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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Recreation Commission Minutes 9.8.21 CITY OF PALM DESERT ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 (VIRTUAL MEETING) 8:30 A.M. CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Guyer called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Current Meeting Year to Date Commissioners Present Absent Present Absent Randy Guyer, Chair X 2 0 Van Tanner X 0 2 Gregg Akkerman X 2 0 Gerald Dawson X 2 0 Lori Flint X 1 1 Mike Hardin X 1 1 James Henderson joined meeting at 9:21 a.m. X 2 0 Paul Murphy X 2 0 Ralph Perry X 2 0 Ex-Officio Members: Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert Susan Duran, Palm Desert Library Also Present: Randy Bowman, Deputy Director of Public Works Andy Ramirez, Deputy Director of Public Works Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager Clayton von Helf, Information Systems Manager Vanessa Mager, Management Analyst Jennifer Nelson, Management Analyst Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor MINUTES ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 Chris Gerry, Project Manager Audrey Nickerson, Project Manager Sabby Jonathan, City Council Liaison Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary Mike Beverlin, CALFIRE Division Chief David Keyes, Palm Desert Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised the Commission there were no comments or inquiries received prior to the meeting. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of July 6, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Chair Guyer, and a 6-0 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the minutes for July 6, 2021, were approved as presented. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint, Murphy, and Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT: Hardin, Henderson, Tanner). V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to approve a lease renewal for the operation of the remote control (RC) racetrack on a City-owned parcel located on Painters Path (APN# 640-091-010). Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, acknowledged the staff report before the Commission. She reported the current lease for the remote-control racetrack is set to expire in November 2021, therefore, the current tenant is requesting to renew his lease. Staff is requesting the Commission approve a recommendation for renewal of the annual lease with an option to renew for one additional year. Ms. Nelson invited questions and comments for this report. Discussion ensued on this item with Commissioners providing comments and questions. Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Akkerman, and a 6-0 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the request for a recommendation to approve a lease renewal for the operation of the remote control (RC) racetrack on a City-owned parcel was approved as presented. 2 MINUTES ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint, Murphy, and Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT: Hardin, Henderson, Tanner). VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. Update on San Pablo Phase 2 — Public Works Department Deputy Director of Public Works, Randy Bowman, introduced members of his team, Project Manager's Chris Gerry and Audrey Nickerson. The Public Works team shared a power point presentation on the City's Active Transportation Program. The presentation covered various topics including updates on the San Pablo Phase II completion, CV Link, and Citywide Bike/Golf Cart Lane Improvements. B. Update on CV Link and Bicycle Paths — Public Works Department Public Works Project Manager's Chris Gerry and Audrey Nickerson provided a power point presentation with information and updates on the Citywide bikeway/ golf cart/pedestrian improvements, PD Link, and Haystack Road traffic calming improvements. The Public Works team answered inquiries by Commissioners. C. Presentation by CALFIRE Division Chief, Mike Beverlin: The Dangers of Hiking and Search and Rescue Efforts. CALFIRE Division Chief, Mike Beverlin, provided a presentation on hiker safety and the search and rescue efforts of his department. Chief Beverlin shared the Riverside County Fire Department's YouTube video educating the public on hiking safety. Chief Beverlin answered inquiries provided by Commissioners. D. Presentation by Public Affairs Manager, Thomas Soule, on Palm Desert In Touch App. Information Systems Manager, Clayton von Helf, provided a presentation on the Palm Desert In Touch App. Mr. von Helf walked Commissioners through the steps on how to download the app and submit a request to report a problem. Mr. von Helf and Public Affairs Manager, Thomas Soule, answered questions provided by Commissioners. E. Update on Fourth of July Celebration - Management Analyst, Vanessa Mager Management Analyst, Vanessa Mager, provided an update on the Fourth of July event. Ms. Mager reported there was an estimated 4,000 people in attendance. The event was conducted without incident and was modified to allow the most safety possible. Overall, the event was successful. F. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT Chair Guyer provided an update on University Park and Fox Hiking Trail. Chair Guyer noted he felt there could be confusion when referring to Fox Hiking Trail as a park as it appears to be more of a trail head connector. He also mentioned 3 MINUTES ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 seeing vehicle tracks and inquired about their origin. Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, advised the adjacent wash is maintained by the Coachella Valley Water District and stated there have been issues with children riding their ATV's or other vehicles through the area at night. This issue has been ongoing, and efforts are being made to try to identify and issue citations to violators. Chair Guyer reported University Park is in very nice condition and is well kept. He believes this park will be used more often once the area is more development. Chair Guyer also stated he visited the dog park and there are still issues with insufficient parking. Commissioner Murphy inquired about the timeframe for development in this area. Chair Guyer inquired about the potential conversion and use of the community gardens in University Park for Palm Desert residents. Vice Chair Tanner was absent from the commission meeting and therefore was unable to provide an update on Hovley Soccer Park and Homme Adams Park. Commissioner Perry provided a presentation on Joe Mann Park. Staff shared pictures of the park provided by Commissioner Perry. He reported overall the park was in great condition and very clean. He observed the public utilizing the park and its amenities, even in the hot weather. Commissioner Perry did note one item of concern, the Arbor of Remembrance memorial, which appeared weather worn and had plaques which had fallen and recommended it be attended to. Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised the Commission, she and Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, have contacted a vendor to obtain quotes for minor repair and/or restoration services for the Arbor of Remembrance. Commissioner Flint provided an update on Freedom Park. She noted a concern regarding trash around the park due to high winds in the area. Commissioner Flint noted a few items that needed attending, which she will report on the PD In Touch app. During her visits to the park, she observed the basketball and pickleball courts were heavily used, although other amenities in the park appeared sparsely used. Commissioner Flint commented she observed several dog walkers and recommended providing doggie bags on posts. She also recommended the installation of additional sculptures in the park. Mr. Chavez advised his staff is working diligently to clean up the park due to a recent wind event. Mr. Chavez also reported two of the baseball fields were re-Tamped which resulted in the tracks Commissioner Flint reported seeing in the fields. G. PARK USE REPORT Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, reported parks have been very busy and are receiving numerous requests for reservations. She further reported the new slide has been installed at the Civic Center Park. Additionally, the dog parks will be closed for most of October for reseeding. Civic Center Park and Freedom Park will be closed intermittently for reseeding as well. Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, reported they are performing maintenance at Civic Center Park including the replacement of the current lights 4 MINUTES ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 with LED lights. Additionally, playgrounds will receive their annual top off of engineered wood fiber. Mr. Chavez shared he has been working with surrounding cities for some time to establish a schedule to coordinate and stagger dog park closures for reseeding so that a dog park will be available to Valley residents during the reseeding season. H. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER (PDAC) Palm Desert Aquatic Center Manger, David Keyes, provided an update on PDAC services, staffing, and programs. Mr. Keyes reported PDAC had a successful summer, noting admission numbers were great, despite limited hours and swim lessons experienced its largest summer session. City Council approved a permanent shade structure which should be installed sometime in the fall or winter. In response to inquiry by Commissioner Dawson, Mr. Keyes reported PDAC continues to have difficulty securing lifeguards even with the additional incentives offered. Discussion ensued on ways to help recruit additional staff. I. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT CEO of Family YMCA of the Desert, Paula Simonds, reiterated the current hardship with hiring staff. She reported the YMCA has successfully implemented their afterschool childcare programs at Carter and Reagan Elementary School, both of which are almost at full capacity. The YMCA has hired Early Childhood Education Program Director, Cheryl Hughes, for the Jean Benson Childhood Development Center. Ms. Hughes is currently working on a collaboration with College of the Desert on an internship/apprentice program for Early Childhood which has seven enrollees. J. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Community Services Coordinator, Brenda Nutcher, provided an update on DRD services, programs, and recreation. She shared all of their programs are near capacity. Ms. Nutcher provided an update on upcoming events including a drive through pumpkin patch, Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Chase the Ace Motorcycle Poker Run Fundraiser. General Manager, Kevin Kalman, thanked the Palm Desert City Council for supporting the DRD's foundation which provides subsidies to Palm Desert residents in adaptive sports and recreation programs. Mr. Kalman also provided information regarding the Halloween event for First Tee participants held at the PGA Golf Superstore and their upcoming event in December, Golf-A-Thon. Brief discussion ensued regarding the Senior Games which is scheduled for February 2022. K. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Executive Director, Tammy Martin, stated the Visitor Center is still closed at this time due to staffing issues. A second gate is currently on order to be installed at the Visitor Center parking lot and once in place, will allow residents to utilize the upper parking lot area. Ms. Martin advised Carrizo Canyon and Dead Indian 5 MINUTES ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 Canyon will be reopened from October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Ms. Martin inquired about the City's assistance with updating a City installed brick kiosk. L. PALM DESERT LIBRARY Riverside County Libraries Zone Manager, Susan Duran, provided an update on the Palm Desert Library. She reported library usage is up this month and library volunteers have returned on site. They will be conducting interviews for two positions, Young Adult Services and Library Branch Manager. Ms. Duran shared they conducted ten programs for the month of August with a total of 718 views. Ms. Duran further reported the library served approximately 160 patrons for the cooling center. The library had a book sale for two weekends and proceeds will be used to fund library programs. Ms. Duran shared that September is "Library Card Sign Up Month" and encouraged everyone to stop by and get a free library card. Commissioner Murphy requested a tour of the library to help acquaint the Commission with the library's amenities. VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS Upon inquiry by Commissioner Murphy, Councilmember Jonathan provided an update on the DSRT Surf project. Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised she would contact the appropriate staff member and provide an update on DSRT Surf at a future meeting. Councilmember Jonathan invited the Commission to attend the San Pablo and CV Link Grand Opening scheduled for October 23, 2021, at 5pm. IX. ADJOURNMENT With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m. Me�G Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary 6