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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-01-28 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet NorNoe AGENDA PALM DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY - JANUARY 28, 1980 7:00 P.M. - CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER II . ROLL CALL III . CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES A. Minutes of Commission meeting of November 26, 1979. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 1 Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the agenda may address the Commission at this point by stepping to the podium and giving their name and address for the record. V. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS A. Jim Crisman (Desert Union of Sailplane Thermalists) - letter explaining the nature of the Club's activity and requesting that their activity be considered when Commission develops recreation programs for various park sites. Mr. Crisman is in attendance to answer any questions. B. City of Rancho Mirage - letter expressing interest in the possibility of entering an agreement with Palm Desert and the College of the Desert to make college recreational facilities available to the general public this summer. Mrs. Dorothy Birkemeier is in attendance to answer any questions. VI . OLD BUSINESS - NONE VII . CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Sports Center Update (verbal report). VIII . NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion Items 1. Ideas on Proposed Community Center (see attached report from Commissioner Thon) . 2. Summary of report completed by State Department of Parks and Recreation concerning Recreation in Planning District 8. 3. Draft - Conservation/Open Space/Recreation Element of the General Plan. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 2 Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the agenda may address the Commission at this point by stepping to the podium and giving their name and address for the record. ,twe Nei AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 28, 1980 Page -2- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X. COMMENTS A. Commissioners B. Staff XI . SUMMARY OF MEETING XII . ADJOURNMENT -C 43-770 Florine Palm Desert, California 92260 December 15, 1979 Parks E Recreation Commission 4116 City of Palm Desert Cei If /� 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane . _ �/ Palm Desert, California 92260 tryW 9 197m Gentlemen: Of PA RVicts ES@R.. This letter is being written on the suggestion of Mr. John DeSantos to inquire as to the feasability of the establishment of a Radio Controlled Model Sailplane flying site at the proposed recreational facility to be located at Portola Avenue and Hovely Lane. I represent a non-profit flying club, D.U.S.T. (Desert Union of Sailplane Thermalists) , the only such club in the Coachella Valley that flies strictly Radio Controlled Sailplanes. We currently have about 25 members with a much greater potential due to the growth of both the area population and in the hobby itself. Our activities range from fun flying to small club contests to regional contests that in the past have drawn up to 75 contestants from all over Southern California. Our members range in age from the teens to retired people, and our Sailplanes represent investments of from $200.00 to $500.00. They are not really toys. Our club is chartered and insured through the Academy of Model Aeronautics in Washington, D.C. As members of the A.M.A., we carry a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy on ourselves, and we also insure our flying sites with the same coverage. Membership in the A.M.A. is mandatory to belong to our club for this reason. The ideal flying site, as to space requirements, would be a minimum area 1,000 feet square, with relatively flat ground and no obstructions such as trees or light standards. We have flown under less desireable conditions, but at times with very expensive consequences to our equipment. Our previous flying site was the Eldorado Polo Club, which is now becoming a golf course and condominium project. We had a fine relationship with the owners and always took great care to leave our areas clean after each use. Parks $ Recreation Commission December 15, 1979 Page Two D.U.S.T. would appreciate the opportunity to appear before the Palm Desert Parks & Recreation Commission to reaffirm our request as stated in this letter and to answer any further questions the Commission might have regarding our hobby or our club. We would welcome the opportunity to work with the City of Palm Desert with the establishment of a model sailplane flying site. Sincerely, Ja es R. Crisman *Nue `ter' C;y of RANCHO MIR t v AGE �he�Wt Yid 69-825 HIGHWAY I RANCHO MIRAGE CALIFORNIA 92270 TELEPHONE 714 324-451I iks¢ January 10, 1980 Mrs. Dolores Driskel Chairman Parks & Recreation Commission 45-275 Prickly Pear Palm Desert, CA 92260 Dear Mrs. Driskel: For the last couple of months the Rancho Mirage Parks and Recreation Commission has been discussing the possibility of entering into an agreement with the City of Palm Desert and the College of the Desert to make College recreational facilities available to the general public this summer. The Rancho Mirage Parks and Recreation Commission met on January 8, 1980 and agreed to appoint Mrs. Dorothy Birkemeier as our representative to discuss this matter with the Palm Desert Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled to meet on January 28, 1980. Mrs. Birkemeier is familiar with the organization requirements of a joint-use-of-facilities agreement and will be available to discuss this matter with members of the Parks and Recreation Commission at your meeting in Palm Desert on the 28th of January We look forward to preparing a mutually beneficial agreement, and hope that you will call if you have any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely you.s, 1 i i . :. .id F. Dixon City Manager cc: Dorothy Birkemeier January 3, 1980 TC Chairperson Doloris Driskel and members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Palm Desert FROM Member Frederick Thon REGARDING The proposed Senior Center Courtesy of John Dos Santos, Staff , as Secretary In view of the fact that a Civic Center is now in the planning stage , it would seem wise to give some thought to the proposed "Senior Center. " Therefore , the following ideas are being presented for some consideration after contact with leaders and programs in neighboring communities and as a result of personal experience . There can be no doubt that older citizens are entitled to their share of attention as much as the youth of the community. *r► They need a central location for their activities and from which assistance can be coordinated . In the development of such a facility, staff input and public hearings would be helpful, particularly if based on a survey of needs. There are certain practical considerations which should be mentioned : ( 1) First , the name itself. Do we want to call this building the "Senior Center"? Perhaps "Service Center" would be more appropriate . Certainly the designation "Service Center" has proven to be more effective in securing government financial assistance than the more restrictive "Senior Center. " ( Reference : Randy Anstine , Community Development Director, Desert Hot Springs, where a new facility has just been inaugurated . ) Furthermore , the building should not be limited to senior use only . There are many activities which could be developed to bring many different ages together, a desirable function. ( Reference : Lena Lacy, Coordinator, Indio Senior Center. ) low continued . . . `""', ,. r►Y"Senior Center" . . .2 lay ( 2) Services most needed , in order of priority according to experience of communities: A. Information and Referral (Experience Inc ./Home Repair•, etc . ) B. Health and Nutrition (Blood pressure/Hearing/Sight/ Medication/Meals on Wheels , etc . ) C . Transportation ( Reach-Cut/Handicapped , etc. ) D. Legal and Tax assistance ( Income tax/Rent/Regulations ) E. Recreation (Bridge/Dancing/Cartooning/Life Histories ) F. Classes and Groups (Music/Fainting/Literature/Ceramics/ Languages/Remedial/Therapy/Discussion ) G. Special Events (Parties/Conferences/Candidates/Forums ) ( 3) Considerations regarding the building itself: A. Flexibility of operation For instances: Public meetings, with address system; motion pictures, stage with dressing room, music including piano and instrument room, creative arts displays, dancing, cards. Ample telephone connections . B. Privacy of some installations For instances: Health care requires room 1OX12 ( Reference : Dr. David Trainer, County Health Dept . ) Cffices ; alcove for music listening or performing; Conference room. C . Sound-proofing important; also acoustics . D. Lighting must be more than adequate . Ample outlets . Dimmer controls . Spotlights for displays. E. Kitchen; refrigerator; hot plates ; serving pantry. F. Ample storage space . . . .there is never enough. G. Bulletin boards . . . .there are never enough. H. Cutside recreation immediately adjoining. Lockers . Shade trees . Lighting. I . Ramps, electric-eye doors, allow for handicapped use . J. Anticipate growth, have an eye for the future . Enlist a committee of experienced persons who will actually use the building to review the plans, compare with other facilities, and test all furniture 44110, and equipment before it is bought . (Reference : Lena Lacy. ) end . r - ,.....„ ......, ) ,,v , -4‘iti?,Ariril ritliA4A iPILOOI[ . .4 0* IN PLANNING DISTRICT 0 ' £ '° :. x" , 8, " h ,. x • Iii O ... • . .. ... . ,. , . . . ,, . . , , . , , . . ,. ...,. , . . , , . . .. . ._ . , . . . . . , . . . . . ..,, .. .., . . ... .. . ,.... .. . , . ..,„..,,, , tr ,...:.,.. , ,,;,....... , . . . ., . . . r .. . . .. ., m ,,,,,-.:::::., :..,: ,, ,- . _. .„.. . .. .. , Emir An Element of the California ,ir�a ..,,4.:i,,.„,....'.",.1,....1 7*'','2.',•i 7"-r:..,'i:''a.,''j, Outdoor .:,4,';'„i...„,„‘4r4c,'; x...„,-,--.‘41.-,.,k,..,„.,I,.&.; 7 :.F A , Recreation r. >a Resources ,„„.,'.zX.„ .1%,R' .r.„'.,.,,— );,,.--‘-4.•.- ,ii,f..,.;i.,e\,,'.•,....,•,4,A',1,';.7't.,....*4::?,,./4..*..11., ..:i ', r.4‘„I.,.„.•..t..-:,--,,..,,i,;,,,:r,,.-„-..- 1 ,,A-k: , I,, „I. Plan ,,,,...,„,,,,,,,,„,ie'" a 'd«"» a ' { � >;' State of California — The Resources Agency f ‘ i�' 4.1 DEPARTMENT OF PARKS& RECREATION i ' ' / . P.O.Box 2390 Sacramento 95811 • g� t .� � October 1979 Nose CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1 Nome '14W - Figure 1 CALIFORNIA'S PLANNING DISTRICTS - on Ilar[ y1RrrW -MYMLDT - I r _ i;fIlYT1_-__.__.1X•fT•_.____._._._.-llfffM I 1 O 1 ILWuf \ - M[MDOC.. I' ,... WTT[ 1�\ GL[RM y[ -- u.;SARI _ y- cOLYSA -I TOR• M[Y•D• I mit,. PLACIR I eL oonoo rOtO SOMd1A S.,.,' _ • O.R. SMCR4KIli. T1011Y1! • cart.c• . •X Y` - ALAMED• . r'STANISLW3 WRI[Of• LADERA \ SAMTS GLARA M[RClD - rrP 11150 INTO `�\ A TA / �� ``\ CRD2 lU `\ Su `` -_EEMITO .-'- TOUR! X MOMTERIT ,�\ `\• RINGS O ``X O \ SAMLWSORIf[O [(tM � -ram C LMTA - �� � x' � -� s 'fir :t$, ,,0 j ,�. _ j_ Q i€ i -ir s a7 "Ns- ,� t- g; T cto3AM DIEM � !- 'l-1' y Iti O F: 2 1.. } • ti Planning District 8 (Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties) is located in the southern section of California, and accounts for 25 percent of the state's total area and 48 percent of the state's population. The district's 251-kilometer (157-mile) coastline, two mountain ranges, high and low deserts, rivers, natural and manmade reservoirs, and the largest inland body of water in the state (the Salton Sea), provide the potential for a great variety of recreational opportunities. The district's large population and the high concentration of people in Los Angeles and Orange Counties makes Planning District 8 the greatest challenge for recreation planners and suppliers in the state. The following findings and recommendations are intended to provide gene . g .■-• - - • __ • a len.e. FINDINGS o There is a need for a formal mechanism to coordinate recreation planning and delivery systems; this mechanisms DIM include agencies at aT[ levels of government. o Recreation suppliers agree that the numbers and types of opportunities available to special populations are insufficient. Some problems encountered involve transports ion, arc i ectural barriers, improperly trained staffs, and inadequate information. Solutions to these problems are complicated by funding cuts resulting from Proposition 13. o Coo erative efforts between school districts and park and recreation agencies should be improved an expanded. The State Departments of Parks and Recreation and !ducation have assembled a group of professionals to better identify and define the problems surrounding this issue. o There is a critical shortage of open space in Planning District 8, especially open space with recreation opportunities. o Information services regarding recreation facilities do not adequately meet the needs of the residents, and there is a need for a comprehensive system to dispense information on recreation facilities ana progra�is. o Many individuals are unable to use some recreation areas because of inadequate public transportation. o Off-highway vehicles are currently the subject to much controversy. Proponents emphasize the need to provide more close-in facilities, and emphasize the recreation values associated with OHV use. Opponents question the validity of OHV recreation, and emphasize the environmental disturbance caused by OHV activity. • errNoe o The escalating cost of liabilityi a serious problem for park and recreation agencies. o The unrestricted use pattern of the California desert is subject to change with passage of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The future of recreation in the desert will be greatly affected by development of the California Desert Management Plan, the Roadless Area Inventory, and the Wilderness Study. o Lack of water for recreational uses and overcrowded facilities present management problems that affect present and future recreation uses along the Colorado River. o The high salinity of the water in the Salton Sea threatens the future of certain recreational activities. Flooding has made some facilities unavailable for use. o The large volume of present use on existing regional trails in Planning District 8 has demonstrated a high demand for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. In fact, the demand for trail and hostel systems is increasing at a faster rate than can now be provided for by concerned agencies. There are gaps between existing trails that keep them from having broader regional or state significance. o Existing trail facilities for the disabled are underused. This could be caused by both a lack of awareness of these facilities' existence and a lack of transportation to these facilities. o The lands most amenable to cross-country skiers are located on U.S. Forest Service property. There is a need for adequate parking at cross-country skiing sites. • 4 'irrrr 104.0 MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS o In their acquisition and development programs, local governments should pay particular attention to the following: Regional parks that will serve general day use needs, as well as specific regional needs. Local parks that can be developed with specific emphasis on meeting the recreation needs of the aged, teenagers, handicapped, and low-income groups. Local parks that will include generous areas of open space for unstructured recreation and free play. Development of community centers or multi-purpose building that can accommodate arts and crafts, as well as indoor athletic activities. o The California Department of Education and DPR should continue their efforts to remove the barriers that prevent schools and recreation agencies from cooperating, through the efforts of the Committee for Recreation Education Cooperation. o DPR, in cooperation with the Department of Education, should act as a facilitator in discussions at the local level regarding school and recreation department cooperation. o Education and recreation suppliers should coordinate facilities and programs to ensure that there are no gaps or overlaps in service. o DPR should coordinate regional trail efforts, and should assist federal and local agencies in closing gaps in regional trails. DPR should construct trails from state park units serving urban centers, and should develop hostels. The legislature should provide a continuous funding source for trail and hostel acquisition and development, to be administered by DPR. o All levels of government should develop trail facilities for the disabled. Local governments should take a lead role in coordinating the efforts of recreational departments, regional transit authorities, and state and federal agencies, to develop transportation for the disabled to trail facilities. o The U.S.Forest Service should continue to provide cross-country ski trails, and should provide snow removal for parking access, through coordination with CALTRANS and county road departments. o DPR should continue to provide planning and leadership for off-highway vehicle recreation. DPR should facilitate local government participation in the department's OHV grant program, continue to expand its program of joint state-federal projects and the statewide system of OHV recreation areas, and provide technical assistance to the private sector. • Now' ,weif o In its planning efforts, the Bureau of Land Management should ensure that adequate consideration is given to the California desert as a recreation resource. o The Bureau of Land Management should develop an implementation program based on the results of its Comprehensive Management Framework Plan for the Colorado River. o DPR should study the issues surrounding recreation liability problems and insurance. o Regional planning bodies should consider the possibility of a central "hotline" for recreation information. • o A coordinating mechanism should be established, whereby recreation and resources related agencies can meet on a regularly scheduled basis to discuss their mutual plans, programs, and problems. o The Bureau of Reclamation should develop an implementation program designed to increase recreation opportunities based on its study of the Salton Sea. o The Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, in cooperation with DPR, should take actions to resolve the problems identified in the 1977 National Urban Study for the Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim Standard Statistical Area, particularly those that address the need to provide close-to-home recreation. o Local recreation and transportation agencies should develop incentive programs that encourage the use of mass transportation. o All levels of government should include members of special populations in the planning processes for facilities and programs. o All recreation and resources agencies should ensure that their staffs are made aware of the needs and problems of special populations. o DPR should determine an appropriate urban role for the State Park System. o CALTRANS should work with SCAG to implement the recommendations of the 1977 Regional Transportation Plan. o CALTRANS should ensure that all transportation grant recipients consider the needs of special populations in their efforts. 6