HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-09-24 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet 1r►✓ Nftwe
AGENDA
PALM DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 24 , 1979
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 September 5 , 1979 .
Action :
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
1 ) Frederick Thon : Letter attached to Staff Report
2 ) Chamber of Commerce : Packet describing information
available to residents and tourists
VI . OLD BUSINESS
A. Continued consideration of Family Y of the Desert
proposal
VII NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Staff Report on concerns of Commissioners
VIII . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - 2
Any persons 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 .
IX . COMMENTS
X . ADJOURNMENT
TH E
Y. M . C . A .
in the
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USA
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BRIEF HISTORY
i v
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS (YMCA)
OF THE UNITED STATES
FOUNDING
"A fresh embodiment of the Christian ethic has come into being whenever
the Christian religion has burst the bonds of institutionalism and over-
flowed as a new and vital movement."* Thus the YMCA began in London,
England, in 1844. It was founded by a young drapery clerk named George
Williams 4nd eleven young men who, like him, were appalled at the corrupt
and immoral life which prevailed in 19th century London. Their primary
activities were to develop a library and reading room and to conduct dis-
cussions, lectures, and Bible study groups. This was their alternative
to the immorality and drunkenness of the city streets. Known in.1842-43
as the "Young Men's Missionary Society" and "Young Men's Improvement
Society," as the movement spread to other firms and business it adopted
its present name 6 June 1844.
EARLY NATURE AND
DEVELOPMENT
The great interest and ability of the YMCA in meeting needs of people
resulted in its early spread to other nations. A retired American sea
captain, Thomas V. Sullivan, saw the influence the London group was
having on young men and decided that Boston young men needed the YMCA.
One was established in 1851 in Boston and another in Montreal the same
year but with no connection between them.
Since almost every American city and town in the 1840's and 1850's had
its'Young Men's Library Association, Mechanics Institute, Young Men's
Society for Religious Improvement, or a Young Men's Society for Inquiry,
it can readily be understood why the new idea of a Young Men's Christian
Association could take root as it offered a broader-based organizationc..1
concept. The Boston YMCA was so excited about its own success that it
printed and sent 10,000 copies of its constitution across the United
States. As a result, in 1853 thirteen new YMCAs were organized from
coast to coast; by 1854 there were forty-nine, and by 1860, two hundred
and five, with twenty-five thousand members.
* This quotation, plus detailed expansion of much of the accompanying pre-
1950 historical data may be found in HISTORY OF THE YMCA IN NORTH
AMERICA by C. H. Hopkins, copyright 1951 , National Board of YMCAs.
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Obviously, during these early years, great emphasis was placed upon
religious understanding and relationships with Protestant churches.
However, the library, reading room, lecturing, and other educational
aspects of the early YMCA movement quickly began to assume major
emphasis. During the late 1850's, YMCA classes in language, music and
gymnastics were begun. A strong movement to begin building gymnasia
was temporarily interrupted by the Civil War. Just as the war was be-
ginning, a number of colleges and universities reported organization
of student YMCAs. Although many YMCAs permitted membership only to
men under 35 to 40 years of age, they developed ladies' auxiliaries
to make rooms attractive, raise money, serve in welfare projects , and
teach Bible classes.
As YMCAs began to serve persons of all religious faiths, their relation-
ship to denominational Protestantism began to be more clearly defined.
Today the YMCA is regarded as a non-denominational , private, lay Chris-
tian organization, buttressed by a strong body of skilled professionals.
It has no organic ties to any church, government, or state, although its
laymen and professionals are often active in collaboration and communica-
tion at all levels of community organization - both as individuals and
as representatives of the YMCA. Many years of "cool" relationships with
the Roman Catholic Church changed during the 1960's with that church now
giving general approval to its adherents' participation in, and support
of the YMCA as its many activities consciously reflect the Christian
ethic in action.
CIVIL WAR
With great numbers of their members involved in both the Union and
Confederate armies during the Civil War, YMCAs became deeply involved
in that conflict. Out of the services rendered to fighting units in
provision of social and moral support, aid to wounded, and help to
prisoners of war, came the YMCA's Armed Services Department. This
unit has provided similar services in every conflict since that time
and currently works in 26 centers serving men and women in the United
States armed forces. In 1968 it began the process of helping the over
1 ,800 U.S. community YMCAs provide increasing planned services to men
and women in uniform when they are off duty. The YMCA Armed Services
Department has no organic relationship to any governmental unit.
POST WAR EXPANSION
During the years following the Civil War, as the nation's development
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accelerated, YMCA growth kept pace with and surpassed it in many ways. -
The college student YMCA movement which appeared in Tennessee, Virginia
a and Wisconsin and in other widely separated colleges as early as 1856,
began an explosive growth which led it to be later described as "a
movement destined to become one of the greatest religious influences
in modern lifer" Murrary Hall , the first student YMCA building, was '
built at Princeton in 1829, and was soon followed by structures at
Hanover, Indiana in 1883 and at Yale in 1886, with many others built
in subsequent years.
b Beginning in Cleveland in 1872, YMCAs were established to serve the
needs of railroad workers. Spreading across the country, they developed
f into the present Transportation Department of the National Board of YMCAs.
Many Transportation YMCAs provide services to their communities as well
as to transportation workers.
y
I During the latter part of the nineteenth century, a tremendous acquisi-
tion of buildings, growth of a professional body of YMCA workers, help
' and sleeping rooms for rural young men who were flocking to the cities,
increased emphasis upon serving young men and boys, and the inauguaration
of an aggressive program of help to other nations were hallmarks of growth.
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Development of Negro YMCAs followed the Civil War as the first started
in 1873 in Washington, D.C. The first Sioux Indian YMCA was organized by
the Indians themselves in 1878 at Flandreau, Dakota Territory. The turn
of the century saw the YMCA organizing night schools and technical and
vocational classes for industrial education. Also, during this period,
many YMCAs began admitting women and girls into membership. By 1975
they comprised over 35% of all YMCA members and nearly 40% of all other
registered program participants, while gradually assuming their share of _
policy making and program responsibilities both as laypersons and as
professional workers.
A PIONEERING
MOVEMENT
From its formative years, the United States YMCA has pioneered across a
wide front and has helped other organizations serving youth, such as Boy
Scouts and Camp Fire Girls, to get started. The YMCA's James Naismith,
in 1891 invented basketball , and in 1895 a Y physical director, William
Morgan,invented volleyball . Short-term capital fund campaigns were
another YMCA "first." The YMCA led the way in disaster relief efforts,
organized community and public recreation, developed the concept of man's
unity of body, mind and spirit, and reinforced it with a nation-wide
health education and physical fitness emphasis. Today, it is the nation's
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leader in such activities. Youth camping was first started by the
YMCA in 1884. Today, U. S. YMCAs operate over 600 resident camps
and 800 summer day camps, serving over six hundred thousand people
IV. ; of all ages each year. Pack and travel and family camping programs
are increasing. The YMCA has been the leader in developing - with
boards of education - the concept of school camping and is in the
forefront of collaborate planning in communities involved in year-
V• round schooling.
As social concern for the deprived and less-advantaged segments of
VI. society became intense in the early 1950's, the YMCA initiated the
concept of detached workers, then outreach workers. It followed thes-.
VII developments with mobile units and vans which took YMCA services into
communities where needs were greatest.
The YMCA has been in the forefront of social developments such as
educat
ion in sexualityfor fathers and sons, mothers and daughters,
"crash-pads" for runaways, counseling and "hot-line" emergency service
group homes for juveniles, changing juvenile justice systems, family
communications skill centers, international camper and counselor ex-
changes. Also included is the development of crisis intervention
teams such as those of YMCA outreach workers that provided a third
• EMI party force in information, referral , and emergency help on the stree0
IN during the 1972 political conventions, during Expo '74 in Spokane and
in countless other less publicized but crucial interventions .in com-
• WOf munity crises.
. PR(
• PRI GROUP WORK
PH
The YMCA is firmly committed to the use of group work principles in
. IM' helping youth and adults develop their capacities for leaders1 p and
become well-integrated persons. As more insight and newer methods
• CR of helping people better understand themselves and how to work with
others in groups become available, the YMCA pioneer in providing
. ES such experiences as part of its human relations program in group
WH ! work. After an 85 year history, the high school age YMCA club progra
continues to be a major thrust, with thousands of Hi-Y, Tri-Hi-Y, and
a growing number of Co-Ed Hi-Y groups. Many other types of high scho
age clubs are organized around specific functions or projects such as
Youth and Government, environmental preservation, etc.
Parent-child group programs continue to grow rapidly. In 1975 these
groups of fathers and sons (Y-Indian Guides) , fathers and daughters
(Y-Indian Princesses) , mothers and daughters (Y-Indian Maidens) , and ;
National
Urhan A(
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older boys and their fathers (Y-Trail Blazers) , numbered over 32
thousand.
Grade schooljunior
and jun or high age boys and girls participate in club
programs through Gra-Y, Tri-Gra-Y, Jr. Hi-Y, and Jr. Tri-Hi-Y groups.
While largely recreational in nature, these groups provide sound bases
for learning the skills of planning, playing, and working with others.
t Today, in addition to the above-mentioned activities, YMCAs provide a
i wide range of cultural activities, informal education classes, gymnastics,
body-building, sports education and competition. All family members are
involved in steadily increasing numbers, and, although some local YMCAs
provide services largely for teen-agers, most have as members, persons k.
of all ages from six on up. Many, in addition, provide special skills
instructions for even younger children. Since the late 1950's all new
YMCAs were organized as family-serving YMCAs, as the movement gave
recognition to the needs of American families, in their attempts to cope
v with the increasingly divisive forces which society thrusts upon them.
The National Board of YMCAs, in 1970, established a Center for Family
Communication Skills and now offers a varie
ty of instructor training
opportunities in the family program field.
MEETING CURRENT
SOCIAL NEEDS
W The YMCA annually involves over 25,000 teen-agers in depth educational
experiences, learning how their state governments and judiciary function.
Some YMCAs provide learning experiences in local government and several
local , as well as state YMCAs, conduct model United Nations programs.
For others, the experience extends to learning operation and concerns
of national government. With voting franchise extended to 18 years of
age during 1972, the appeal and potential for youth and government pro-
grams to influence "adult" government was greatly increased.
During the late 1960's, YMCAs began utilizing community outreach workers
to contact and involve adolescent youth in relevant and significant acti-
vities, enabling them to more truly become effective members of their
communities. Utilization of this technique followed a dozen pioneering
years of using similar methods for reaching alienated and unemployed
youth in urban ghetto areas, through detached workers. In 1969, the
National Board of YMCAs opened, in Chicago, a training center for out-
reach workers, to serve trainees from all organizations. YMCA outreach
workers are freed up from the responsibility of managing "standard"
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programs and facilities, in order to make direct contact with young
people wherever they may be in the community. They are concerned
with helping young people cope with their world and their problems,
whether they be alienation, drug addiction, aimlessness, lack of
communication, unemployment, runaway, unwed pregnancies, and/or similar
hangups. Outreach workers, while providing evidence of concern, -
counsel and guidance, help close the gap between community power points,
available resources, and needs of youth. In 1974, outreach workers and
health and physical education directors developed guidelines for sup-
portive :collaborative in use of each others skills and disciplines. Many
YMCAs use mobile units to provide visibility and focus to their outreach
services. Several YMCAs have begun to provide housing with public and/or
private funds, in serving needs of disadvantaged individuals and families.
Others have extended this work in innovative ways into housing complexes.
After having developed the concept of drugs action teams, the YMCA in
l 1971 moved rapidly to reduce the tragedies compounded by archaic laws
and practices relating to juvenile justice. A juvenile justice project
was initiated, aimed at changing the conditions that foster alienation,
delinquency and crime. A unique venture in international cooperation
saw a Japanese motorcycle firm donate thousands of minibikes which were
used by hundreds of YMCAs in providing foci for constructive activities
involving delinquent and pre-delinquent youth. One outstanding growth
development of the 1960's was the huge number (approaching one and one-
half million) of non-member YMCA constituents being served as a result
of new programs aimed at meeting urgent human needs among previously
alienated segments of the population.
During recent years, YMCAs have channelled immense resources from both
public and private funds into work involving disadvantaged persons,
especially young men and young women in poverty areas, in urban slums
and ghettos. Through such activitiy, the YMCA has provided leadership
and coordination for more effective utilization of available community
resources and has opened many avenues leading toward resolution of U. S.
racial concern. The YMCA was one of the first national , private or-
1 ganizations to take a firm stand against racial segregation through a
constitutional change. YMCAs wishing to be certified members of the
� National Council of YMCAs must certify annually that their policy and
practice is without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.
During the 1960's, the National Board and Council of YMCAs began to
move sharply toward dealing with social issues through position taking.
r Early in 1970, the Board recommended to the President and Congress,
that an all volunteer armed force, under civilian control , be established
and recommended needed, interim changes in the Selective Service law.
Moving rapidly to increase the number of young people in policy making
positions, the Board added a number to its membership, took a position
a
toward increasing-the practice, and turned its attention to providing
increased support to YMCAs working with college and university students
and other young adults. The Board also took positive steps to achieve,
through an affirmative-action program, equal employment opportunities
throughout the organization. Its moves to increase the number of women
involved as volunteers and as professional workers are continuing.
HEALTH AND
PHYSICAL FITNESS
The YMCA's leadership in aquatics is well known as it provides more
swimming instruction than any other organization. Each spring, free,
learn-to-swim campaigns for 9-14 year old boys and girls are held across
the country. Over one-half million persons complete_swimming and life
saving courses each year. The YMCA is the recognized leader in develop-
ment of standards and certification for scuba diving and other aquatic
activites. Beginning in the 1960's, YMCAs began providing stepped up
guidance and education for youth and adults in drug abuse, physical
conditioning and personal health and fitness, including sex education.
In most communities, the YMCA is the recognized authority in the fields
of recreation, aquatics, health and physical fitness. It increasingly
provides community, health-fitness clinics and programs for adults.
During 1975 the YMCA secured collaborative support of the National Basket-
ball Players' Association to initiate a nationwide YMCA Basketball League
and a national YMCA Free Throw Contest for grades through high school .
Unique element of this new program thrust was the inclusion of a values
training and education component to strongly 'complement the recreational
factors.
INTERNATIONAL
SERVICES
YMCAs of the United States raise annually nearly three million dollars
which has been used to help develop YMCAs in other countries when the
latter request such help. When an indigenous YMCA developed its own
leadership, U. S. helpers were withdrawn and financial aid continued
on a steadily diminishing basis. While fellowship visits for orienta-
tion and exposure to YMCAs in the United States are provided each year
to a number of YMCA Directors from other countries, a growing facet of
international work during the late 1960's was the World Service Worker
program. Approximately twenty young men and women - recent college
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f graduates - serve as assistants in YMCAs in as many countries for
two year periods under the plan. The U. S. International Division
increasingly involves younger professionals in short-term service
abroad. It has provided rapid response in cooperation with the World
Alliance of YMCAs, to emergencies that develop in various areas of
the world, particularly those related to refugees from war and natural
disasters.
Many U. S. YMCAs conduct international learning experiences, and ex-
changes of constituents with other countries. These activities range
from youth or adult, bilateral exchanges and cultural travel to inter-
national conferences and the expanding International Camper Exchanges
and the International Camp Counselor Exchanges. The latter saw over
4,000 overseas counselors work in U. S. YMCA camps during the decade
of the 60's. The YMCA's International Program Service also provides
a welcome and guidance to foreign students arriving in the U. S. and
helps orient them to this nation in which they plan to pursue courses
of study. It also monitors a program of national recognition to YMCAs
that meet standards as "International YMCAs."
During the late 1960's, the International Division in collaboration with
Urban Action and Program Division, initiated annual Statesmanship Pro-
jects which enable YMCA laymen and staff to participate in intense
international learning experiences in other countries based upon
social , cultural and political dialogues.
A YMCA-sponsored International Management Council (IMC) involves
thousands of managers from business and industry, in educational pro-
grams which help participants increase their effective contributions
to their communities as well as to the organizations which employ them.
A related YMCA activity, the Silver Bay Conference on Human Relations
In Industry, in existence for over fifty years, is the oldest and best
'known event of its type. Another YMCA enterprise is the Center for
International Management Studies (CIMS). This unit, through bi-lateral
exchange, develops seminars between top U. S. business executives and
their counterparts in other nations. Seminars have been held' in both
North and South America, as well as in Africa, Asia and Europe, in-
cluding nearly every country in Eastern Europe. Delegations from these
countries have, in turn, visited the United States. CIMS and the World
Alliance of YMCAs organized an Environmental Resources Group of key per-
sons to observe and provide technical knowhow to delegates to the U. N.
sponsored Environmental Forum at Stockholm in 1972. CIMS has subsequently
provided leadership for regional , environmental conferences in Yugoslavia
and in Egypt.
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NATIONAL
ORGANIZATION
In 1854, shortly after the YMCA was established in the U. S. , a group
representing a number of YMCAs gathered in Buffalo, New York, as a
Confederation. This loosely organized, representative body met at first
annually, then triennially, to share ideas and concerns. By 1895, twenty-
eight states had organized state coordinating bodies. However, it was
not until 1923 that a Constitutional Convention, meeting in Cleveland,
Ohio, adopted a constitution which established a National Council to act
as a coordinating body for the 1 ,083 local YMCAs and their state organi-
zations
then existing. The National Council was a logical successor to
an "International Committee" which involved Canada and the United States,
but with its efforts largely devoted to World Service and to development
of methods of serving emerging needs of growing nations. Today, the
National Council is looked to for directional leadership, development
services, skilled specialists, and consultant help. It is assuming in-
creasing importance in the life of the YMCA movement as YMCAs demand more
communication, coordination, and development planning to meet rapidly
changing conditions in American society.
Each of the over 1 ,800 YMCA operating units is autonomous and is incor-
porated according to the laws of its state. A locally elected board of
directors determines the policy and program for each. Local boards elect
representatives to Regional Assemblies, which normally meet biennially.
Regional Assemblies elect representatives to the National Council . The
Council elects a 65 member Board as the corporate body to conduct business
between biennial Council meetings. The Board develops national policy,
employs professional staff, and determines priorities and use of finances.
Staff members employed by the National Board in each Region provide
specialist, consultant, and career development services to member
Associations. A number of urban YMCAs, as Management Resource Centers,
assist in providing these services to YMCAs in their geographic vicinity.
In addition the National Board provides such specialized services as plan-
ning buildings, furnishings and equipment, planning and directing 'finance
campaigns, centralized publishing and corporate development services.
Several YMCA national organizations, with nearly three million members,
make significant contributions to the lives of those involved: Y's Men
International , Y-Indian Guide Longhouse, International Management Council ,
Armed Services and Transportation Departments.
.f.
Although many YMCA units and organizations print regular newsletters for
their members, the major interpretive publication of the YMCA is the
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magazine: YMCA TODAY, which is published six times annually and the major
program resource publication is the CIRCULATOR which is sent to all Y
Directors semi-annually.
OTHER NATIONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
The National Council of YMCAs, through laymen and professional staff
across the nation, maintains relationships with over one hundred other
national organizations. Such relationships assume one or more of the
following dimensions:
a. Periodic meetings with other organizational representatives.
b. Communicating through correspondence.
c. Contacts through exchanges of literature.
d. Co-sponsoring of special activities or events.
An important force in maintaining many key, national relationships is the
National Board's office in Washington, D.C. established in the late 1960's.
This office monitors developments relating to federal and state govern-
mental and legislative activities, interprets their implications for
member Associations, publishing such information in a monthly bulletin,
Capital Briefs and takes appropriate initiatives to protect and develop
YMCA
OF interests in government related areas.
The United States YMCA is a voluntary member of, helps in financial support
of, and cooperates with the World Alliance of YMCAs, with headquarters in
Geneva, Switzerland.
FOCUS
WORK
The YMCA, in policy and practice, supports all activities which help men,
women, boys and girls realize their full potential as persons. This means
that no one approach can be the only answer for its members (who number 9
million) . Therefore, a wide variety of opportunities exist as deemed most
important by the different local YMCAs. Financed almost entirely by income
from membership, rentals, program fees, and private contributions, YMCAs
are challenged to offer the kinds of meaningful and significant programs
which will attract increasing numbers of members and other constituents.
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A Corporate Planning Process, developed by the National Board, enables
member Associations to more effectively plan their futures in ways that
are most likely to see fulfilment of YMCA purpose, as it is reflected
in the lives of people who are involved in YMCA program and activities
and who experience growth in terms of the Seven Program Guidelines adopted
by the National Council of YMCAs in 1963. Through such YMCA program
participation, constituents and members can move steadily towards achieve-
ment of the YMCA's National Program Goals. The Corporate Planning Process,
in less than two years (by 1975) , was in use by 46% of all member Asso-
ciations and results reflected high congruence (72%) among goals of member
Associations and the National organization as each looked to the future,
collaborating in a common process to truly be "IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS."
To more surely move in these directions, the National Board of YMCAs in
the mid-1970's launched a massive effort called a Quantum Leap into
The 80's which envisioned a nationwide increase of YMCA income by 2 1/2
times in twelve years. Six major program development areas related to
this repositioning included: Family, Health-Physical Education, inter-
national Understanding, Juvenile Justice, Racism, and Values.
YMCA PURPOSE
The Young Men's Christian Association we regard as being, in its essential
genius, a world-wide fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ
for the purpose of developing Christian personality and building a Chris-
tian society. . . . Constitution: National Council of YMCAs
YMCA PROGRAM GUIDELINES
In giving effect to Christian ideals and values, YMCAs offer to the men,
women, boys and girls who participate in their programs, opportunities
for experiences that will help them.
I. DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-RESPECT AND AN APPRECIATION
OF THEIR OWN WORTH AS INDIVIDUALS.
II. DEVELOP A FAITH FOR DAILY LIVING BASED UPON THE TEACHINGS OF
JESUS, THAT THEY MAY THEREBY BE HELPED IN ACHIEVING THEIR
HIGHEST POTENTIAL AS CHILDREN OF GOD. •
III.GROW AS RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES AND CITIZENS OF
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THEIR COMMUNITIES.
IV. APPRECIATE THAT HEALTH OF MIND AND BODY IS A SACRED GIFT AND
THAT PHYSCIAL FITNESS AND MENTAL WELL-BEING ARE CONDITIONS TO
BE ACHIEVED AND MAINTAINED.
V. RECOGNIZE THE WORTH OF ALL PERSONS, AND WORK FOR INTERRACIAL
AND INTERGROUP UNDERSTANDING.
VI. DEVELOP A SENSE OF WORLD-MINDEDNESS, AND WORK FOR WORLD-WIDE
UNDERSTANDING.
VII.DEVELOP THEIR CAPACITIES FOR LEADERSHIP AND USE THEM RESPON-
SIBLY IN THEIR OWN GROUP AND IN COMMUNITY LIFE.
NATIONAL YMCA GOALS 1979-1984
. EMPHASIZE AND DEMONSTRATE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND VALUES EDUCATION
IN TODAY'S PLURALISTIC SOCIETY.
)
. WORK WORLDWIDE FOR HARMONIOUS INTERDEPENDENCE AND WORLD PEACE.
)
. PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TOWARDS UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS.
. PROVIDE MOTIVATION AND OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PURSUIT OF MENTAL AND
PHYSICAL HEALTH.
. IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.
. CHANGE CONDITIONS THAT FOSTER ALIENATION AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR.
. ESTABLISH THE IMPORTANCE OF THE YMCA AS A VIABLE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION
WHICH FUNCTIONS COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHER COMMUNITY AGENCIES.
)
)
National Board of YMCAs
Urban Action and Program Division
•"WHY THE Y?"
(A position statement written by Hal Marckwardt)
For one hundred thirty-three years, now, there have been YMCA' s around. . . .
Actually the YMCA, when it's working at its best is an Association of people.
Some persons think the YMCA is a building, but it really isn' t. Buildings are
just tools in which people can do things together.
Because the YMCA is an Association of people, down through its history it has
invented all kinds of innovative ways to do things together. For example, the
YMCA invented night school for adults, organized camping, basketball, volleyball,
founded the Campfire Girls. . .and even put together the first organized intensive
campaign to raise funds for a building.
The "Y" still continues to be innovative; if it stops serving the needs of people
it will disintegrate and die. It continues to set up ways in which folks can
relate together meaningfully because it is a voluntary association. There is no
reason for anyone to stay in it unless they want to. No one is forced to be a
part of the Association.
Another feature of the "Y" is that persons who join it ought to emerge as better
for having been in its programs. They tend to be healthier, mentally or physi-
cally, or more joyful or with a greater sense of worth than persons who didn' t
join.
This is the real measure of whether the Y is doing anything important. . .are its
members better persons?
The unique quality of the "Y" is that it is different than almost any other world-
wide organization. If it were a business, it would gain its support by producing
a product, or a service. In a business, one group of people gather together with
tools and technology and produce products or services which another group will
buy.
In the "Y" both the producers and what is produced are the same people. They are
simply better for having associated with each other in meaningful ways.
Why is association so important? As the song says, "People need people."
Sociologists tell us that two of the largest problems in an urban society are
alienation and boredom, especially for those living in the more dense areas of our
cities.
So, our "Y" must "reach out" and invite the community to become a part of our
association. The campaign is a program event.
Each campaign call we make is really a form of "reaching out," of widening our
association circle.
When we do it well, others grow, our "Y" grows, and we grow, too!
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FAMILY } } b OF THE DESERT
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74-004 HIGHWAY 111 o PALM DESERT a CALIFORNIA 92260 a 714/ 568-4333
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO THE PROPOSAL BY 'DIE FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
TO
THE PALM DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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1) BUILDING PROGRAMS YOUTH ACTIVITIES FACILITY NEEDED
Preschool movement education MP,Gym
Karate/Judo MP,Gym
Gymnastics, individual and team MP,Gym
YBA (Basketball) MR,Gym
Dance classes MP
Camps MP, MR, Gym
Racquetball / Handball RB / HB courts
Tennis, lessons, play, tournaments Tennis courts
Swim lessons, basic, lifeguard, WSI MR, Pool, MP
Scuba MR, Pool
Recreational; Swimming Pool
Youth and Government MR
ADULT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Stress Programs MP, MR, Gym
Healthy Back Programs MP
Cardio Respiratory Exercises Gym
Jazz Exercise MP, Gym
Jogging Outdoor or Gym track
Swim Lessons Pool
Nutrition classes Kit. , MR, MP
Volleyball Gym
Basketball Gym
Scuba SIP, MR, Pool
Karate / Judo MP, Gym
Parent-Child programs NIP, MR, Gym
Racquetball / Handball RB / HB courts
Tennis Tennis courts
Special Interest Classes MP, MR, Kit
CPR MP, MR
SENIOR-CITIZEN ACTIVITIES •
Healthy Back Programs MP
Cardio-Respiratory Exercises MP, Gym
CPR MP, MR
Social Service Classes MP, MR
Social Events MR, MP, Gym
Swim Exercises Classes Pool
Special Interest Classes Kit, MP, MR
Tennis Tennis courts
Racquetball / Handball RB / HB courts
MP- Multi-purpose room
MR- Meeting room
•
2) FACILITY
Administration offices 1000 sq. ft.
Executive Director
Secretary
Receptionist
Physical Director
Conference Room
Office Equipment work-space
Storage
Lobby and Restrooms 1000 sq. ft.
Gymnasium with Jogging Track and Weight Room 7500 sq. ft.
Locker Rooms 80 men's 80 women's 2000 sq. ft.
(showers, restrooms, saunas, dressing areas)
Multi-Purpose Room 2000 sq. ft.
Kitchen (optional) 250 sq. ft.
Two Meeting Rooms total of 680 sq. ft.
Six Racquetball / Handball courts 4800 sq. ft.
Pool 7150 sq. ft.
Tennis courts 6400 sq. ft.
3) COST OF OPERATING FACILITY
4) YMCA MEMBERSHIP POLICY See Article II Section I of
Organization By-Laws
5) EXAMPLE OF MEMBERSHIP FEES See attached sheets
Membership fees are charged to provide operational income and to expand
programs. Fees are not to be restrictive or to exclude any person.
Annual fees provide members with a sense of belonging to the organization
and a respect for the facility because they share in the ownership.
It is the belief of the Family YMCA that some amount of membership fee be
charged, however minimal. It is YMCA policy that persons who would bone- .
fit from a program or class that cannot afford the class or program be
provided with a subsidized or temporary membership.
6) CONTROL OF FACILITY
Control of the YMCA facility will he through policies established
by the Family YMCA Board of Managers. Membership of the Board
of Managers and their duties are outlined in Article III of the
By-Laws.
7) Capital Fund Raising
Special Events
Individual and Corporate Donations
Foundations .
See Enclosure Flow Chart
* e y x
FAMILY A OF THE DESERT
,t* 74-004 HIGHWAY 111 o PALM DESERT o CALIFORNIA 92260 o 714/ 568-4333
BOARD OF MANAGERS
FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
1 . ART BENDER, PhD 39- 138 Desert Greens E . 346-5461I1
PD 92260
2 . BILL BOLLMAN 74- 513 Old Prospector Tr. 347-5533B
PD 02260 346-403911
3. LES CIIAUDOIN 74 - 070 Desert Star 346-278411
PD 92260
4 . JAKE DURAN, PASTOR
(Seventh Day Advent . ) 620 So. Sunrise Way 327- 5112B
Palm Springs , 92262
5 . RICK (HOLDEN 44 -615 Santa Margarita 346- 5088B
PD 92260 346- 092811
6. BETTY IIORKO 70 - 340 Chappel Rd. 342 - 8283B
Rancho Mirage , 92270 328- 580411
7 . HIAROLD IIOUSLEY 73-893 Hwy 111 568- 9393B
PD 92260 345- 5044II
8 . JOHN KENNEDY P .O . Box 255 346-43671I
PD 92260
9 . COLIN McDERMOTT P .O. Box 163 346-0745II
PD 92260
10. DON McNEILLY 74- 004 Hwy 111 346-6111B
PD 92260 346-652111
11 . BEN PICKELL 72- 814 Tampico Dr . 346- 71 4 711
PD 92260
12 . .JIM WALSH Eldorado Country Club 346- 8081B
Indian Wells , 92260
13. ELIZABETH WOLFF 2800 McCallum Way 11209 327-424411
Palm Springs , 92262
STAFF
CLIFF LARSON 74- 150 Vclardo 568- 9226
PD 92260
•
YOUNG MEN ' S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT
A Branch of Riverside
BY-LAWS •
ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1 : The name of the Branch shall be "Family YMCA
of the Desert" ; herein referred to as "Family
YMCA" .
Section 2 : The purpose of the Association shall be : To
develop and improve the spiritual , social ,
mental and physical life of youth and adults
in accordance with the spirit and teachings
of Judeo-Christian principles ; and to render
such services , in cooperation with other organ-
izations and individuals in the Community , as
will secure better economic , social and moral
conditions for youth and adults .
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS
Section 1 : Qualifications of Members : Membership in this
Association shall be open to any person who
subscribes to the purpose of the Association.
Section 2r All voting members shall be persons 18 years of
age or over. Every voting member shall quality
as a voting member by signifying that he is in
accord with , and will cooperate in the achieve-
ment of the purpose , ideals , and spirit of the
Association as stated in Article I , Section 2 ,
of these By- Laws , and by payment of such annual
dues as may be set by the Board of Managers .
Only voting members shall vote at meetings of
the Association , hold elective office , or be
members of the Board of Directors , and/or Branch
Board of Management .
Section 3 : Founding Members : Those persons who joined the
Family YMCA of the Desert during early development
stages and who helped organize the Family YMCA
of the Desert . Rights and privileges of
Founding Members shall coincide with General
Members .
- 1 -
•
•
Section 4 : Sponsoring Members: Sponsoring members shall
be a non-participating and non-voting member who
• desires to contribute the amount of a membership
for a youth who is financially in need. .
Section 5 : General Members : Those persons who enj.oy all
rights and privileges available to members of '
the Family YMCA.
Section 6 : Family Members : • Family members shall have the
same privileges as general members, at a reduced
overall rate as may be determined by the Board
of Managers . Voting privileges shall, however,
be limited to head of household.
Section 7 : Youth Membership : Youth members shall have
unlimited participation in the program and •
activities . There shall be age classifactions
as determined and defined by the Board of
Managers from time to time.
Section 8 : Special Membership Privilege Arrangements :
The Board of Managers, upon recommendation
of the Membership Committee, may from time to
time grant, revise or withdraw special member-
ship privilege arrangements , upon such terms
as it deems advisable, for members of other
Associations, transferees from other Assocations
or Branches, guests, members of the United
States Armed Forces , Branch employees and
volunteer workers, Ministers, Priests and
Rabbis , Non-Member persons or groups.
Section 9 : Rates and Activity Fees : Except as otherwise
provided herein, the rates and activity fees
for the several types of memberships of this
Association shall, upon recommendation of the
Membership Committee, be fixed by the Board of
• Managers from time to time by majority vote
of such Board.
Section 10 : There shall be such other classes of members,
with appropriate fees and dues, as may from
time to time be created by the Board of
Managers , which other classes •of members
shall have such rights and obligations as
shall be granted to them by the Board of
Managers, subject to the limitations of
Section 2 of the Article II .
-2-
*wee *woe
•
Section 11 : Resignations : Cancellation: Expulsion : Any
member may resign at • any time upon written or
verbal notification to the Membership office .
Any membership may be cancelled if dues remain
delinquent for thirty days .
•
ARTICLE III - BOARD OF MANAGERS
Section 1: The management of this Association shall be
vested in a Board of Managers of not less
than 12 nor more than 40 persons who represent
a cross section of the community served by this
Association and who are at least 18 years of
age, and who possess the qualifications for
voting membership in this Association, plus
the Executive Director, who shall be employed
by the Board of Managers.
New members of the Board of Managers shall be
recommended by the Board of Managers and
elected by the voting membership at the Annual
Meeting of the Association. Additional Board
Members may be nominated by the Voting Member-
ship at the Annual Meeting .
Board members shall be elected by the voting
membership for terms of three (3) years.
Nothing in these By-Laws shall be held to
prevent re-election to the Board. In the
annual election for the Board of Managers for
the year 1978 , one-third of the managers shall
be elected for three years; one-third for two
years; and one-third for one year. The
determination of who shall serve for what
period shall be determined by lot or as
otherwise agree by the existing Board of
Managers .
Board Members absent for three (3) consecutive
Board meetings , without valid reason, will be
considered resigned from the Board.
Section 2 : Vacancies in the membership of the Family YMCA
Board of Managers shall be filled by its own _
Board. Each appointee to fill a vacancy shall
serve the unexpired term of the member replaced.
Vacancies shall be filled at the first regular
meeting following the occurrence.
•
-3-
•
Section 3 : Responsibility: The Board of Managers is
charged with full responsibility to the Board
of Directors of the YMCA of Riverside for the
conduct of the work of the Branch and shall
report regularly to the Board of Managers on
the progress and condition of the Branch, and
all matters under consideration.
ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS
Section 1 : All meetings , whether regular or special and
whether for members or managers, shall be
conducted pursuant to Roberts Rules of Order, .
except where otherwise provided in these By-Laws.
Section 2 : Regular Meetings of the Board of Managers :
The Board of Managers shall meet once a month,
except in July and August of each year, at
such regular or stated place as the Board from
time to time by resolution may determine. One-
third of the total number of Managers shall
•
constitute a quorum.
Section 3 : Special Meetings of Board of Managers :
Special meetings of the Board of Managers
for any purpose or purposes may be called at
any time by the Chairman of the Board or
upon written request to the Chairman of the
Board signed by at least four members of the
Board.
Section 4 : Annual Meeting : The Annual Meeting of Family
YMCA will be held in the month of January. At
this meeting, the new chairman and new members
of the Board take office . •
Section 5 : Notice of Board Meetings : The Secretary shall
give or cause to be given, written notice of
the time and place of all regular meetings
and all special meetings of the Board of
Managers to be mailed, postpaid, to each
member of the Board of Managers at least
four (4) days before the time of the regular
meetings and at least two (2) days before the
time of the special meetings. The notices of
the special meetings shall state, in general
terms, the purpose or purposes thereof.
-4-
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1 : Officers : At the December meeting, the Board
of Managers shall elect from among its own
members a Chairman, a Vice Chairman, a Secretary
and a Treasurer of the Board who shall hold
office for one (1) year. These officers shall
perform such duties as are prescribed by the
By-Laws and such additional duties as the Board
of Managers shall from time to time determine.
No manager shall serve more than two consecutive
terms as an officer in the same position.
Section 2 : Duties of the Chairman: The Chairman shall
preside at meetings of the Board of Managers .
He shall be responsible for the agenda. He,
or his representative, ' shall represent the
Family YMCA at the meetings of the Board of
Directors of the YMCA of Riverside. He shall
appoint the members of the Standing Committees
and carry out all the responsibilities usually
pertaining to the office of Chairman. He shall
be ex-officio member of all standing committees.
Section 3 : Duties of the Vice Chairman: In the absence of
the Chairman, the Vice CC ha rman shall have
all the authority and perform all the duties
of the Chairman. The Chairman may, with the
approval of the Board, assign the Vice •
Chairman a special administrative relationship
to certain committes of. the Board. The Vice •
,. Chairman will act as Parlimentarian.
Section 4 : Duties of the Secretary: The Secretary shall
keep careful records of the minutes of the
• meetings of the Board of Managers; of the
attendance at these meetings; and shall perform
any other duties assigned by these By-Laws . The
Secretary shall write letters of recommendation
and thanks for Board personnel.
Section 5 : Duties of the Treasurer : The Treasurer shall
coordinate the receiving and disbursing of
all monies at the order of the Board of
Managers . Co-signatures shall be required
on all checks.
-5-
*two'
ARTICLE VI - STANDING COMMITTEES AND
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
Section 1: Appointments : The Chairman shall appoint the
• following standing committees and their chair-
persons, subject to the approval of the Board:
Program, Budget and Finance , Public Relations,
Site and Building and Membership .
The Chairman of the Standing Committees
specified above shall be named from among
the members of the Board of Managers.
Non-Board members may be appointed to
various committees.
Section 2 : Meetings : Each Standing Committee shall meet
at least once a month, or, upon reasonable
notice by call of the Chairman of the committee,
or when requested to do so by the Chairman of
the Board.
Section 3 : Program Committee : The Program Committee is
• responsible for studying the needs and problems
throughout the committee and in cooperation
with other committees, for planning, organizing
and conducting the Assocation work, using
whatever facilities are available in the
community.
Section 4 : Public Relations and Publicity Committee :
This committee shall be responsible for
developing ways and means of interpreting
the Assocation - its work and its needs -
to the community. •
Section 5 : Site and Building Committee : This committee
shall be responsible for submitting recommen-
dations concerning site location and permanent
facilities construction. When facilities are
available, said committee shall be responsible
for the operation of the physical plant,
including the cleaning maintenance, repairs,
rehabilitation and renovating work of the
building, and also the operations of the
engine room, plant, and other mechanical
equipment .
-6-
Niawie
ARTICLE VII - STAFF
Section 1 : Staff Personnel : The Executive Director
shall be appointed by the Board of Managers
of Family YMCA. The Executive Director
shall serve at the pleasure of the Board
• of Managers.
Part-time staff and employees may be hired
by the Executive Director with prior
approval of the Board of Managers.
Section 2 : Staff Responsibilites : The Executive Director
shall direct the program of the Association
and the activities of the staff. He shall
administer the policies of the Board of
Managers of the Family YMCA.
ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS , EXCEPTIONS and ADOPTIONS
Section l:• Amendments : These By-Laws may be amended by
two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present
at any regular or special meeting of the
Board of Managers providing written notice
has been given of the proposed change at
least one week in advance, and provided
further that a quorum of the Board of Managers
is present.
Section 2 : Exceptions : Three-fourths (3/4) of the members
of the Board of Managers present at a regular
or special meeting may authorize non-compliance
for a specified time with any provisions of these
By-Laws when, in the opinion c•f the Board of
Managers, such non-compliance will enable the
branch to better carry out its general purposes;
provided, however, that such non-compliance
shall not continue beyond one year from the
date of authorization by the Board of Managers .
Notwithstanding other provisions of this Section,
in no event may the By-Laws he suspended or
excepted at a meeting where less than a quorum
of the Board of Managers is present.
Section 3: Adoption : These By-Laws shall take effect when
adopted by a two (2/3) vote of the members of the
Board of Managers present at a regular meeting,
and when approved by the Board of Managers of
the YMCA of Riverside. Once adopted, these By-Laws
will supersede any By-Laws previously adopted by
the Family YMCA of the Desert.
-7-
*towel *00,0
•
ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1: Boundaries : The territory served by the Family
YMCA shall encompass the area included from
Whitewater to Blythe.
•
Section 2 : Program & Fiscal Year: The program and fiscal
year of the Family YMCA shall he from January 1
through December 31.
-8-
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R ATIONAL NEEDS „ e,
•
The following list of recreational needs represent the findings
of the 14-member City of Palm Desert Citizen ' s Recreation Advisory
Committee. The needs are defined and listed in order of priority.
•
1 . Money - medium of exchange. For the purpose of this report and as
a recreational need it is the medium of exchange for acquiring land
and facilities. It may also be considered the means by which re-
creational programs and facilities are administered , operated , and
maintained.
2. Community Sports Center - a multi-purpose facility intended to pro-
vide space , both indoor and outdoor , for active sports related ac-
tivities such as baseball , soccer , gymnastics, swimming, etc.
•
3. Community Level Park - a multi-purpose facility to be used for pas-
sive and/or low organized active games. Recreational and/or leisure
time activities would include: socials, picnicing, playgrounds, out-
door table games, gardens, etc .
4 . Community Center - a multi-purpose facility for use as a teen and/or
senior center; recreation administration center; theatre; arts and
crafts center ; and other passive indoor activities. Provides a meet-
ing place for people with similar interests but often of varying
social , religious, and political backgrounds, who come to play, to
learn, or to work together for personal satisfaction and/or community
improvements.
5. Multi-Purpope Trail System - an integrated City-wide system of trails
for bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding. The system would be
comprised of both exclusive and shared rights-of-way and provide the
opportunity for linking together various valley-wide trail systems .
6. Mini-Parks and Rest Areas - small open space areas intended to pro-
vide visual as well as physical links between major recreation facili-
ties. Composed largely of natural vegetation and benches, the mini-
parks provide a bit of nature in a congested neighborhood , a restful
breathing spot in a business area, or a temporary substitute for lack-
ing or inadequate public recreation areas.
7. Natural Areas - areas where flora, fauna , and land forms are protected
in their natural environment for the purpose of scientific and human
• _enjoyment . Relatively large tracts of land with sections made avail-
able for hiking, camping, and nature study .
8 . Youth Camp - open space area provided for overnight recreational camp-
ing for youth. It is intended that this facility would be located out
of the City of Palm Desert , and used primarily during the summer months.
Nowe
STAFF REPORT
TO : CHAIRWOMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PARK AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
FROM : DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SUBJECT : RESPONSE TO CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY COMMISSIONERS
I . INTRODUCTION
At the conclusion of the September 5 , 1979 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting , several Commissioners
expressed concern about the direction and activities
of the Commission . (See minutes of the meeting for
further detail . ) Essentially , Commissioners felt they
are not an active participant in the decision-making
process . Further concerns were expressed by Commissioner
Frederick Thon in a letter dated September 7 , 1979 ( see
attachment A) and by Chairwoman Doloris Driskel in a
meeting with Staff on September 17 , 1979 .
The concerns expressed by Commissioners fall into five
general areas :
1 ) What are the duties , responsibilities , powers ,
and limitations of the Commission?
2 ) What are the major accomplishments and activi -
ties of the Commission?
3 ) What are the problems inhibiting the operation
of the Commission?
4) How is communication between the Commission and
the City Council conducted?
5 ) What is the future work program of the Commis-
sion?
This Staff report is in response to the concerns expressed
by Commissioners . The report is divided to answer each
of the above questions . In addition , a section describing
various options available to the Commission concerning fu-
ture activities and actions is included .
II . WHAT ARE THE DUTIES , RESPONSIBILITIES , POWERS AND LIMITA-
TIONS OF THE COMMISSION?
The duties , responsibilities , and powers of the Commission
have been addressed by City Council resolution and the
By-laws of the Commission .
The City Council created the Parks and Recreation Commis-
sion , by resolution number 76-145 , on December 9 , 1976 ,
to act as "an advisory body to assist the City in develop-
ing positive recommendations to meet the needs of the com-
munity in the area of Parks and Recreation " .1 ( Emphasis
added by Staff)
The By-laws of the Commission also addressed the question
of duties , stating :
1By-laws , Parks and Recreation Commission, p . 1
STAFF REPORT Page -2-
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall have the
power , and it shall be the duty of the Commission ,
to make recommendations to the City Council and to
advise the Council in matters pertaining to the crea-
tion , operation , maintenance , and control of commu-
nity recreation programs , of playgrounds and indoor
and outdoor recreation , activities , and facilities . 2
( Emphasis added by Staff)
Finally , City Manager Marty Bouman , at the first meeting
of the Commission , stated that the "Commission would have
a limited amount of authority ; although their recommenda-
tions would be strongly considered by the City Council . "3
As indicated by the three statements , the Commission ' s
responsibilities and duties are to advise and make recom-
mendations to the City Council regarding recreation issues .
The powers of the Commission are limited to recreational
matters only.
Although it is not within the scope of the Commission to
determine or make policy , the Commission plays an impor-
tant and significant role in the decision-making process .
Each member of the Commission has an individual interest
in the development of a strong and viable recreation pro-
gram in the Community which existed before appointment to
the Commission . The City Council recognized this special
awareness when appointing members to serve on the Commis-
sion . The Council sees the role of the Commission as pro-
viding significant input in determining policy . Because
such input is important , the City Council and the Parks
and Recreation Commission have held several joint meetings
to discuss City Policy regarding recreational issues .
III . WHAT ARE THE MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE COMMISSION?
In it ' s two and one half years of existence the Commission
has accomplished much . The following is a list of accom-
plishments and activities :
1 ) The development of a Parks Master Plan .
2 ) Recommended to the Planning Commission and the
City Council potential geographical location of
park sites for each neighborhood . Attachment "B"
indicates park site recommendations . The City
has already purchased some of these sites includ-
ing Ironwood , Civic Center , Date Preserve , San
Pascual and Haystack .
3) Reviewed the range of types of park development
and possible application in various neighborhoods .
4) Reviewed and commented on the Conservation , Open
Space and Recreation Elements of the College of
the Desert Area and the Palm Valley Storm Water
Channel Area Specific Plans .
5) Worked with Recreation Advisory Committee in the
creation and prioritizing of recreation need .
The City Council unanimously adopted the needs
list as policy on November 9 , 1978.
6 ) Reviewed and commented on the Parks and Recrea-
tion Element to the General Plan . The Element
was adopted by the City Council in July , 1978 .
2IBID, p . 4
3Minutes , Park and Recreation Commission, February 28 , 1977
STAFF REPORT Page -3-
7 ) Annually review the proposed Parks and Recrea-
tion portion of the City ' s budget . In the past ,
the Commission has recommended changes .
8) Provide input and advice on various issues -
s+ich as the ordinance on regulating park use -
for consideration by the City Council .
IV . WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS INHIBITING THE OPERATION OF THE
COMMISSION?
There are many problems inhibiting the operation of the
Commission . Some of the problems , such as staffing , were
present at the time the Commission was created while other
problems , such as flood control , are of recent vintage .
The major problems include staffing , funding and flood
control . A brief description of each follows :
STAFFING : The City Council , at the time the Commission
was created , made it clear that no additional staff would
be added to accomplish the required work . At present ,
the Director of Environmental Services and the Assistant
Planner are the two individuals involved with the Parks
and Recreation Commission . However , due to the work load
of the Department , a limited amount of Staff time is spent
on recreation issues . Presently , the Department is involved
in the revision of the General Plan which will include the
Conservation/Open Space and Parks and Recreation Elements .
As the work load lessens , more time could be allotted to
other recreation issues .
FUNDING : Funds for park and recreation activities are lim-
ited from either local , State or Federal sources . Federal
and State funds are available but , the competition is
fierced . Assistant City Manager Carlos Ortega recently
looked into the availability of park and recreation funds .
He informed the Department that in order to qualify for
funds a preliminary design of the park site must accompany
the application . The hiring of consultants would have ac-
complished this requirement .
FLOOD CONTROL : After the recent flooding , the City Council
decided to hold in abeyance the hiring of consultants to
design park sites until the matter of financing flood con-
trol has been analyzed and determined . Basically , the
Council is reluctant to provide funds until money for drain-
age is made available . Council said that Staff could under-
take this task if it so desires .
V . HOW IS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE COMMISSION AND THE COUNCIL
CONDUCTED?
The Commission and the Council are kept abreast of the
activities and actions of each body regarding recreation
issues . Commission minutes are placed into Council mem-
bers boxes as soon as possible after a Commission meeting .
Also , the Department informs the appropriate individuals ,
such as the City Manager , of any decisions or requests
made by the Commission . As an example , attachment "C"
illustrates a memorandum sent to the City Manager regard-
ing the concerns of the Commission about the Family Y of
the Desert proposal .
STAFF REPORT Page -4-
At the same time , the Department informs the Commission
of any decisions by the Council ; usually by memorandum.
Finally , as already indicated , the Commission and the
Council have held joint meetings to discuss recreation
issues . Some of the past joint meetings have included
discussions on the location of the Christina Sinatra Teen
Center and the location of park sites .
However , improvement in the communication between the two
groups is possible . As stated in the minutes of the
September 5 , 1979 meeting , minutes of the two groups will
be exchanged . Also , the Commission decided to send a re-
presentative to the Council meetings . It should be em-
phasized that this individual does not speak for the Com-
mission on non-recreational issues .
VI . WHAT IS THE FUTURE WORK PROGRAM OF THE COMMISSION?
The Commission will be quite active in the near future .
The following discusses the activities facing the Com-
mission :
1 ) Continue working with the Y on their proposal
to locate a facility in Palm Desert . The Com-
mission will have to consider how it will effect
and/or meet the recreational needs of the Com-
munity. The Commission will have to decide
whether or not to recommend the approval of leas-
ing City land .
2 ) In November or December the Commission will be
asked to comment on the design for the Civic
Center site .
3 ) As Staff concludes the preliminary drafts of the
Conservation/Open Space and Parks and Recreation
Elements , the Commission will be asked to review
and provide comments for further revisions .
4 ) Early next year , when the preliminary drafts to
the General Plan are completed , assist Staff in
the design of park sites .
VII . RECOMMENDATION :
Staff recommends that the Commission requests a joint
' meeting with the City Council to discuss other possible
projects which the Commission may want to become involved .
. err► '� —' �,.�,,,,,..1�`
FREDERICK THON x
45-390 GARDEN SQUARE J
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 V
191
September 7, 1979
John De Santos
City Hall
Palm Desert
Dear John:
I see in the By-Laws that a matter can be
placed on the agenda for a meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Commission if it is
forwarded to you at least seven days in ad-
vance .
As we begin this current year, I think it
would be useful if we paused a moment for
the following, and I would find it helpful
as a new member.
Therefore may I suggest that the agenda for
the next meeting, September 24, or as soon
thereafter as agreeable, include an opportunity
for the Commission to have
( 1 ) a brief review of the Commission' s major
past issues and actions. What has it accomplished?
What have been problem areas?
( 2) a brief definition of its responsibilities,
powers, and limitations. Can it hold public
hearings and invite participants? Does it decide ,
or only recommend?
( 3) a few moments for members of the Commission
to indicate their backgrounds and areas of their
individual involvement . Who represents what?
Thank you for your good offices, John .
Sincerely,
CIA/0:A 71#1#fr'
Undoubtedly you will want to check with Dolores
about this .
..
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
City of Palm Desert
TO: City Manager
FROM: Department of Environmental Services
SUBJECT: Comments expressed by Parks and DATE: July 31 , 1979
Recreation Commission regarding
the possible location of the
Family Y of the Desert Facility
on Park Land
The Parks and Recreation Commission , at their July 30 , 1979
meeting , discussed the request by the Family Y of the Desert to locate
a facility on park land in Palm Desert. It was explained to the
Commission that the organization has money to construct a facility,
but no money to purchase property. The following is a summary of the
comments and concerns expressed by the Commission .
1 . The Commission felt that not enough information was
presented to adequately discuss site location . They
requested that the following information be presented
to them so a recommendation could be made:
a . The specification , i . e . , the needed acreage ,
square footage , etc . , of the facility ;
b . The programs and/or activities envisioned ;
c . The implication of using City land for
private use ;
d . The access to the facility by the general
public ; and
e. The relationship of this facility to the
proposed Civic Center facility.
2 . The Commission felt that a precedent could be set ,
allowing other organizations to make similar requests .
3 . The Commission expressed an interest in having the
Family Y make a presentation at a future Commission
meeting (next available meeting date September 5 , 1979 ) .
This Department , at your request , will work with the Family
Y organization to bring this information forward to the Commission ,
but elements of this item require City policy to be established , before
proceeding a great deal further .
Assistant Planner , Mr. John Dos Santos , will be the Staff
member available for contact on this matter .