HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-04 PRC Regular Meeting Minutes
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PERLIMINARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
(VIRTUAL MEETING)
8:30 A.M.
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Guyer called the meeting to order at 8:37 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Deputy Director of Public Works, Andy Ramirez introduced Management Analyst,
Shawn Muir. Shawn Muir, provided a brief update on her professional background.
She is currently working on:
o A Request for Proposals for the pool resurfacing at the Palm Desert
Aquatic Center, and installation of security cameras.
o Civic Center Dog Park Shade Structure
o Palm Desert Aquatic Center Shade Structure
o MOU with Friends of the Desert Mountains
o Improper feeding of birds and wildlife at Civic Center Park
Current Meeting Year to Date
Commissioners Present Absent Present Absent
Randy Guyer, Chair X 5 0
Van Tanner X 0 5
Gregg Akkerman X 5 0
Gerald Dawson X 5 0
Lori Flint X 5 1
Mike Hardin X 2 3
James Henderson X 2 3
Paul Murphy X 5 0
Ralph Perry X 5 0
Ex-Officio Members:
Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert
Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) JANUARY 4, 2022
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Also Present:
Sabby Jonathan, Council Member
Andy Ramirez, Deputy Director of Public Works
Eric Ceja, Deputy Director of Development Services
Shawn Muir, Management Analyst
Nick Melloni, Associate Planner
Marisol Lopez, Recording Secretary
Melanie Slater, Recording Secretary
David Keyes, Palm Desert Aquatic Center
Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District
Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Guyer, invited comments from attendees on items not on the agenda, to which
there were none.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES of the Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of December
7, 2021.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Perry, and
a 6-0-3 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the minutes for October 5,
2021, were approved as presented. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint,
Murphy, and Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT: Henderson, Tanner, and Hardin).
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
None
VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT
Chair Guyer invited questions and comments from attendees on park updates,
to which there were none.
B. PARK USE REPORT
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Deputy Director of Public Works, Andy Ramirez advised that Landscape
Supervisor, Randy Chavez would provide a detailed presentation at the next
meeting. The City is currently accepting BIDs for the Parks and Landscape
Enhancement Project and will be taken to City Council for approval. The project
is budgeted for roughly $250,000.00 to enhance landscaping around the City.
C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER
Palm Desert Aquatic Center Manager, David Keyes, stated that the PDAC had
a lot of non-residents using the lap lanes. On December 20, 2021, the PDAC
converted to a new point of sale’s system. Staff is being diligent about wearing
masks indoors. The PDAC sustained a 20-hour power outage and closed while
the outage was being addressed. Deputy Director of Public Works, Andy
Ramirez advised the commission staff is conducting a full assessment on the
City’s generator located at the PDAC and creating a backup emergency plan to
avoid future outages. Chair Guyer asked Mr. Keyes about the chlorine system
that was supposed to be installed at the facility but had been postponed. Mr.
Keyes advised that this project has been postponed due to a potential issue with
the system causing damage to pool decks, as reported by other users.
D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
Ex-Officio, Paula Simonds advised the facility also experienced a power outage.
The Jean Benson Child Development Center is still maintaining a steady course
of enrollment for pre-school, school age sites at Carter and Reynold Regan
Elementary are at capacity. YMCA is working with the Coachella Valley Firebirds
and launched a floor hockey program. Campaign for 2022 is “Cheers to 40 years”
the YMCA has been around for forty years.
E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT
General Manager, Kevin Kalman had been out of the office for a few weeks and
had nothing to report. Mr. Kalman will provide an update at the next meeting.
Chair Guyer asked if commissioners could get a copy of survey results, from a
study that Desert Recreation District conducted on Park and Rec needs. Mr.
Kalman will present the survey results to the commission and staff at the
February meeting.
F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS
Executive Director, Tammy Martin, stated that the trails are in good conditions.
The second gate has arrived, the first gate is open, and will remain open if no
issues arise. The visitor center is having staffing issues, with hopes to be open
by the end of January.
G. PALM DESERT LIBRARY
Riverside County Libraries Zone Manager, Susan Duran, was not able to attend
the meeting.
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VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS
Deputy Director of Public Works, Andy Ramirez presented a proposed schedule
for 2022 meeting dates. Chair Guyer stated that it would be best for the
commission to keep all their meeting’s dates, and if quorum is not reached
meetings can be adjourned. Commissioners Perry and Murphy agreed.
Commissioners will review the schedule and vote on meeting dates at the next
scheduled meeting.
Chair Guyer asked for nominations for Chairman and Vice Chair. The
Commission agreed to defer this to next meeting and for staff to review bylaws.
With 6-0-3 vote officer appointments were deferred to February 1, 2022. (AYES:
Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint, Murphy, and Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT:
Henderson, Tanner, and Hardin).
Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan requested staff circulate a copy of the bylaws to all
commissioners and new staff members.
Deputy Director of Public Works, Andy Ramirez provided a summary of the Walk
and Roll Palm Desert Project, a detailed presentation will be given by Project
Manager, Audrey Nickerson at the next commission meeting.
Associate Planner, Nick Melloni provided an update/presentation of the North
Sphere. Chair Guyer requested that staff provide an update on budget/funding
for North Sphere Park construction. Deputy Director of Development Services,
Eric Ceja will provide an update at the next meeting.
Commissioner Perry requested an updated list of parks and trails. Management
Analyst, Shawn Muir is working on the list and will share with the commission
when it is complete.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Guyer adjourned the
meeting at 9:58 a.m.
Mariana Rios
Mariana Rios, Recording Secretary