HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-05 PRC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2022
(HYBRID MEETING)
8:30 A.M.
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Guyer 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
Van Tanner X 3 5
(3 Excused)
Gregg Akkerman X 8
Gerald Dawson X 8
Lori Flint X 7 1
(1 Excused)
James Henderson X 2 6
(0 Excused)
Paul Murphy X 8
Ralph Perry X 8
Ex-Officio Members:
Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert
Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District
Also Present:
Sabby Jonathan, Mayor Pro Tem
Andy Ramirez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Andy Firestine, Assistant City Manger
Shawn Muir, Management Analyst
Randy Chavez, Community Services Manager
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (HYBRID) APRIL 5, 2022
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Nick Melloni, Associate Planner
Marisol Lopez, Recording Secretary
David Keyes, Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains
Karen Gonzalez, Friends of the Palm Desert Library
Jan Buller, Friends of the Palm Desert Library
Teal Guion, First Tee Coachella Valley
Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of March 1,
2022.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Murphy,
and a 7-0-1 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the minutes for March
1, 2022, were approved as presented. (AYES: Guyer, Tanner, Akkerman,
Dawson, Flint, Murphy and Perri; NOES: None; ABSENT: Henderson).
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. NORTH SPHERE PARK - RFP
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir explained in detail the draft RFP for the North
Sphere Park, input from Ex-officio Kelvin Kalman and Commissioners was
received, followed by a brief discussion.
B. UPDATE PARK UPDATE PROGRAM SCHEDULE DUE TO CHANGE IN
ROSTER
Commissioner Dawson explained to the Commissioners the steps to follow for
their park update report. Commissioners are to visit the park every month and
give an update on the specified month per the Park Update Program Schedule.
With Commissioner Hardin’s resignation and the repeated absence of
Commissioner Henderson, Commissioners Perry and Tanner volunteered to
report on the parks to which the absent commissioners had been assigned. Staff
were directed to update the Park Update Program Schedule.
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C. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir reminded Commissioners to e-mail the Mayor
to be excused for any absences as appropriate. This prevents accumulation of
three unexcused absences, which leads to automatic resignation.
D. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER CONTACT INFORMATION
Management Analyst, Shawn Muir asked Commissioners to contact her
individually if they approve for their contact information to be shared within the
Commission.
VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT
• Hovley Soccer Park - Commissioner Henderson was absent therefore
Commissioner Tanner gave an update of the park given that he visits the park
often, he stated park is in good condition. He recommends more frequent
cleaning of restrooms over the weekend.
• Joe Mann Park - Report provided via e-mail by Commissioner Hardin.
• Freedom Park by Commissioner Guyer as presented.
B. PARK USE REPORT – Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez
• Continue to work on Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, a staff report will be presented
to Council for Mayor Harnik to issue a proclamation.
• The Dog park shelter has been completed and working on a misting system.
• Working with JPIA regarding the Cahuilla Hills parking lot. There is discussion
on ways on how to provide ADA elements and looking into other funding
sources.
C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
Palm Desert Aquatic Center Manager, David Keyes, stated things are going well,
had good attendance on a swim meet event. They are in the process of installing
security cameras, resurfacing of a pool, and adding a rock wall and zip line.
D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
Ex-Officio, Paula Simonds shared they are currently enrolling for camps, started
street hockey program, after school programs are at capacity and things are
going well.
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E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
General Manager, Kevin Kalman stated he had an opportunity to meet with
Shawn Muir and Andy Ramirez to review the renovation plans, the design
development is close to being completed and renovations are estimated to
begin early fall.
Teal Guion, shared some of the events for First Tee and the summer schedule,
which will be posted on the website.
F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Tammy Martin, shared the trails are in good shape, taking care of the graffiti
issues, and mentioned the Wildflower Festival was a success.
G. PALM DESERT LIBRARY
Alina Prunean, Lead Librarian, provided a report and shared the current activities
that are taking place at the Palm Desert Library.
H. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Karen Gonzalez, provided a report/update on their current lessons, stated they
are buying books for the book clubs. Shared her concern regarding their license
agreement, she’s uncertain as to why they cannot continue under the general
liability policy that the County already has as they are using part of their space.
Chair Guyer directed staff to follow up regarding their license.
VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Deputy Director of Public Works, Andy Ramirez recognized staff for the hard
work during the process for the North Sphere Park Design RFP along with efforts
from the Commission.
Chair Guyer questioned the possible changes of the footprint of the North Sphere
Park. Andy Ramirez responded that there are discussions with developers and
City staff regarding the possibility of increasing the acreage of the site.
Commissioner Lori Flint shared she attended the Wildflower Festival and was
pleased with the outcome.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Guyer adjourned the
meeting at 10: 08 a.m.
_________________________________
Marisol Lopez, Recording Secretary