HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-07 PRC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
(HYBRID)
MINUTES
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER – 8:30 A.M.
The meeting was called to order at 8:33 a.m.
Present:
Chair Rady Guyer
Vice Chair Van Tanner
Commissioner Greg Akkerman
Commissioner Gerald Dawson
Commissioner Lori Flint – Late arrival
Commissioner James Henderson
Commissioner Paul Murphy
Commissioner Ralph Perry
Ex-Officio Members:
Paula Simonds
Also Present:
Sabby Jonathan, Mayor Pro Tem
Andy Firestine, Assistant City Manger
Andy Ramirez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Randy Chavez, Community Services Manager
Shawn Muir, Management Analyst
Marisol Lopez, Recording Secretary
Melanie Slater, Recording Secretary
David Keyes, Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains
Jan Buller, Friends of the Palm Desert Library
Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District
Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District
Alina Prunean, Palm Desert Library Branch Manager
Teal Guion, Desert Recreation District
II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday, June 07, 2022
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III. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approve minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of May 3,
2022.
Rec: Approve as presented
Main Motion: Approve.
Moved by: Murphy/Dawson
Vote and Action: 7 Yes/1 Abstain/ 0 Absent
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. CHANGE OF COMMISSION MEETING TIME
Upon discussion amongst the Commissioners, it was decided to continue with
the current meeting schedule.
B. INSTALLATION OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN CIVIC CENTER PARK
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir shared a presentation on the proposed
installation of fitness equipment project at the Civic Center Park that will be
presented to Council. A proposal was received, and she is utilizing the OMNIA
Group cooperative to obtain guaranteed pricing rather than bid out the project.
Shawn requested approval from Commissioners to move forward and welcomed
feedback, followed by brief discussion.
Rec: Approve as presented
Main Motion: Approve.
Moved by: Tanner/Perry
Vote and Action: 8 Yes/ 0 No/ 0 Absent
C. CHANGES TO FACILITY USE POLICIES FOR CITY OWNED FACILITIES
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir, reported to the commission she’s been
working on updating the policies for city owned facilities, the purpose for this
update is to review existing rules and regulations on park reservations, field
fees, park use permits, and automating the facility use application. Final
proposal will be presented to the Commission for review and approval prior to
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being presented to the City Council for adoption.
VI. PRESENTATION AND UPDATES.
A. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT
Commissioner Perry provided a report on Cahuilla Hills Park & Fox Hiking Park,
identifying items in the Cahuilla Hills Park bathrooms that could possibly be
upgraded. Overall, both parks are in great condition.
Commissioner Flint reported Ironwood Park is in perfect condition and well
maintained.
Commissioner Tanner reported both the University Park East and University Dog
Park are in good condition and well maintained.
B. CHANGES TO NORTH SPHERE PARK RFP
Management Analyst Shawn Muir reported after receiving direction from Council
the City is looking into other options for the park site location. There were several
park site options under consideration, and it has been narrowed down to a
location within the University development area. The request for proposal was
updated and the deadline for proposals was extended. Four companies
attended the pre-bid meeting and submitted their proposals; the proposals will
be reviewed with the Subcommittee at their July meeting. Shawn welcomed
feedback and it was opened for discussion, conversation ensued.
C. WEBSITE UPDATED
Management Analyst Shawn Muir provided a presentation on the new upgrades
done to the parks and recreation web page with collaboration from the Public
Affairs Department; making it more accessible to navigate.
D. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
Aquatic Center Manager, David Keyes reported they were able to open the
recreational swim over Memorial Day weekend. The Aquatic Center has been
busy and swim lessons registration numbers are high.
E. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
YMCA CEO, Paula Simonds, shared summer camp enrollments are high and
childcare centers are at full capacity. Also, they are currently working on
evaluating all their sites on how to provide better security on their campuses
and program locations.
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F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
Community Services Coordinator, Brenda Nutcher, reported DRD services,
programs, and recreation programs are at full capacity.
Teal Guion reported they are hosting a Junior Golf Tournament in July and
reported summer camps and classes are full.
G. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Tammy Martin reported they are preparing for their Desert Kids Festival on
January 14, 2023, which will be held at Civic Center Park. They are evaluating
the location for a potential new sign installation at the Gabby Hayes trail and
reported new signs have been installed at the Bump and Grind trail.
H. PALM DESERT LIBRARY
None.
I. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Jan Buller reported they had good sales during the Memorial Day weekend.
They met with Alina to discuss how to support her as the new branch manager
for the Palm Desert Library.
VII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIASON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Commissioner Perry questioned if there are any plans in offering security trainings in
the event of an active shooter situation. Commissioner Tanner addressed Mayor Pro-
Tem on what actions have been taken with regard to an active shooter situation; Mayor
Pro-Tem reported he has requested to the City Manager to request a copy on the
coordinated action plan from Lieutenant Wilson. Assistant City Manager, Andy
Firestine, reported a threat assessment and a security review has been coordinated
with the Sherriff’s Department for the Civic Center campus and will share the
Commission’s concern.
Mayor Pro Tem, Sabby Jonathan thanked staff for their hard work being done with
the North Sphere Park. Mayor Pro Tem suggested staff to provide an update to the
commission regarding community gardens; Randy Chavez, Community Services
Manager mentioned it has been brought up as a possible amenity for the new park.
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VIII. ADJOURNMENT
With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Guyer adjourned the
meeting at time 10:18 a.m.
Marisol Lopez
Recording Secretary