HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 7.6.21 CITY OF PALM DESERT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021
(VIRTUAL MEETING)
8:30 A.M.
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Guyer called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Current Meeting Year to Date
Commissioners Present Absent Present Absent
Randy Guyer, Chair X 1 0
Van Tanner X 0 1
Gregg Akkerman X 1 0
Gerald Dawson X 1 0
Lori Flint Excused 0 1
Mike Hardin X 1 0
James Henderson X 1 0
Paul Murphy X 1 0
Ralph Perry X 1 0
Ex-Officio Members:
Susan Duran, Palm Desert Library
Also Present:
Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services
Jennifer Nelson, Management Analyst
Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor
Sabby Jonathan, City Council Liaison
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary
David Keyes, YMCA of the Desert / Aquatic Center
Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District
Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains
Teal Guion, First Tee / The Golf Center at Palm Desert
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION — VIRTUAL JULY 6, 2021
Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised there are four newly appointed Parks
and Recreation commission members joining the meeting today. Ms. Nelson provided
a brief introduction of City staff. At Ms. Nelson's request attending Commissioners
introduced themselves and provided a brief summary of their background.
Ms. Nelson advised newly appointed Commissioners they were emailed a copy of the
Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws and the attendance policy. She further
advised all Commissioners were emailed an annual Member Update Form which
requests their most current contact information. Commissioners were requested to
complete and return these forms to the recording secretary. Additionally, Ms. Nelson
advised Commissioners they are required to complete ethics training and were
recently sent an email with a link to complete the required two hour minimum ethics
training. At the conclusion of the ethics training, Commissioners will receive a
certificate of completion which should be provided to the recording secretary.
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 Regular Housing Commission meeting of May 4, 2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Chair Guyer, and a
6-0-1 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the minutes for May 4, 2021
were approved as presented. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Hardin,
Henderson and Perry; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Murphy; ABSENT: Flint, Tanner).
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. SELECTION of a Vice Chairperson.
Chair Guyer addressed the Commission and asked if there were any
Commissioners who would like to volunteer for the Vice Chair position, to which
there where none.
Chair Guyer moved to, by minute motion, appoint Commissioner Tanner to
Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dawson and carried by a
6-0-1 vote. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Hardin, Henderson and Perry;
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Murphy; ABSENT: Flint, Tanner).
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B. SELECTION of Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Member.
Upon inquiry by Chair Guyer, Ms. Nelson acknowledged the memo which was
provided to Commissioners with their packet and explained that in September of
last year, in response to the pandemic, Lupine Plaza was created. Due to its
popularity the City Council directed staff to solicit proposals for the purpose of
permanently transforming Lupine Lane to create an outdoor plaza area and also
authorized the creation of an Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The subcommittee will consist
of members from various commissions, council members, City staff and
community members. Deputy Director, Eric Ceja, informed it is anticipated the
subcommittee will meet approximately three to four times and will provide feedback
on the proposed designs for the project. The subcommittee will also promote the
project to the public.
In response to comments shared by Chair Guyer, Councilmember Jonathan
replied this particular project offers recreation to the City and is "a unique type of
park," as it offers different types of amenities than most parks. He further stated
input from the Parks and Recreation Commission will be extremely valuable to the
future of Lupine Plaza.
Chair Guyer addressed the Commission and asked if there were any
Commissioners who would like to volunteer for the Ad Hoc Subcommittee, to which
Commissioner Akkerman stated he would like to volunteer. Chair Guyer advised
Commissioner Akkerman that he would serve as an alternate should he be unable
to attend one of the subcommittee meetings.
Chair Guyer moved to, by minute motion, appoint Commissioner Akkerman to
the Ad Hoc Subcommittee. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Dawson
and carried by a 6-0-1 vote. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Hardin,
Henderson and Perry; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Murphy; ABSENT: Flint, Tanner).
C. DISCUSSION regarding Park Ambassador Program.
Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, acknowledged the Park Ambassador
Program roster before Commissioners. With the addition of new Commissioners
Ms. Nelson provided an overview of the program and its purpose. Ms. Nelson
asked the Commission to advise whether they would like to continue the Parks
Ambassador Program and if so, a volunteer would be needed to fill one vacant
park assignment caused by the changes in appointed Commissioners.
Chair Guyer stated he was in favor of this program as it is a good tool for getting
Commissioners acquainted with all of the parks and to assist with identifying what
is or is not working in the park system so that it can be relayed to the City Council.
Chair Guyer volunteered to be assigned to the vacant park assignment, (Magnesia
Falls Park).
Chair Guyer called on each Commissioner to provide their comments on
continuing the program. Due to technical difficulties Commissioner Murphy was
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION — VIRTUAL JULY 6, 2021
unable to provide his thoughts. Commissioners all agreed they would like to
continue the program.
Councilmember Jonathan noted on occasion park reports from Commissioners
have included photographs which he found were useful and could be shared during
Zoom meetings. Chair Guyer added the City also has an app which allows the
public to take a picture of an issue and send it to the City directly. Chair Guyer
suggested this topic should be placed on an upcoming agenda to discuss how the
Parks and Recreation Commission can assist with getting the word out about this
app to the public.
Upon a motion by Chair Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Hardin, and a 6-
0-1 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Parks Ambassador
Program will continue as presented. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Hardin,
Henderson and Perry; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Murphy; ABSENT: Flint, Tanner).
VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. PARK USE REPORT
Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, shared the City's Fourth of July event
was hosted at the Civic Center Park and it looked amazing during and after the
event. Ms. Nelson also reported the City has coordinated with the Living Desert
for the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, which is a pledge to assist with efforts to help
restore the Monarch butterfly population. The City chose to plant a butterfly
garden, which was promptly installed by the Landscaping Division at the Civic
Center Park. Ms. Nelson shared a message and park report provided by former
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Housken.
Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, reported during a wind event in March a
light standard blew over and damaged the shade structure at the Civic Center
Dog Park beyond repair. A contractor has been selected to replace the shade
structure and it is anticipated it will be installed late August, early September,
provided there are no delays with the materials.
B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER (PDAC)
Palm Desert Aquatic Center Manger, David Keyes, provided an update on PDAC
services, staffing, programs and the Fourth of July event. He reported currently
there has been difficulty securing lifeguards which has resulted in a decrease in
hours of operation at PDAC. However, attendance numbers for the facility,
programs and swimming teams/clubs are good. Discussion ensued on ways to
help recruit additional staff.
C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT (YMCA)
Ex-Officio Paula Simonds, was unable to attend the meeting, therefore, no
discussion or update was provided for the YMCA.
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D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT (DRD)
Community Services Coordinator, Brenda Nutcher, provided an update on DRD
services, programs and recreation. She shared all of their classes have been
filling up and they have added additional classes in response to the demand.
Overall, participation has been excellent.
Executive Director, Teal Guion, provided an update on The Golf Center Palm
Desert and First Tee. Attendance for recreation services, programs, and classes
has been great.
E. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Executive Director, Tammy Martin, stated there were no new updates, but,
encouraged those who are planning to go hiking to be safe as there have been
numerous rescues due to the extreme weather. The visitor center is still closed
at this time.
F. PALM DESERT LIBRARY
Riverside County Libraries Zone Manager, Susan Duran, introduced herself as
the new Palm Desert Library Liaison and provided an update on the Palm Desert
Library. Ms. Duran noted they began their summer reading program on June 14,
2021 and already have a good number of participants. Ms. Duran further reported
the PD Library is open and programs/classes are being offered. The PD Library
is also serving as a cooling center for the public.
VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised the Commission the meeting
scheduled for August will be canceled due to staff absence. Ms. Nelson further stated
in prior years attendance for the meeting scheduled in September has been a
challenge due to the Labor Day holiday weekend which precedes the meeting date.
Ms. Nelson asked the Commission if they would like to schedule an adjourned meeting
in September and recommended changing it to Wednesday, September 8, 2021
instead of the regularly scheduled date of Tuesday, September, 7, 2021.
Upon a motion by Chair Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Hardin, and a 6-0-1
vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, cancellation of the August meeting and
the adjournment of the September 7, 2021 meeting to Wednesday, September 8, 2021
were approved. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Hardin, Henderson and Perry;
NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Murphy; ABSENT: Flint, Tanner).
Ms. Nelson encouraged Commissioners to contact her if they would like to tour any of
the facilities that are impacted by Parks and Recreation Commission.
Commissioner Guyer inquired about the final count for Fourth of July attendees. Ms.
Nelson replied she had not received the final count to date but would provide this
information at the next meeting.
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Councilmember Jonathan shared it is anticipated both the San Pablo Improvements,
Phase II project and the Palm Desert CV Link project will be completed by the next
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Councilmember Johnathan further
shared the City is working toward expanding the City's cycle paths. This process will
include an update to existing cycle paths to make them safer with new signage and
other additions, and a study on ways the City can continue to expand its cycling path
opportunities. Councilmember Jonathan stated he felt the Parks and Recreation
Commission should be involved and provide input as the planning for the cycle paths
proceeds.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Guyer adjourned the
meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secr6kary
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