HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-05-03 PRC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2022
(HYBRID MEETING)
8:30 A.M.
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chair Tanner called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Current Meeting Year to Date
Commissioners Present Absent Present Absent
Randy Guyer, Chair X 8 1
Van Tanner X 4 5
(3 Excused)
Gregg Akkerman X 9
Gerald Dawson X 9
Lori Flint X 8 1
(1 Excused)
James Henderson X 2 7
(0 Excused)
Paul Murphy – Late arrival X 9
Ralph Perry X 9
Ex-Officio Members:
Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert
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
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (HYBRID) May 3, 2022
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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
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of April 5,
2022.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Perry, and
a 6-0-2 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the minutes for April 5,
2022, were approved as presented. (AYES: Tanner, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint,
Murphy, & Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT: Guyer, Henderson).
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. UPDATED PARK ROSTER REVIEW
Receive and File.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. NONE
VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
B. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT
• Commissioner Guyer – Civic Center Park
• Commissioner Perry – Homme Adams Park
• Commissioner Flint – Fox Hiking Park
Receive and File
C. PARK USE REPORT
Community Services Manager, Randy Chavez, provided an update on the Active
Transportation Plan (ATP) study session, which focuses on advancing mobility
options for both hiking and walking within the city and it will enhance better
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connectivity to CV link routes. The link to the presentation will be provided via e-
mail.
Randy Chavez reported Hovley Soccer Park will be closed for about a month
end of June due to regular maintenance.
D. NORTH SPHERE PARK
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir shared they had 16 vendors attend the
mandatory pre-bid meeting, along with the support of Economic Development staff
a presentation was provided, and several questions were answered. Questions
have also been received through OpenGov portal. Mayor Pro-Tem Sabby Jonathan
addressed the concern regarding the size and configuration of the park, reassured
the commission that Council and staff are actively pursuing alternatives for creating
a larger regional park to meet the needs of the community.
E. JOE MANN PARK
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir, reported the installation of the Arbor of
Remembrance sign replacement was delayed due to vendor not able to take on the
work, after obtaining new bids, they are now working with Signarama to replace the
sign. She has also reached out to Palm Desert Country Club Association to obtain
the list of names.
F. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
Aquatic Manager, David Keyes, shared construction of the recreation pool is
moving along with a target date to re-open in Memorial Day. He also reported
on the installation of a new shade structure. Their summer schedule will be the
same as last year due to lifeguard staffing issues.
David Keyes went over the fees for the Aquatic Center, admission fees have
been the same since 2011, program fees were increased in 2020. Mayor Pro
Tem, Sabby Jonathan stated the funding of the Aquatic Center is one of the items
under review with Council’s budget session. Deputy Director, Andy Ramirez
stated staff will be working on looking into this further and bring something back
to council.
G. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
CEO, Paula Simonds, shared as part of a statewide partnership alliance the
Aquatic Center is working on a drowning prevention education program. Ms.
Simonds also reported their summer day camp registrations are filling up and
other programs as well.
H. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
Community Services Coordinator, Brenda Nutcher, provided an update on DRD
services, programs, recreation, and First Tee. DRD’s Fees and Charges Manual
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is being finalized, and Shawn will send an email to distribute it to the group when
it is available.
I. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Community Services Manager, Randy Chavez stated the city is working with
Friends of the Desert Mountains on drafting an MOU to identify who will be
maintaining the trails and how the city can assist to monitor the parks and
trailheads.
J. PALM DESERT LIBRARY
Branch Manager, Alina Prunean, reported a high number of attendees for both
their in-person and virtual programs.
K. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Jann Buller reported they received a draft agreement from Riverside County
which is called “facilities use agreement” there are some restrictions that will
affect the bookstore operations. It will restrict them from accepting any form of
payments, which will affect them in generating funds for the library. Mayor Pro
Tem, Sabby Jonathan shared city staff is working with the County in regard to
this issue and asked Jann Buller to e-mail him a proposed solution and
summarize her concerns and will look further into this.
VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem, Sabby Jonathan shared as part of the budget process, Council
sets goals for the city and one of the goals is to convert the city to a more
pedestrian and cyclist friendly and safe, Council is looking to investing 26 million
dollars over the next five years. It will include PD link, CV link, the focus is to a
more environmentally friendly transportation.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Vice-Chair Tanner
adjourned the meeting at 9:34 a.m.
_________________________________
Marisol Lopez, Recording Secretary