the City and in accordance with our standards. Naming/sponsorships
shall not imply any ownership of City facilities.
3. City reserves the right to change or delete a naming in its absolute discretion.
...
wr
3
Parks & Recreation Updates:
DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT:
Brenda Nutcher provided the following Covid update: During the shutdown, all part time
team members for Desert Recreation District have been laid off. Full time team members
have been working hard to put a plan in place that ensures we are following State, County
and Federal guidelines during this pandemic.
The three full time park staff have continued working throughout this time. We just
modified their duties. They have been monitoring trails, pickleball and tennis for social
distancing. They monitor the playgrounds to keeps guests off. Every day they are
replacing the caution tape on the playgrounds and recovering the drinking faucets. They
continued with their daily rounds and checks of all the parks, reporting vandalism, and
graffiti, picking up litter, and assisting guests.
We have worked hard to identify all PPE needed for park custodians. On top of all the
regular PPE, such as gloves and goggles, we have added disposable jump suits,
disposable seat covers and rubber boots for the custodians. We have one vehicle
assigned to each team member. We will have a cleaning schedule posted in each
restroom, including a check off list, times, and signature. We will be reopening three
restrooms 6/13/2020. One at Freedom Park, one at Civic Center Park and one at Cahuilla
Hills Park. We will be bringing back our part time team members and gradually open the
remaining restrooms.
We have ordered everything needed to reopen the facility. We are working on the plans
for social distancing in the center as well as programming. We plan to open the center in
early July. The first phase of opening will be the weight room, front counter for Desert
Willow cards and possibly pickleball and table tennis. We will be limiting the number of
guests for each program including the weight room. We may have to do a temporary
reservation procedure to insure guests their time on the cardio equipment. Every other
machine will be closed. We will rotate so half the equipment is available on Mondays,
Wednesday and Fridays and the other half on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The
committee will finish the plan and guidelines within the next week and we will keep you
updated.
FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAIN:
Tammy Martin provided the following update: The Randall Henderson Trail is in great
shape due to volunteer Gordon Fidler working on it every day. Also, the cross trail was
hiked by Gordon Fidler and Richard Shonerd and no trash was on the trail (responding to
report by City staff).
Another item — We have received Prop 68 grant funds to standardize the trailhead
signage. We are in the beginning stages of this project.