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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 05/11/2005CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Van Tanner Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Alternate Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Scheurer Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Terry Schukart Absent: Commissioner Dan Seymour Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Councilmember Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Ryan Stendell, Parks & Recreation Planning Technician Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor APPROVAL OF MINUTES — FEBRUARY 9, 2005 Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission of February 9, 2005, approved as submitted. Motioned moved/seconded by Scheurer/Schukart and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner D. Seymour ABSENT. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Stan Ford, Coachella Valley Parks and Recreation District (CVPRD), General Manager, handed out the district's Summer 2005 brochure. He noted that it would be mailed out the following week. V. NEW BUSINESS A. New Location for Lawn Bowling/Bocce Ball Facility Mr. Stendell stated that there is an issue with the location for lawn bowling/bocce. He announced that Mr. Duke Ackerman, Chairman of the Lawn Bowling Association would give a presentation on the issue. Mr. Stendell noted that the Joslyn Senior Center may or may not be the most appropriate place and might have to look at a new location, possibly incorporating it into the redesign of the swamp area at the Civic Center Park. He introduced Mr. Ackerman. Mr. Ackerman addressed the Commission and asked if they received a copy of his letter. The Commission replied yes. Mr. Ackerman introduced Bud Meathe (phone number 773-9588), the former President, and currently the senior's Senior Advisor. Mr. Meathe communicated that lawn bowling is a popular activity with seniors. He circulated a diagram showing how much area is needed for lawn bowling, which is approximately 120 ft. by 120 ft. They also have equipment to be stored. He stated the cost is approximately $130,000 for a grass green and $164,000 for artificial turf. He noted that the only greens in the area for said activity are grass that requires watering, and artificial turf does not, but has to be replaced every 8-10 years. The cost to replace artificial turf would cost approximately $85,000. He feels that grass is better, although the upkeep is less with artificial turf. Mr. Meathe commented that he has a book with more information from the Lawn Bowling Association, if anyone was interested. Mr. Ackerman referred to the original City lease with the Senior Center, page 3, "seniors may include and accommodate, but not limited to such public uses at the senior community clubhouse, game room, outdoor recreational facility." He pointed out that they are the only outdoor recreational facility, and the only public lawn bowling in the desert. Mr. Ackerman stated that it is a long-term proposition, and that they are looking for a long-term home. He noted that he has letters from members to collaborate with what they have been presenting. Many of the retired come to the desert for this activity. It is currently available three times a week, and major part of the people's lives. 2 G:0evServicesVWonica Loredo Word DatalParks&ReclMinutesl5-1 f-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 Mr. Ackerman noted that they are covering the costs for maintenance and the budget figures for the Senior Center are not correct. They discovered that of the six hours per day Parks and Recreation staff maintains the grounds, the bowling only takes one hour, which is 16.5% of the time. He noted memberships at the Senior Center have doubled and the activity has increased. He asked the Commission if they should relocate or stay where they are, but also look at alternatives. Mr. Ackerman also noted that in peak season that they are at their max and cannot handle any more people, and asked the Commission if they had any questions. Commissioner Babcock asked if the current manager has plans for another building. Mr. Ackerman responded yes, that was what they were told. Commissioner Babcock asked what kind of building was being built. Mr. Ackerman responded that he did not know. Commissioner Babcock asked if lawn bowling would have to move. Mr. Ackerman responded that the Board had inaccurate information, and they do not have an understanding if they are going to be able to bowl at the Center next year. He commented that the bowling green, if made with grass, takes a little time for maturing. Commissioner Babcock asked if the Center has plans for the grounds, such as buildings. Mr. Ackerman responded that it was up in the air. Commissioner Babcock indicated the letter sent to the Commission mentions an issue with the water. Councilmember Spiegel explained that the City turned off the water to put in a recreational facility for the apartments that the City owns that are located adjacent to the grounds. He said it was temporary, and will go back on by the time lawn bowling begins in the fall. He mentioned Mrs. Joslyn has agreed to pick up any additional costs of lawn bowling as long as she is alive at the Senior Center. Councilmember Spiegel mentioned that there is a good feeling that lawn bowling would come to the park, and that there are areas available by the date palms. The problem with the area is that it is restricted and fenced. He indicated that fences are rarely put in the park with the exception of the skate park and dog park so there is a conundrum. Councilmember Spiegel is surprised that artificial turf is mentioned because it would require less attention from the City and can be utilized for bocce, lawn bowlers, and kids. Mr. Ackerman noted that artificial surface would need to be protected almost as much as grass, and explained that two hours a week of maintenance is required. The Commission asked if the Center was the only area available in the valley for lawn bowling and what about Smoke Tree. Mr. Ackerman responded the Center is open to the public and Smoke Tree is private. Councilmember Spiegel asked if the Lawn Bowling Association would 3 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataVParks&RecMinutesl5-11-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 prefer to stay at its current location. Mr. Ackerman responded he did not want to be subjected to saying yes, no, or maybe. Councilmember Spiegel asked if they would prefer the park if it was fenced. Mr. Ackerman responded yes. Councilmember Spiegel suggested that the Commission look at lawn bowling and what would be the best thing for the lawn bowlers and the City. He suggested revisiting the issue in the fall when lawn bowling restarts. In the meantime, have a subcommittee of two to three people to look at what is currently in the valley and southern California for what would be the best for lawn bowling. Commissioner Babcock asked if the association knew what San Diego is doing since they have a park for lawn bowling. He mentioned that he has never seen a bicyclist or anyone walking on the lawn. Mr. Ackerman said that he had not seen the one in San Diego. He has talked to someone in Los Angeles, which have two or three locations. They are all fenced and have lawns. The contact in Los Angeles recommends fencing. It was mentioned that Santa Maria and Cambria both have artificial turf, but have problems with the turf. They also recommended grass. Chairman Guyer asked if the bowling club is planning to change or expand the hours and days for lawn bowling. Mr. Ackerman responded that they are not looking at changing, but making it more available for those interested. The Lawn Bowling Club is requesting that the Commission add a bowling lawn in the park. Councilmember Spiegel stated that admission and use would be something that would need to be worked out. The Commission recommended that lawn bowling be discussed in the fall with staff bringing back a list of what other facilities do and how they handle dues and fees in a public park. Councilman Spiegel recommended that Mr. Stendell check with the California Park District for a list of parks. B. Residents Raising of Safety Issue at Soccer Park Mr. Rosenblum, Risk Manager, informed the Commission that he has received some calls from parents that there is a safety issue at the soccer park. He explained that there is a section of the park that is adjacent to the parking lot where balls can go through, and a kid can run after the ball into the parking lot. His recommendation was to raise the fence, change the 4 G:0evServicesVvfonica LoredotWord DatalParks&RecV&nutesl5-11-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 fencing at the location of the opening, or signage for cars coming in with a picture of a kid and ball. Commission asked if landscaping could be added to prevent balls from going through the fence. Mr. Knight responded landscaping would result in ongoing maintenance. Raising the fence would be a better solution than adding landscape. Commissioner Munson mentioned that there is a lot of traffic, and asked if there is currently signage to slow down. Mr. Rosenblum responded that there is a speed bump. Commissioner Tanner moved to: 1) have staff look into extending the fence by 2-3 feet and roll fence past the stanchions far enough to allow strollers and bicyclists through; 2) add traffic signs at the entrance and exit; and 3) return to the Commission with a cost estimate. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Munson and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner D. Seymour ABSENT. Commissioner Babcock indicated that a safety issue was brought to his attention that there is a group of individuals at the soccer park in the evenings that are intimidating. Councilman Spiegel asked that Mr. Rosenblum take the safety issue to the Public Safety Commission. C. Hours of Operation at Joe Mann Park Mr. Stendell stated that he received a letter from a resident complaining about the dogs barking early in the morning at the Joe Mann Dog Park. There was another complaint that basketball is being played late at night after the park is closed. He stated there is signage with park hours (dawn to 11:00 p.m.). The Commission discussed the hours of other parks and that it is going to be difficult to set a time when the dog park opens. People will walk their dogs if the park is open or not. Commissioner Tanner moved to change the signage for the hours at Joe Mann Park to "Dawn to 10:00 p.m."; and if there is negative feedback on the new hours, that this item be brought back to the Commission for further discussion. Motioned was seconded by Commissioner Scheurer and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner D. Seymour ABSENT. 5 G:0evServiceslMonica LOredOWord DatalParks&RecWinutes�5-11-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Artificial Turf for Dog Parks Commissioner Tanner stated that he would be looking at artificial turf areas with Mr. Stendell, and will return with more information for the June meeting. B. Possible Park Site at the Corner of Hovley Lane East and Beacon Hill Mr. Stendell asked the Commission what they thought of the location for a park site. Commissioner Babcock commented that it is a high traffic area and had safety concerns for the kids. Commissioner Tanner commented that area might be nice for adults. Commissioner Tanner is to head a subcommittee to look at the site and return to the Commission in a month for discussion. C. Bike Lanes Mr. Stendell briefly discussed the General Plan information regarding bikeways. The General Plan shows the current, shared, separate, and the standards of bicycle paths. There are some areas that are not appropriate for bike paths. Commissioner Babcock stated that a study should be done on bicycle paths because it is difficult to get through Palm Desert to another city. He stated there are also difficulties with traffic lights. Mr. Knight suggested that the traffic engineer come to a meeting so the Commission can get his input on bike lanes. Mr. Croy commented that bicycles are allowed on any road except for State highways unless designated. Chairman Guyer asked if a notification could be done on the best routes to get from east to west. It was mentioned that CVAG had at one time worked on bike routes/paths. Homer commented that the traffic engineer feels that we need to maintain a high level of security, and what the city of La Quinta did is very risky. He said that it is better not to mark than to mark bike lanes. 6 G:0evServicesWonica LoredolWord DataWarks&RecWinutesl5-11-05.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 Commissioner Babcock readdressed the issue with the traffic signals. Mr. Stendell responded the censor could not sense a bicycle. It was suggested by the Commission to purchase a trigger for Commissioner Babcock for a test run. VII. UPDATES A. Civic Center Amphitheater Mr. Stendell indicated that there would be an informational item on the City Council agenda regarding the history of the Amphitheater. He will have more information at the next Parks & Recreation meeting. B. Freedom Park Mr. Stendell reported that the construction documents are almost complete. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has indicated that they have a high-pressure reclaimed water line that the City can utilize, which would allow the City to use reclaimed water. Construction should begin in late June. Commissioner Barnes asked for the definition of "leach field". Mr. Stendell responded that due to the rains this past year, the storm water drain was inadequate on Country Club Drive. The water would run down Country Club, and flooding the empty lot at the corner of Washington Street and Country Club Drive. He explained that the city engineers' had to do some redesigning, which added a collection basin for the water at Freedom Park and designed a leach field underneath the soccer park so the water does not go all the way to Country Club Drive. Commissioner Barnes also asked that he recently read in the Bright Side that there is going to be a community garden at Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell responded that is correct. It has been in the plans to have a community garden with approximately 41 plots. Commissioner Babcock asked if there was going to be access to the school grounds. Mr. Stendell replied that there would be more gates installed. Once it becomes a joint -use issue, more gates would be installed. C. Palma Village Neighborhood Park Dedication Mr. Stendell reported the Palma Village dedication was a nice small event. Mr. Spiegel thanked all those who were able to come out to the dedication. Unfortunately, the neighborhood was not notified, but there G:1DevServicesMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecMinutes%5-11-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 was a nice article in the Desert Sun. He mentioned that a water feature would be added to the park. Mr. Spiegel gave an update on the pool. He stated there is an item on the Council agenda for the conceptual design of the pool to be done by Aquatic Design Group from Carlsbad. Mr. Croy stated Ms. Janis Steele is the new Parks and Recreation Manager and will start on Tuesday, May 31, 2005. She has an extensive background and experience in Parks and Recreation. He noted she is from Grandview, Missouri. More information on the Grandview Parks and Recreation department can be obtained from the Grandview website. Mr. Croy stated that a vote was needed to change the meeting from the second Wednesday to the first Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. ADD TO AGENDA: Commissioner Tanner moved to add the following item to the agenda. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Scheurer and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner D. Seymour ABSENT. New Monthly Meetinq Date and Location Commissioner Scheurer moved to change the Parks and Recreation meeting to the first Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tanner and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner D. Seymour ABSENT. Vill. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Tanner commented that he felt the Commission was not accomplishing everything with one meeting a month, and asked if it could be added to the next agenda for discussion. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that he watched the Palma Park come together and thought the contractor did an excellent job. He had some concerns with the lawn; however, he went by the park and it looked great. Commissioner Babcock stated he went by the dog park and received several complaints: 1) smoking; 2) cleanliness; 3) the need for a water fountain for the people; and 4) unable to reach the police department in case of an emergency. G:VDevServicesWcnica LoredoMord DatalParks&RecV,4inufesk5-11-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 11, 2005 Ms. Martel communicated that the Commission had voted to install a phone at the dog park at a past meeting. Mr. Stendell replied that they would have to look into if there was actually a vote. Chairman Guyer stated that there is a lack of communication. After a brief discussion regarding signage, Mr. Stendell is going to look into the sign with the rules that was approved a year ago. Ms. Martel also communicated that power washing at the dog park should be done more often due to the filthiness. The Commission agreed that the maintenance staff performs a steam clean once a month, which might alleviate the problem. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 9 G:''DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecWinutesk5-11-05 min.doc