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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission Oct. 5, 2005 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Munson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Randy Guyer arrived at 8:40 a.m. Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Scheurer arrived at 8:37 Commissioner Terry Schukart Commissioner Van Tanner Staff Present: Richard Kelly, Council Member Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 20, 2005 Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission of September 20, 2005, were approved with a note on page 7 of the minutes that animal control is now handled by the Indio office. Motion moved/seconded by Tanner/Dawson and carried by a 7-0 vote with Chairman Guyer and Commissioner Scheurer ABSENT. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 V. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. REPORT ON SKATE PARK STAFF SHORTAGE Ms. Steele asked the Commissioners if they had any questions concerning the report on the Skate Park staff shortage. There were no questions. B. COMMISSIONER E-MAIL LIST Vice Chair Munson requested that the Commissioners give their e-mail address to Ms. Steele or Ms. Loredo. Ms. Steele commented the e-mail list is outdated, and staff does not have all of the Commissioners e-mail addresses. She indicated that if there were correspondence that needs immediate attention, staff would be able to e-mail the information to the Commission. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. IRONWOOD PARK SIGNAGE Ms. Steele stated that Commissioner Babcock has brought to her attention that there is no directional sign to Ironwood Park, and that a separate sign that prohibits off-leash dogs should be posted. He felt the rule gets lost in the larger sign. Commissioner Babcock responded that it is hard to read the sign, and had to read it twice to find the rule that prohibits off-leash dogs. He indicated that people have mentioned to him that people let their dogs run loose. Commissioner Babcock suggested bringing the sign down to eye level. Commissioner Limont commented that the signs are visible, and believes that people don’t pay attention to them. She agrees that the people must be made aware of the rules, but does not want to see additional signs. Commissioner Babcock noted that there is no signage on Haystack, and people are running their dogs at this location without a leash. Ms. Steele asked if the problem would be alleviated if a small sign were posted on Haystack. Commissioner Limont referred to a small sign on Silver Spur that says “All dogs on leash, please clean after dogs.” She said the sign has a white background with red lettering. 2 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 It was stated that about two years ago signs were not put up at the time when Cahuilla and Homme Adams parks opened. It was mentioned that when the parks opened, Councilman Crites claimed dogs, cats, and horses are welcome to use the park, and that dogs can be under voice control. Ms. Steele stated that signs that say, “Dogs must be on leash” at Cahuilla/Homme Park would be taken down by Mr. Niemczak. B. HOMME ADAMS BARRIER/FENCE Mr. Niemczak reported that currently there are palm tree trunks placed along the roadside of Homme Adams Park. The trunks are falling apart and deteriorating. He mentioned that he has seen four-wheel drive vehicles driving over the palms and into the park. Mr. Niemczak suggested replacing the palm logs with a more permanent barrier. He referred to pictures in the agenda packet on different type of barriers and asked for a recommendation from the Commission. Commissioner Dawson asked Mr. Niemczak if he knew the durability of the split rail. Mr. Niemczak responded that he did not know. He noted that the split rail that is currently there has been vandalized, and is in the process of looking for the contractor that had it installed. Commissioner Dawson voiced that he would prefer boulders. They are hard to drive over or move. Commissioner Limont asked for the length of the roadside. Mr. Niemczak replied that it is approximately 2000 linear ft. He also replied that he did not look into pricing, and that he was going to wait for the Commission’s recommendation before requesting a quote. Commissioner Scheurer asked how much linear feet of the fencing shown on page 24 of the agenda is currently in place. Mr. Niemczak responded approximately 2000 feet. Commissioner Scheurer asked how many more feet of fencing would be needed to complete the fence. Mr. Niemczak replied that fencing is needed on the other side of the park, which would be another 1000 feet. Commissioner Scheurer noted that half of the expense already exists, and it would seem feasible to go with the same type of fencing that looks good and also save money. Mr. Niemczak responded that the fencing looks good, but it has been vandalized by vehicles. He suggested installing a more permanent barrier, such as boulders. 3 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 Commissioner Barnes remembered that several Commissioners were not in favor of the logs. They thought the logs were ugly and were going to get uglier. He said the City had a supply of the logs and decided to use them. Commissioner Barnes stated that he would pass the recommendation for the fencing to the City Council. He stated that they have always decided what fences they prefer. Councilman Kelly replied that they did not decide on the logs. Commissioner Barnes believes it was Councilman Crites that wanted to use the logs. Commissioner Babcock suggested that staff check with Ms. Homme on which type of fence should be installed. He recalls that she did not want a park that looks like a park. Commissioner Dawson motioned to have boulders installed around the park. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tanner and carried by a 7-2 vote with Commissioner Barnes and Commissioner Scheurer opposing. C. DATE GROVE MONUMENT Mr. Niemczak provided the Commission with information regarding the design and installation of a monument at the date grove. He reported that the Landscape Beautification Committee approved the design and wording for the monument. Mr. Niemczak requested an approval of the monument from the Commission so he can begin the installation. Commissioner Dawson asked who wrote the verbiage for the monument. Ms. Steele responded Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist. Ms. Steele commented that the Landscape Manager has been working on this project for a while, and that Councilman Crites recently asked for the status of the monument. Commissioner Dawson’s concern is the verbiage, it should be checked if it is going to be set in stone. Councilman Kelly asked who else has approved the wording for the monument. Ms. Steele responded that it has only gone through the Landscape Beautification Committee. It was mentioned that the pictures on page 29 and 30 of the agenda packet are different. Ms. Steele responded that the monument pictured on page 30 is currently located in Baja Park on Fred Waring, and that they are looking at having the same type of monument for the Date Grove. Mr. Niemczak explained that the monument at the Date Grove would have three sides and made of the same type of material. 4 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 Chairman Guyer asked for the location of the monument at the Date Grove. Mr. Niemczak responded that it would be at the south side of the grove in a planter area along the sidewalk. Chairman Guyer asked if it would be seen from the park and not Magnesia Falls. Mr. Niemczak replied that was correct. Commissioner Barnes asked if staff had a cost for the monument. Mr. Niemczak replied that he did not. Commissioner Barnes commented that currently not many people visit that area. He felt that until the area has been improved the monument should not be installed. Commissioner Tanner asked if they are being pressured to have this project done. Chairman Guyer responded that Councilman Crites is asking for the status of the project. Commissioner Babcock noted that he remembers Councilman Spiegel commenting that he did not want the park to become a memorial. Chairman Guyer believes that he was referring to people that wanted to add names to flag poles and trees. The Commission felt that the monument is a great idea. Commissioner Dawson asked if there would be a vandalism issue. It was mentioned that it would be the same as any other sign. Commissioner Schukart stated his concern if one day the swamp area were to be reconfigured, and the monument would not fit into the reconfiguration. He questioned why it was necessary to install it at this time. Commissioner Tanner expressed that he would like to the monument on the north end of the grove. Commissioner Tanner motioned to move the monument from the south side to the north end of the Date Grove. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Schukart and carried by a 9-0 vote. D. PARKS & RECREATION CITIZEN SURVEY Ms. Steele explained that there has not been a citizen survey done within the City of Palm Desert. Commissioner Barnes stated that about ten years’ ago a survey was done for the pool. Ms. Steele indicated that the ACM for Development Services requested that a survey be done to gather information on type of services citizens are looking for and in what areas are the services needed. She requested a recommendation from the Commission to solicit proposals for a citizen survey. Ms. Steele explained 5 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 that a committee would be formed to review the presentations and make a selection. Commissioner Scheurer asked if the survey would be door-to-door or a mailer. Ms. Steele responded that it would depend on the company we would select to do the survey. From information that she has gathered, there is one company that would do a mailer, but that it does not look like there would be enough information collected in her opinion. Commissioner Barnes commented that second company listed on the report looks like they would have a better survey than the first company listed. Ms. Steele agreed and that the cost is about the same. She mentioned that the second company recently completed a survey for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. She briefly described the different types of information that they can provide. The second company would perform a phone survey. Commissioner Tanner stated that not only would the information be beneficial to the Commission; it would also benefit Ms. Steele in her endeavors in the years to come. Commissioner Babcock commented that he is concerned with the accuracy of a survey, and is the City going to receive correct information from the people that are going to use the City’s parks. Ms. Steele responded that when the companies give their presentation to the Commission, they could respond to why their survey is statistically valid. Commissioner Babcock asked if it is worth the expense for a company to complete a survey rather than have staff completing it. Commissioner Munson commented that the companies mentioned specialize in completing surveys. Commissioner Barnes asked how many of the BrightSide newsletters are mailed out. Councilman Kelly replied that it is mailed to every address in the City of Palm Desert. He questioned how many people read the newsletter. Commissioner Tanner responded that only those that are interested, and only those that are interested would complete a survey. Commissioner Barnes noted that if there is a 10 percent return on a survey response; it is a legitimate response. He feels that 10 percent is a very low number. Councilman Kelly commented that there once was a tear-out survey done through the BrightSide, which had a very good response. The survey had to do mainly with streets and traffic. 6 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 Commissioner Babcock asked if there was a survey done for the amphitheater. Commissioner Tanner replied that there was one done, which the vast majority replied that the amphitheater needed to be changed. Commissioner Tanner motioned to proceed with a request for proposals on a citizen survey for City of Palm Desert’s current and future parks. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Scheurer and carried by a 9-0 vote. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. LEGENDS FIELD HONOREE Ms. Steele reported that she proceeded with the Commission’s first choice for the Legends Field Honoree. She contacted Mr. Charlie Pasarell and he has agreed to be honored. Ms. Steele is currently awaiting his bio from his assistant. Once she receives the bio information, Ms. Steele will share it with the Commission. B. INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE Commissioner Barnes communicated that the City has one of the nicest parks in the state of California, and that it will continue to be for years to come. To continue being a nice park, an interactive water feature should be installed. He mentioned that Councilman Kelly is the person that approached the Commission about interactive fountains. Councilman Kelly recalls seeing an interactive fountain in Denver, and remembers kids being wild about it. But then the fountain went from an inexpensive wading pool to a multi-million dollar fountain. Ms. Steele stated that the City purchased the water feature in 1994. Staff found the water feature at the Joni Yard. The water feature was from Wet Design. She found that the water feature was first quoted at approximately $175,000, but the price did not include labor and the surface. Ms. Steele continued to state that the City paid just over $200,000, which again did not include labor and surfacing. She found that staff did go back to get a quote on surfacing and it was going to cost an additional $200,000. 7 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 Commissioner Barnes noted that there should have been tile. Ms Steele responded that they did not find any tile. They found the packing list and there was no tile listed. Ms. Steele stated that staff’s concern is that the equipment would no longer work. Mr. Niemczak commented that he heard the company came in and took the programming equipment to use at another job site, and that they would upgrade the City’s water feature programming at no cost. Commissioner Barnes voiced that the feature should be installed where they originally decided to put it. It would enhance the park, and people would enjoy it. Chairman Guyer asked what the possibility would be to use the feature in Freedom Park. Commissioner Barnes commented that it was suppose to go in Freedom Park, and asked what happened to that idea. It was mentioned that the City Council pulled it out of Freedom Park. Chairman Guyer replied that there was no more room. Commissioner Barnes remembers that it was going to be reconfigured, and that it was going to be installed in the center as you come into the park. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes where he would want to see the water feature. Commissioner Barnes remarked that he would want it where they originally intended to install it, which is in the Civic Center Park near the tot lot and not far from the amphitheater. Commissioner Tanner questioned whether or not the park should be kept green as opposed to putting another patch of concrete. His concern is running out of green space for people to use. He would rather see it go in at the entrance of Freedom Park. The Commission discussed what the cost would be to install the water feature or if it is still operational. Commissioner Scheurer motioned for staff to 1) Solicit a proposal to determine the cost to install the water feature at Freedom Park; and 2) Have Wet Design evaluate the equipment to check if it is operational. City Staff is to return to the Commission with the information for a recommendation. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tanner and carried by a 9-0 vote. 8 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 C. PARK INSPECTIONS REPORT Ms. Steele stated that she has included a report in the agenda packet noting some of the deficiencies that were reported from the park inspection sheets. She will give the Commission a report every month. Commissioner Babcock noted that the water fountain near the tennis courts was not working correctly. Mr. Niemczak responded that the trash can was moved and the fountain was adjusted the day he reported it. Commissioner Babcock indicated that he was there the day before and there still needs to be an adjustment. Mr. Niemczak replied that he would look at it. Ms. Steele informed the Commission of their park inspection assignments for the remainder of the fiscal year. She also indicated that once the e-mail list is completed, she would e-mail the Commissioners a blank park inspection form. Ms. Steele requested that the sheets be returned to her by the second meeting of the month so all issues can be addressed, and have a deficiency report completed by the first meeting of the month. Commissioner Dawson thanked Ms. Steele and staff for providing the inspection sheets and reports. D. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS Mr. Niemczak reported that copies of the contracts were included in their agenda packets so that the Commission is aware of what is in the contract. He noted that contracts would be rewritten and going out to bid for July of 2006. Mr. Niemczak has had some issues concerning the maintenance of the parks, and has a meeting scheduled with the contractor to address his concerns. E. PALMA VILLAGE PARK ARTWORK/FOUNTAIN Ms. Steele stated that at a previous meeting, the Commission asked what type of fountain was going to be installed at Palma Village Park. Mr. Niemczak reported that he spoke to the City’s Art Department, and the fountain has been contracted out and being done by a local artist. He explained that the fountain is going to be ceramic tile in an 8’ diameter inset with a bubbler in the middle. 9 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 Commissioner Dawson questioned if there is a safety issue. There would be kids running around the fountain. Mr. Niemczak responded that he talked to the City’s Art Manager, and mentioned to him that the ceramic tile edges are sharp. The Art Manager said that he would look into this issue. The Commission discussed the location of the fountain. It was mentioned that the area could possibly be quarantined with benches so kids are not running through the fountain. The Commission recommended that staff talk to the Art Manager and let him know of the safety concerns. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS A. SOCCER PARK (J. MUNSON) Vice Chair Munson expressed her concern with kids hanging from the goals. She believes that a kid is going to get hurt if the goals are pulled over. Commissioner Limont stated that the goals could be anchored down. The anchors cost approximately $15. Vice Chair Munson asked if the anchors could be moved. Commissioner Limont replied yes. The Commission recommended that a note be sent to Desert United and the Palm Desert Youth Soccer League to stabilize the goals. Commissioner Scheurer commented that there are small pads that velcro around each vertical post similar to what is used on a football goal post. Commissioner Tanner noted that the pad interferes with the play of the ball. During a game the pads would have to be taken off because it interrupts the flow of the game. Commissioner Scheurer noted that rules are changing because there have been many head injuries. B. RISK & RECREATION MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP (C. LIMONT) Commissioner Limont circulated a summary of the workshop that she attended. She explained the seminar was to help cities with their planning relating to risks associated with different types of recreational area and facilities. She also explained “Joint and Several Liability,” which allows the plaintiff to sue one or more parties involved or held liable at the plaintiff’s option. Commissioner Limont stated that Gary Rosenblum, the City’s Risk Manager, is very knowledgeable and on top of these liabilities. She commented that the person speaking at the seminar was very impressed with the City’s Skate Park safety rules. The Commission thanked Limont for attending the seminar. 10 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 Commissioner Dawson asked the Commission if they read the article in the newspaper concerning Marriott being sued because they did not have golf carts that allowed handicap people to play golf. He asked if there are any implications to Desert Willow. A couple of Commissioners responded that Desert Willow is not part of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Croy asked if it was an ADA lawsuit. Commissioner Dawson replied yes. He noted that since it is an ADA lawsuit, it would be a long time before anyone hears the results. Commissioner Scheurer stated that he is interested in knowing how much money is given to the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) and how it is spent. Ms. Steele responded that she would have a report for the Commission. Mr. Kevin Kalman from the CVRPD, informed the Commission that they are in the final stages of drafting their master plan, and would share the information with the Commission. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Kalman if they publish their budget every year. He replied yes. Commissioner Barnes asked for an update on the Aquatic Center. Ms. Steele reported that staff would be going to the City Council with the Commission’s recommendations. Commissioner Schukart explained that the design group is redesigning the design to fit on 2.2 acres, and still make it safe, useable, and parking suitable. He said Mr. Berkshire with Aquatic Design Group, didn’t think there would be a problem. The design group initially made the design very spacious with plenty of room. Commissioner Tanner asked Commissioner Schukart if the south side near of the driving range would be used for parking. Commissioner Schukart responded that it is possible. He said that parking and traffic is a whole separate issue. Ms. Steele commented that at this time, staff is only presenting the conceptual design and the Commission’s recommendations to the City Council. Chairman Guyer asked when the design group would complete the conceptual design. Ms. Steele responded that same design that was 11 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 2005 presented to the Commission would be presented to the City Council. She noted that the report would be going to the October 27, 2005, City Council meeting. Commissioner Barnes would like Ms. Steele to give the entire Commission a copy of the report that was done for showing the dollars and cents for a water park. He would also like to know what impact the College of the Desert would have on the use of the pool. Commissioner Tanner stated that he has a copy of the report and would bring the copies to the next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. Commissioner Tanner circulated an invitation for the Family YMCA of the Desert Hoedown at Sundown being held on Friday, November 4. X. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\14425 (2)_937953\\14425 (2).doc