Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRename PD Country Club Neighborhood Park to Joe Mann Park CITY OF PALM DESERT (K:1- *-1 b h: DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Jeff Winklepleck, Parks and Recreation Planning Manager Date: March 14, 2002 SUBJECT: REQUEST TO RENAME THE PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD PARK TO "JOE MANN PARK" RECOMMENDATION: By minute motion , that the City Council approve the request and rename the Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood Park to Joe Mann Park II. BACKGROUND/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A proposal has been presented to the City by Mr. Richard C. "Scoop" Watson and others to rename the Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood Park to Joe Mann Park. According the information provided, Mr. Mann was very active in the Palm Desert Country Club area. He served for three years as president of the PDCC Association Board, was responsible for the developing the area newspaper which is distributed to all 1700 homes in the PDCC area, and was instrumental in the annexation of the area to the City of Palm Desert in 1994. Mr. Mann passed away in 1997. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposal on January 9,2002. There was some concern voiced that the name change should be opened up to the public to allow other names proposals. However, after additional discussion related to the contributions that Joe Mann made to the improvement of the PDCC area, the the commission recommended to the City Council that the Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood Park be changed to Joe Mann Park (7-1-1 with Commissioner Vassalli opposed and Commissioner Munson absent). G:\Planning\Jeff Winklepleck\wpdocs\joemannpark.wpd MEMORANDUM PDCC NEIGHBORHOOD PARK NAME CHANGE MARCH 14, 2002 This item was presented to the Palm Desert Country Club Association board along with a petition signed by 46 PDCC homeowners and on February 11 , 2002, the board approved a motion that indicated that the PDCCA is not opposed to the naming of the park after Joe Mann. Prepared by: Reviewed and Concur: (y__) JEFF WINKL PLECK RIpHARD OLKERS, P.E. PARKS & RECREATION ACM FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING MANAGER SERVICES Reviewed and Concur: Reviewed and Concur: i . PHIL DRELL CARLOS ORTEGA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY CITY MANAGER DEVELOPMENT /attachments CITY COUNC ACTION: APPROVED DENIED RECEIVED OTHER MEETING DATE AYES: t G.\Planning\Jeff Winklepleck\wpdocs\joemannpark.wpd NOES: ABSENT: (i1) ABSTAIN: 11 (bl� ��m VERIFIED BY: ' (� Original on File ith City Clerk's Office Richard C Webber 76-701 New York Avenue Palm Desert CA 92211 (760)345-7444 FAX (760) 345-7444 E-Mail-Scoopone@aoL com RECEIVEID DEC 26 2001 December 24, 2001 CC IMUNITY CEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CITY OF PALM DESERT Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Dear Sir: z The possible naming of the new city park on California Drive in the Palm Desert Country Club area is gaining approval of many neighbors in the area. People who knew the late Joe Mann, who moved here with his family in 1978, remember him as a dedicated worker for the benefit of our area. Knowing that a local newspaper would help bind the community together, he became the founder and editor of our monthly periodical. Seeing that roads, service and the deterioration of the Welty market center needed help he became chairman of the County District 26 and was instrumental in putting us into the influence of the city of Palm Desert. His real name was Robert Mann, but everyone knew him as"Joe". He was president of the PDCC Association board for three years. Along with the late Bert Monahan worked tirelessly and finally our area became a part of the city. On May 13th 1994 a party was held and a huge crowd saw him honored on"Joe Mann Night"by the city fathers and headed by the then mayor Roy Wilson. He passed away in 1997 being hospitalized after he fell while working on the Gazebo in the Rose Garden, which he helped develop. Joe seems to be the natural person we could honor by naming the park after him. I know of no other person who gave so much of his time, effort and money for the benefit of our community. I am asking you to please consider our proposal to name this park Joe Mann Park. Sincere , ///17 .11//: Richard C. "Scoop" Webber Copy to: Jeff Winklepleck April, 1997 Page 4 ._"..•= r Joe Maru1 Story edition was published in September of 1987. Joe, along with the efforts of the late Burt THE MANN AND HIS Joe was never a person to stay still. As the paper Monahan and other concerned involved people, began was his baby;he wrote,pasted it up,encouraged others to meeting with the city administration. The Palm Desert NEWSPAPER BBy Scoop Webber write articles, sold the ads, licked the addresses and city people said, "How interested are the people in your li It is true that even though a special person dies, delivered the package to the Post Office.His background area wish to be in our city?"Ultimately,after one very bus of work ethic came early as being the oldest boy of seven - weekend,a petition of some 700 citizens was presented t., s. that relationship in spirit does carry on. Not only the relationship remains,but with the case of the late "Joe" ' children and of growing up in the darkest days of the the city fathers saying,"Yes,we want tobein the cityf" On Depression in the thirties. October 6,1992,the netts article reported that the City will Mann, a legacy of his accomplishments in and for our cantle community will be evident for some time; particularly His family had moved from Oklahoma to submit application to LAFCO to start negotiating the remembered as the founder and the erstwhile editor of the Covina and his dad went to work managing orange financial details of taking over some 1,600 areas,which PDCC Community Monthly News. groves,whichwere abundant in that area then.Joe worked included the PDCC,Oasis and Woodhaven, etc. Since when he and his loving partner and wife, as a small boy and as a teenager to help the family make Finally on May 5,1994,our PDCC area became Mary,first arrived in our Palm Desert C.C.in 1978,they ends meet. He decided to drop out of school and join the a part of the City ofPalm Desert.If the efforts of Joe Mann have donated unestimable time and ideas to the benefit of CCC; the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program de- and his newspaper had not been instrumental in the our community. They saw a smaller and largely retire- signed to put young people to work during the Depression. movement,the results could have been much different. went-folk environment grow and ehagge.As a member of After about six months of helping fight mountain fires,his Mann's persistence efforts on the community'! the Community Association, he soon was voted by his mother convinced him to come back home and finish high benefit over the years,brought a outpouring of a gratifies peers to give service as a director on the board and then school. citizentry on the tight of May 13, 1994.A party was here ultimately serving as its president for three years. He graduated and also became captain of the which brought a huge crowd to the association martin! 1thcyAs the association only served a portion Covina High School football team and went to work for hall honoring him on"Joe Mann Night". In attendant) of the households in the PDCC area, news and informs- Sears. Soon WW II one along and Joe was drafted andwere family,relations,friendsandmostoftheCityofPa lion was distributed to members by walking the flyers door spent the war years in the Army both in the states and Desert ,fathers along with their department heads&.., to door or bulletin announcements. Joe envisioned a overseas- heardthethenMayorRoyWilsonofficiallyproclairn During this time, he happened to meet a sweet this dayas"Joe Mann Day". newspaper mailed freely each monthly to all 1700 homes. His thought was to bring the local news of activities and lady whose name was Mary Fedyk through a friend in St. It was the day he occured his accidentback in chi current issues to more households. As it turned out later, Louis and they ultimately tied the knot. As Mary has said, past September,which ultimately brought about his do his ideas were right on. "She was one of those war brides." misc. Joe was standing on a ladder on the gazebo in th When he presented his idea to the board, they Upon retirement and moving to the PDCC area, Rose Garden. A wedding was planned and Joe felt r rejected it as being too costly.The years of Mann's career Mann began to notice,along with many others,that things needed to fix something himself to have it ready and he fe was in management,but he had no background in journal- were deteriorated. The roads,service and particularly the down. ism. He contacted Jim Baldwin,a retired newspaper man Welty's market center were looking bad. The county For his efforts to his family, community ar who was publishing a paper at Palm Desert Greens, Jim management of our area did not seem to be response to our country,we can deeply say he was indeed,"A Mann for e showed him how to set up the paper,publish it and how needs. Joe then became Chairman of the District 26 for seasons" that the ads would pay for the cost. The advertisers three years and soon the PDCC area was put into the welcomed the idea and Joe convinced the board;the first sphere of the influence of Palm Desert City. ii HIM I At II I►Ilnrin I►ruvt t'AIMIit;I ill, I:nttt 9ntI RfM)8 1111 1'I IIIFII (it;u)34(; 7.111 ►' PALM I )MS14:1:'1' • ( '( )I ► N'I'I, ( I ,I 1 I February 15, 2002 • Palm Desert City Council 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Calm Desert, CA 92260 • Dear Council Members: The Board of Directors of Palm Desert Country Club Association ("I'D('('A") held their monthly meeting on February 11, 2002. Mr. Dick Webber and Mr. Jim Mitchell. I'D('('A homeowners, presented a petition signed by 46 Palm Desert Country Club homeowners. This petition requests that the new ('itv Park on ('alifi►rnia he named the "Joe Maim Park". After Board discussion, the following action of the Ihoard was approved: "Motion by Craig I lerkimcr, second by Dave Murphy, that PDCCA send letter to Palm Desert City Park Department stating that PDCCA is not opposed to naming of Park after Joe Mann, motion passed by quorum, with Marilyn I tamlet and Chuck Schmidt opposed to motion." The Board of Directors asks that the information provided above he considered in your decision regarding the naming of the new City Park on California. Sincerely, �y1 ez-te4 e•, Vito 4�� Marilynn hamlet, President PDCCA Board of Directors r•� - x• •J'tai's�`(�. �'. Nq - '' a LL; 46 ,.,, __", .,,,,,a,,, ,, ..,,,,,,, .L.::. . ..,,,,,,...,. . , .,,,. ,: .,,,,,,,, - ,.,,,,ii:!,,,,,,: ,,,,,,,..,.."., i 0 1- _0( .:,.i.:-...,,,,,,,,,i4i,..,;,.....: F ,^r ` k F ,Ft 4, t+{f.. M{'NC I tf N 1 x MtRt { l LAST SUPPER ""T ,k No.9001 Titian, 1480-1576 nousn �' PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2002 MINUTES IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Chairman Scheurer stated that the priorities for the new year should be to (1) complete the Master Plan as outlined in the bylaws, (2) maintain a project priority list, and (3) maintain the schedule of those priorities. Since there are only nine Parks & Recreation meetings scheduled this year, we have to get these items accomplished in a timely manner. He stated that the Commission will probably have to have liasons do some extra work with the subcommittees and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Tanner commented that he would like the Golf Center on Cook Street put on the next agenda. Alan Layman, Principal of Washington Charter School was present along with four student Ambassadors. They came to thank the City of Palm Desert, the Parks and Recreation Commission and Jeff Win klepleck for the park that was built on the campus at their school. Each of the Ambassadors had a short speech about what they like about the new park and how much they appreciate what the City has done for them. Commissioner Babcock stated that this is the first time that he can remember that any school has come in to thank us for something that we did and the Commission sincerely appreciates it. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood Park Dick (Scoop)Webber, Mary Safe, Jim Mitchell and Charlie Ash were present to discuss the possibility of naming the Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood park, Joe Mann Park. Mr. Webber distributed copies of a list of signatures from neighbors who approve of the name. Mr. Webber stated that the late Joe Mann has brought together the Palm Desert Country Club, founded and edited their local newspaper, was President of the P.D.C.C. Association for three years and was instrumental in putting the P.D.C.C. into the influence of Palm Desert. When Joe Mann first moved here in the 70's, he decided to get involved with the community. Mr. Webber cannot think of G:\Planning\Donna QuaiverIwpdocs\PARKS\pr010902.min 2 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2002 MINUTES anybody in this community who did more to bring the community together. He feels that the name, Joe Mann Park, makes a lot of sense. Mr. Jim Mitchell, a resident of Palm Desert Country Club, stated that Joe Mann was a very quiet, unassuming person. He ran the newspaper but he does not think that anybody knew that he had never run a newspaper before. He didn't know anything about it. He did all the research and found out how to put a paper together. He sat at his drafting board laying out the newspaper everyday. He became a leader in the community and led them to the annexation with Palm Desert, for which they are all very appreciative. Mr. Mitchell supports the effort that Mr. Webber has made to have Joe Mann's name put on the park. Ms. Mary Safe, a resident of Palm Desert Country Club, commented on the character of Joe Mann. When Art in Public Places was in the early stages, he was involved in a piece of art placed at the beginning of Washington and California. Mr. Mann was always seeking something to improve. The Rose Garden Association was dormant for many years and he got it started again. Mr. Mann was very much appreciated in the community. Mr. Charlie Ash, a resident of Palm Desert Country Club, stated that he has just one thing to say. " When you say Joe Mann or Palm Desert Country Club, they are synonymous. " Mr. Webber stated that he collected approximately 150 signatures in three days. He commented that a lot of people who live in P.D.C.C. knew Joe Mann and there are a lot of new people who did not know him. Mr. Webber stated that it would be an honor to have the park named after Joe Mann and his widow, who still lives in P.D.C.C., would love it. Chairman Scheurer stated that Palm Desert Country Club Neighborhood Park is not an official name for the park. It was given to the park by default. He felt that naming the park after Joe Mann is an excellent idea and he is very deserving. However, in terms of fairness, he suggested advertising for a name contest to allow the public to submit their ideas. Commissioner Royer asked whether anybody has discussed any other names or made any comments that they did not like the proposed name. Mr. Webber stated that he has not had any negative feedback. Commissioner Royer stated that he would like a recommendation from the P.D.C.C. Board of Directors to present to the City Council. Mr. Webber stated that some G:\Planning\Donna Quaiverlwpdocs\PARKS\pr010902.min PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2002 MINUTES people are not members of the P.D.C.C. Association. He commented that one of the things that Joe Mann did was decide that having a split community is "crazy" and decided to pull it together with a newspaper. Mr. Hash stated that the P.D.C.C. started out as four tracts of land. The first two tracts were developed and the remaining two tracts were sold for financial reasons. The first two tracts are part of the P.D.C.C. Association. There are approximately 2,000 homes in the P.D.C.C. area, of which 957 belong to the association. The Board represents these 957 homes. He stated that they can get more signatures if the Commission would require that. He felt that they could get a blessing from the Board as well. He suggested putting an article in the newspaper to see if anyone would like to make any comments on the proposed name. Commissioner Barnes stated that the proper procedure would be for the Commission to recommend it to the Council and they will make the final decision. The public could attend the hearing and make comments. Commissioner Tanner agreed with this and would rather have the Commission make a recommendation to the Council, as opposed to opening it up for other recommendations. Commissioner Vassalli commented that they were only hearing from a small group and feels that the Commission should hear from more before making any kind of recommendation. They should require signatures before the recommendation and then it will go to Council. Commissioner Babcock stated that he has a problem with setting a precedent to people wanting to do the same thing with other parks. He hopes that the Commission is not opening up a door to naming other parks. Commissioner Tanner commented that we are opening up a door to allow recommendations. Councilman Spiegel commented that we have the Homme/Adams Park and the Ironwood park(named this because Ironwood gave the City land when they put their development together). Almost all of our small parks are named after someone or something. Community parks are different from Regional parks. We would probably never name the Civic Center Park after anyone or the new park that we are going to be adding near Palm Desert Country Club. However, most of the small parks in the City have been named after somebody, whether it was because they donated money of because of their influence in the community. Councilman Spiegel stated that he does not think there would be a problem with naming one of the smaller parks after somebody. G:\Planning\Donna Quaiverlwpdocs\PARKS\pr010902.min 4 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2002 MINUTES Commissioner Bats commented that she felt it was very significant that there is a gentleman who played an active role in developing and uniting this community. She felt that this should not be overlooked. She stated that generally the younger people who move into the area are just thrilled to have a park and probably don't really care as much about the name. However, people who have been living there for a while know the history and how this gentleman shaped the community. She felt that this is very important and should be recognized and should definitely be considered. Commissioner Tanner stated that there could be 500 interest groups within the P.D.C.C. and all of a sudden you get into a situation that could be difficult. He feels that the Commission should suggest that Mr. Webber go back to his Board of Directors and get a recommendation from the board with ample signatures, bring it back to the next Parks & Recreation meeting and then the Commission can communicate within our group to make a recommendation. Mr. Hash stated that it would not be a problem to get more signatures, but he re-stated that the P.D.C.C. Association only represents less than 50°/0 of the homes there. Commissioner Tanner stated that he does not want four or five different special interest groups coming to us. Mr. Hash stated that 99.9% of the people in their community would have no objection naming the park after Joe Mann. Commissioner Bats suggested inviting the P.D.C.C. Board of Directors to the City Council meeting to give their input. Commissioner Barnes stated that they would need to publicize the Council meeting so that everybody would know that if there are any other ideas that they could come before the Council. Councilman Spiegel suggested putting a statement in the newspaper. Chairman Scheurer stated that the name could be recommended to the City Council, but it should be left open to suggest other names. Chairman Scheurer suggested making a motion recommending the proposed name with the option of suggesting other names at the City Council meeting. Commissioner Tanner stated that the purpose of the Council meetings is to have a public hearing. In the letter, it could be suggested that if the Commission decides and votes that they have recommended that the City Council consider Joe Mann Park as a name. Also in the letter it should be stated that anybody who is opposed to the park being named Joe Mann Park, this is the date that you need to register the complaint. G:\Planning\Donna Quaiverlwpdocs\PARKS\pr010902.min 5 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2002 MINUTES Mr. Winklepleck stated that what we are looking at right now is basically a proposal for one name. This is the group that got together and came forth and actually presented the idea of naming the park. He feels that if there are other groups out there who come forward, then so be it, but at this point we need to consider what is before us. Mr. Webber stated that they will get a lot more signatures and go to the P.D.C.C. Board and see if they can get an approval from them. Mr. Winklepleck suggested that the Commission could consider a recommendation to the Council for the name Joe Mann Park, subject to the association issuing their recommendation for the same name. Councilman Spiegel commented that the park has been open for 11/2 years and this is the only group who has requested to name the park. He stated that he did not know Joe Mann, but he knows the history of this man. He had a tremendous amount to do with putting this group together as a cohesive group, which is not easy with such a large number of homes. There would be nothing wrong with the recommendation and it will go to Council. Councilman Spiegel does not foresee any other major group in Palm Desert Country Club coming forward and trying to name it something else. Action: Commission Tanner moved, seconded by Commissioner Royer that the Parks & Recreation Commission recommends to the City Council that the park which is located in Palm Desert Country Club be named Joe Mann Park, which was presented to the Commission by a group of four citizens, plus a number of signatures. Motion carried 7-1-1 with Commission Vassalli opposed and Commissioner Munson absent. B. Ironwood Park Mr. Winklepleck initiated a discussion regarding the recommendation of locating a cell site within Ironwood Park. Photos of the proposed site were distributed to the Commission members. The company is proposing the use of a 45' mono-palm. It is required that the company show that this is needed to close up some of their coverage areas. Not a lot of homes would be affected by it at this location. The City would require that 8-9 large palm trees be planted around the mono-palm. This would be similar to the one at the soccer park. G:\Planning\Donna QuaiverIwpdocs\PARKS\pr010902.min 6