HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-12 PRC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
(HYBRID)
MINUTES
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER – 8:30 A.M.
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.
Present:
Chair Randy Guyer
Commissioner Greg Akkerman
Commissioner Gerald Dawson
Commissioner Lori Flint
Commissioner James Henderson
Commissioner John Maldonado
Commissioner Paul Murphy
Commissioner David O’Donnell
Commissioner Ralph Perry
Ex-Officio Members:
Paula Simonds
Kevin Kalman
Also Present:
Sabby Jonathan, Mayor Pro Tem
Martin Alvarez, Development Services Director
Andy Ramirez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Randy Chavez, Community Services Manager
Shawn Muir, Management Analyst
Marisol Lopez, Recording Secretary
Debbie Thompson, Management Specialist II
Eric Ceja, Economic Development Director
Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains
Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District
Karen Gonzalez, Friends of the Palm Desert Library
Alina Prunean, Palm Desert Library Branch Manager
Van Tanner
II. OATH OF OFFICES
The oath of office was administered to Commissioners John Maldonado and David
O’Donnell by City Clerk Anthony Mejia.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday, July 12, 2022
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III. ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS
Motion to open nominations for Chair, Commissioner Murphy nominated
Commissioner Dawson.
Main Motion: Approve.
Moved by: Murphy/Akkerman
Vote and Action: 9 Yes/0 Abstain/ 0 Absent
Motion to open nominations for Vice Chair, Commissioner Murphy nominated
Commissioner Akkerman.
Main Motion: Approve.
Moved by: Murphy/Guyer
Vote and Action: 9 Yes/0 Abstain/ 0 Absent
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIOS
None.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approve minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of June 07,
2022.
Rec.: Approve as presented
Main Motion: Approve.
Moved by: Guyer/Murphy
Vote and Action: 9 Yes/0 Abstain/ 0 Absent
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. NORTH SPHERE PARK UPDATE
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir provided a report of the subcommittee
meeting, stating the evaluation results of the four firms that submitted proposals.
Shawn stated on August 2nd the Commission may provide a recommendation to
Council as to which proposal they feel is the best for the needs of the City and
the Community. The award of the contract will be presented to Council at the
August 25th meeting.
Development Services Director, Martin Alvarez provided a brief update on the
background of the initial park site selected. Upon receiving direction from
Council they looked at alternative park site locations; a second parcel is
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Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday, July 12, 2022
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currently under consideration.
Deputy Director, Andy Ramirez reported that the City met with Genesis HOA to
discuss the proposed 25 acre park site. Issues included sport field lighting
encroaching onto private property, noise pollution, drainage, and sand from high
winds. The selected firm will be doing several public outreach events to ensure
all amenities needs are addressed in the planning of the park.
B. CHANGES TO FACILITY USE POLICIES FOR CITY OWNED FACILITIES
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir shared a working draft of the resolution to
adopt the administrative policy for use of the city owned facilities and to establish
a fee schedule. A final draft will be presented to the Commission at the August
2nd meeting for review before being presented to Council.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. MONUMENT SIGN ON GABBY HAYES TRAIL
Commissioner Guyer suggested the placement of a monument sign on the
Gabby Hayes Trail, which will help promote the City on social media. Tammy
Martin from Friends of the Desert Mountains discussed the possible risks
associated and suggested to visit the site to look at other locations within the
trail to ensure the safety of the hikers.
B. SUBCOMMITTEE ON GLOBAL WARMING
Rec.: Received and File – Presented by Commissioner Dawson.
Mayor Pro Tem, Sabby Jonathan suggested the Resource Preservation &
Enhancement Committee to give this Commission an update on their
responsibilities, so the efforts are not being duplicated on the same topic.
Special Programs Department to provide a presentation at a future meeting.
VIII. PRESENTATION AND UPDATES.
A. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT
Washington Charter Park - Community Services Manager, Randy Chavez
stated he has been working with Shawn and Desert Sands Unified School
District to determine who is responsible for the maintenance of Washington
Charter Park, will provide an update as soon as it is available.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday, July 12, 2022
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B. PALM DESERT LIBRARY
Alina Prunean reported the library has been busy with summer programs and
they are also serving as a cooling center with the support from the Community
Action partnership of Riverside County.
C. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Karen Gonzales reported they have received a wish list from the library identifying
all the things they need from them.
D. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Tammy Martin thanked DRD for allowing their education programs to take
place during their summer programs. They have had a high number of
attendees. Trails are in good condition and Visitor Center continues to be
open.
E. FIRST TEE - COACHELLA VALLEY
No update.
F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
Receive and file – Presented by Brenda Nutcher
G. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
No update.
H. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
Received and File – Submitted by David Keyes.
I. LUPINE PLAZA UPDATE
Commissioner Akkerman reported on April 14th a design proposal was
presented to Council by staff, which was approved with recommendations. The
final design is under review. Once finalized it will be presented to Council.
J. COMMUNITY GARDENS UPDATE
Received and File – Presented by Debbie Thompson.
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K. DSRT SURF UPDATE.
Director of Economic Development, Eric Ceja provided a power point
presentation to the Commission, he will provide an update as the project
develops.
IX. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIASON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
None.
X. ADJOURNMENT
With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Dawson adjourned
the meeting at time 10:10 a.m.
Marisol Lopez
Recording Secretary