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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 09/07/2005CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Alternate Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Schukart Commissioner Van Tanner Absent: Commissioner Terry Scheurer Commissioner Dan Seymour Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Council Member Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Stan Ford, General Manager, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District (CVRPD), mentioned that their spring brochure would be going to print in 5-6 weeks. He noted that the Senior Games would be advertised in the spring brochure and a program would be mailed in December. Mr. Ford asked if the City has an honoree that they would want to recognize at the Senior Games to please let him know so that they can include it in the brochure before it goes to print. Ms. Yvonne Vaz, Director, Montessori School of the Desert (73-925 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert), stated Mr. Drell from the Planning department referred her to the Parks and Recreation Commission. She stated that PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 Montessori School is requesting grant financial assistance from the City of Palm Desert for a playground at the school. The Commission received a package with information pertaining to the playground. Chairman Guyer stated that the request from Montessori School would be added to the next meeting agenda for review. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission of September 7, 2005, approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Tanner/Dawson and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners T. Scheurer and D. Seymour ABSENT. V. PRESENTATIONS A. AQUATIC CENTER Janis Steele introduced Mr. Dennis Berkshire, Director of Client Services, Aquatic Design Group, Inc., Carlsbad, California. She mentioned that she and Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst, have been working together on the pool project along with Mr. Berkshire. A report has been included in the agenda packet. Mr. Berkshire gave a brief history of Aquatic Design Group. He presented a planning study for a potential future aquatic center that is non -site specific. They first started the process by meeting with the City to find out who are the potential partners for the center. The potential partners would be the College of the Desert (COD), CVRPD, YMCA, Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), and the California State University at San Bernardino (CSUSB). They also met with some user groups to find out their needs and wishes. City Staff and he went on a pool tour and visited some facilities in the San Diego area. The three facilities visited were: The Vista Wave, Vista; Carmel Valley Swim Center, San Diego; and Santee Swim Center, Santee. They also looked into levels of service that could be provided with an aquatic center. One of the items mentioned was what type of fees can be generated and how the fees should be structured. He mentioned a study that was recently completed where they looked at 24 aquatic facilities across the country. The 24 centers were divided into six different pool types: competition only (Indoor), competition only (outdoor), combination competition and recreation (indoor/outdoor), 2 E 19- 7-05 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 and recreation only (indoor/outdoor). When they looked at the centers averages for revenue analysis, 56% came from recreation admissions, 28% from swim lessons, 7% from aquatic programs, 7% from group sales, and 2% from competitive meets. The expense percentages were 43% for labor, 24% for utilities, 17% for employee benefits, and 5% for maintenance/repairs, advertising and promotions, etc. Mr. Berkshire provided three schemes of various levels of aquatic centers for the Palm Desert market with the associated costs of construction, operational costs, and estimated revenue. Scheme I would provide a single pool with eight lanes for competitive swimming, slide and slide receiving area, and beach type entry with interactive play. Scheme I would need a total of 2.2 acres; a total project cost of $5,301,107; an annual operation cost of $549,255; an annual revenue of $384,478; and an annual operating cost recovery of $164,776. He noted that this was not market specific. They did not do a market research study. He also noted that they are using conservative numbers. Scheme II separates the pools. One pool is a 25-meter by 25-yard pool and the second pool is a recreational pool. The 25-yard meter pool would provide eight competitive lanes and the recreational pool would provide interactive play for kids, beach type entry, areas for water volleyball and basketball, and area for interactive slides. Scheme II would need a total of 3.5 acres; a total project cost of $7,987,790; an annual operation cost of $768,966; an annual revenue of $615,175; and an annual operating cost recovery of $153,793. Scheme III features three pools that consists of a 25-meter by 25-yard pool, a recreational pool, and the third pool is a lazy river, including picnic areas. Scheme III would need a total of 4.7 acres; a total project cost of $10,678,112; an annual operation cost of $874,938; an annual revenue of $787,444; and an annual operating cost recovery of $87,494. Mr. Berkshire also mentioned that a Flow -Rider could be added to Scheme III for an additional $1 million. Commissioner Dawson asked if there is a separate tot pool in Schemes I, II, or III. Mr. Berkshire responded that there is not, but it could be separated. Commissioner Dawson asked if salt water or non -salt water would be used. Mr. Berkshire responded that there would not be much of a cost difference. Commissioner Barnes asked in terms of months of the year pools are used, how is a pool considered for the desert area. Mr. Berkshire replied that they see pools used in the desert area, throughout Southern California, and Northern California open twelve months out of the year. His 3 E 19. 7 05 m,n ooc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 firm checked with one of the facilities, and indicated the lap pool could be open year around, and the recreational pool would be shut down parts of the year. The recreational pool would be shut down since it would not receive the revenue and not have the demand for the recreational services. The other option is to have an indoor pool. He showed a picture of an indoor pool located at Whitney Ranch in Henderson, Nevada. He said the facility's roof and wall panels open up for an outdoor environment when weather permits. Another picture he showed was of a facility located in Las Vegas. Commissioner Babcock asked if the maintenance costs for an indoor pool are higher than an outdoor pool. Mr. Berkshire responded yes due to the chemicals. He noted that the user groups that they spoke to did not have a request for an indoor aquatic center to support their programs. Commissioner Barnes asked how many hours in a day is needed to operate the pools. Mr. Berkshire responded that on average, a budget of 8 hours a day would be required. The expense for personnel, such as lifeguards, maintenance, etc. was worked into the costs. Commissioner Alternate Limont asked if solar panels were considered to offset some of the energy costs. Mr. Berkshire responded that they did look at solar panels and also other options, such as high -efficiency heating. The high -efficiency heating was factored into the operating expenses. Council Member Spiegel asked if the old heating system from COD could be used at the new facility. Mr. Berkshire indicated the COD was doing a study on the efficiency of the heater, and found that they were not efficient; therefore, a new heater would be used for the aquatic center. Commissioner Barnes asked if people would be paid for services, such as, lifeguards or would it be volunteer work. Mr. Berkshire replied that most facilities have paid personnel. Commissioner Alternate Limont asked if we are comparable since there are a lot of gated communities. Mr. Berkshire replied that they did not do a market research study. Commissioner Barnes disclosed that the subject of the pool has been on the table for many years and gave a brief history. He mentioned a committee was formed, they had a design, the marketing, the fee structure, the users, its location, and the cost to build the facility. The Parks & Recreation Commission axed the project because the slides are 4 E 19-7.05.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 what would bring in the people, but a slide would be a monster sitting in the middle of the park. Commissioner Alternate Limont asked the Chairman what the focus was ten years ago. Chairman Guyer responded that ten years ago activities were needed to make the project work, which is the reason it became grandiose and it is the same situation today. Commissioner Alternate Limont asked if the City could coordinate with the college. Council Member Spiegel responded that the COD pool was used during the summer by CVRPD and the YMCA, and also used year around by the swim teams. The college closed the pool for repairs, and then the aquatic team wanted another place to swim. Commissioner Alternate Limont asked if it has been brought up with COD or CSUSB. Council Member Spiegel responded that the students would be busy with their education and kids would have to be bussed to the location. He believes the areas around the Civic Center would use the pool the most. He stated COD has offered the City two acres of land, and the City has not responded to their offer. Commissioner Schukart commented that the programs at the college for early morning and evening were a big draw for all ages. He commented that community and apartment pools are too short to swim laps. People that are into aquatic fitness want to swim a miles worth of laps, and they are unable to do that in a community pool. Commissioner Tanner indicated that the report is great showing the three schemes. He asked if the City is prepared to look at other land besides COD. They have only offered 2.0 acres and Scheme I requires 2.2 acres with Scheme II requiring 3.5 acres. Council Member Spiegel commented that the City could look at CSUSB. Chairman Guyer mentioned that they would have to take a step back. The Commission would have to decide to recommend either a recreational only facility or an economic project that would cost the City less money. Commissioner Munson asked for the status of the YMCA facility. Commissioner Tanner responded that they are still doing a feasibility study. Ms. Steele commented that direction received from the City Council was to find sites, decide on a concept, what we want to offer to the community, and find a place to make it work. 5 E 19-7-05.madoc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Schukart noted that the street fair would be moving to the west side of the college, and it would alleviate some of the weekend problems. We could also look into negotiating with the driving range vendor if we would want to encroach that area for additional acreage. Mr. Ford addressed the Commission that there are plenty of rectangular pools in the valley. The problem is accessibility to the pools. He suggested that the City work with the school district for use of their pools. Council Member Spiegel stated that the Commission would need to give City Staff direction on whether to move forward with Scheme I, II, or III, and to look at whether it would fit across the street or CSUSB campus. Commissioner Tanner commented that the City wants to have a pool in the City of Palm Desert, and not only for recreational use. There would be more people using a lap pool if it were centrally located, such as Palm Desert. Mr. Ford explained that there was not an area of the pool designated for swim lessons. Mr. Berkshire explained different pool designs to accommodate lessons. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if she was familiar with the pool indoor in Claremont. He indicated that they use a bulkhead. He said that they could regulate the activities by moving the bulkhead. Mr. Berkshire replied that they use movable bulkheads repeatedly. Bulkheads are typically 4' wide and in some cases 6-8' wide and the length is the same as the length of the pool. They float and can be moved and weigh approximately 10,000 to 11,000 pounds dry so cannot be taken out. The bulkhead is also an additional $100,000 add -on item to a pool. Commissioner Tanner moved to direct City Staff to look at the availability of land to proceed with Scheme II at the College of the Desert with a reconfiguration of the parking lot and return to the Parks & Recreation Commission with a recommendation. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Barnes and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners T. Scheurer and D. Seymour ABSENT. Commissioner Barnes asked why the Commission did not get asked to get involved with the pool conceptual design. Commissioner Schukart noted that he recalls a previous meeting mentioning contracting with a consultant. 6 E 19-7-05 min Ooc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 Mr. Spiegel responded that City Staff decides who is qualified and makes a recommendation. Staff then receives approval at a City Council meeting for consulting services. Ms. Steele indicated that once a scheme is chosen, a subcommittee would be formed to collect additional input for the pool. B. ICE SKATING RINK ARENA Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Gary Steven, Desert Hockey Association. Mr. Steven circulated information from the Desert Hockey Association. He represents the Desert Hockey Association, which owns and operates the Ice Garden in Cathedral City. He stated that after the ice rink in Palm Desert closed, they have been trying to have another rink built in Palm Desert without much progress. Mr. Steven mentioned that he refinanced his house and opened the Ice Garden. He addressed the Commission that there is a need for an ice skating rink and is asking the City for help to provide land for the rink in the City of Palm Desert. Their plan is to build two sheets, one sheet of ice and the second sheet for a roller rink. He mentioned that they acquired a Co -generation plant that runs by natural gas, which generates electricity for lights and freezes the ice. Mr. Steven briefly spoke of the needs for an ice rink in the area and is asking if a site can be provided in the City of Palm Desert. Chairman Guyer asked how much land they need for the rink. Mr. Steven responded that they need approximately four acres. He suggested land off of Country Club Drive (Freedom Park). Chairman Guyer asked where would the Co -generation plant be located on the four acres. Mr. Steven did not know, but would be included on the four acres. Commissioner Barnes asked if they have approached the City of Cathedral City. Mr. Steven responded that there was some Indian land, but they are having issues with the developer. Commissioner Schukart asked how many acres the Co -generation plant would require. Mr. Steven believed it was 25,000 sq. ft. Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Sandra Schulz, Vice President, I.C.E. Empire. Ms. Schulz addressed the Commission that the I.C.E. Empire is a group of people that was formed after the rink in Palm Desert closed. Their group is a California Public Benefit Corporation, which is a charity. They are approaching the City to help with a location for constructing an ice sports facility. Their goal is to provide an energy -efficient, state-of-the-art, 7 E 19-7-05 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 regulation ice sports facility. She presented two Phases, Phase I would be an Olympic size ice sheet (200'x100'), which allows training for ice hockey, figure skating, and short track speed skating. Ms. Schulz noted the nearest Olympic size ice sheet are located in Paramount, Escondido, and Phoenix. She indicated that the facility would provide spectator seating, dressing rooms, pro shop, food concession, and party rooms. Phase II would be a NHL size ice sheet (200'x85') with spectator seating and potential multi -purpose training. She noted that a cover could be purchased to cover the ice so it can be used for other purposes or non -ice events that can be used by the community. Ms. Schulz indicated that the I.C.E. Empire is affiliated with an organization called STAR. STAR is a training organization that ensures highest known industry standards. They would also want to coordinate with schools to promote youth and collegiate training programs, host exhibitions and competitive events. The I.C.E. Empire believes that as a charity they could raise funds through capital, contributions, grants, and donations. They also believe that once it is constructed it would be self-sustaining. She listed major events that could be hosted in a regulation facility with enough spectators seating. Ms. Schulz stated some of the pivotal issues and challenges, which are cost to produce, maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and low profit margin. She indicated that a low profit margin is not an issue because they are a charity. Lastly, they are approaching the City of Palm Desert for a suitable location, a letter identifying the location, conditions and a funding requirement. Commissioner Babcock complemented Ms. Schulz for an excellent presentation. Chairman Guyer agreed is was a great presentation, and stated that the Commission should look at an ice sports facility. If we are willing to look at a $5 million pool project in an environment where we all have a pool in the backyard, no one has an ice rink in his or her backyard. An ice sports facility is a very viable project. Chairman Guyer would like to recommend City Staff look at possible locations for an ice rink. He asked how many acres would be needed. Ms. Schulz responded that the Phase I footprint is approximately one acre. Commissioner Tanner communicated that he appreciates their passion for an ice skating rink. He asked if the Desert Hockey Association and the I.C.E. Empire could co -exist into one facility through 501(c). Both Ms. Schulz and Mr. Steven responded that they could. Commissioner Babcock asked approximately how many people would use the rink. Ms. Schulz responded if the rink were an Olympic size rink, more people would be able to skate and have numerous activities going on at the same time. s E 19 7-05 min (lot PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 Chairman Guyer moved to recommend City Staff look into a possible site for an ice skating rink. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tanner and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners T. Scheurer and D. Seymour ABSENT. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. PARK INSPECTIONS LIST Ms. Steele provided each commissioner with a Park Inspection Checklist, and explained the process. A checklist would be given to each commissioner with a pre -assigned park on the list, the park should be inspected within two weeks and returned to City Staff, Mr. Niemczak will make any corrections, and a summary monthly report will be provided for review. Commissioner Barnes commented that the Civic Center Park is too large for one person. It was commented that the golf cart could be used to inspect the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele has the keys to the golf cart, if needed. Ms. Steele also noted that the lists would be rotated each month. Commissioner Tanner recommended that the Skate/Dog Park be given to Commissioner Barnes. The Commissioners agreed. Commissioner Dawson noted that the checklist program has been used before, but there was no feedback from City Staff. Ms. Steele responded that Staff would provide a monthly report. Commissioner Dawson asked if the checklist could be faxed (779-1044) to Ms. Steele. Ms. Steele replied yes. B. PUBLIC ART IN PALMA VILLAGE Ms. Steele explained that there would be a public art water feature added at Palma Village Park and requested that the Commissioners return the form to her with their top three choices. Commissioner Barnes asked if the fountain was interactive, and if City Staff knew where the equipment for the fountain is located. He suggested Staff find out where the equipment is located, if they did not know. Ms. Steele responded she is not aware if it is interactive, but could find out. She also mentioned that she would talk to the Public Arts Manager to involve the Parks & Recreation Commission on any future art in the parks. 9 E 19- 7-05 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 C. DOG PARK RECOMMENDATIONS Item was continued to the September 20, 2005, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. SECOND MONTHLY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Commissioner Tanner motioned to have a second monthly Parks & Recreation Commission meeting every third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Schukart and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners T. Scheurer and D. Seymour ABSENT. B. DOG PARK TURF Item was continued to the September 20, 2005, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. C. SOCCER PARK FENCE Mr. Niemczak reported that at a previous Commission meeting, the Commission was made aware of a safety issue at the soccer park. There were loose soccer balls going into the parking lot, and the Commission recommended that City Staff look at the cost to extend the fence. The cost would be approximately $2,200. Chairman Guyer moved to extend the fence. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Munson and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners T. Scheurer and D. Seymour ABSENT. Vice Chair Munson addressed Mr. Niemczak to look at a speed bump in the same parking lot area. 10 E 19-7-05 mm.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 Vill. REPORTS A. WATER MISTERS Mr. Niemczak stated that in May 2005, a contractor signed to install misters in various locations around the park. After hounding the contractor throughout the summer, there are misters up and running at the dog park, Pavilion 3, the tennis courts, Pavilion 2, and Pavilion 1 (not completed, waiting for an electrical transformer). It was noted that the mister at the dog park was not working properly. Mr. Niemczak responded that he would take a look at it. B. CIVIC CENTER PLAYGROUND Ms. Steele reported the playground should be completed in October. She also reported that, as all Commissioners may know, that a section of the playground was damaged by fire. Not only is the burnt 5-12 year old playground going to be replaced; the younger children's playground is being renovated and replaced. Chairman Guyer asked if the whole package is coming out of the Park's budget. Ms. Steele responded that it is all going to be coming out of the Park's budget. We have not yet received reimbursement from the insurance company, but it has been reported to them. Vice Chair Munson complemented Ms. Steele for her comments made in the newspaper after the incident considering she was just on the job for two weeks. C. FREEDOM PARK Ms. Steele reported that she would have a timeline for the next meeting. She noted that she would be receiving the final documents with all the comments today. An outside consultant will be reviewing the documents to make sure nothing was missed. Hopefully, advertising for bids would be completed in October. The award of contract probably would not occur until the first of the year. She reported that she is dealing with the dust at Freedom Park, which Mr. Niemczak is in the process of taking care of this issue. Also, there has been some illegal dumping, and Staff has put up a fence. Ms. Steele stated that she has been pushing the project along. The website shows that the park was going to be completed in October 2004, which has been changed. Hopefully it would be completed in 2006. 11 E 19-7-05.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 D. AMPHITHEATER Ms. Steele reported the City Council voted not to proceed with the amphitheater renovations as presented. She mentioned that she has met with a couple of local theater groups for ideas. Ms. Steele asked the Commissioners if they had any ideas or feedback, please let her know. Commissioner Babcock commented that the installation of additional pavilions and restrooms in the back area of the park has previously been discussed and asked Ms. Steele if there was a record on that project. Ms. Steele responded that she would do some research. The Commission requested that this item be added to the next agenda. E. HANDBALL COURTS Ms. Steele asked the Commissioners if she should proceed with the process of requesting proposals for the design and construction of the handball courts or should she wait to put a whole package together (additional pavilions and restrooms). The Commissioners agreed to proceed with the request for proposals. F. LAWN BOWLING Ms. Steele reported that lawn bowling would still be available at the Joslyn Senior Center for at least another year. Ms. Joslyn has agreed to subsidize the program for as long as she is here. Discussion on lawn bowling would be continued to another a later date and meeting. G. COMMISSION RECOGNITION BRUNCH A copy of the Commission Recognition Brunch invitation was given to the Commissioners. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that the commission/committee recognition was usually held at the end of the year, but has been changed to a couple of months earlier. The invitation is in the mail. One of the Commissioners asked if the invitation included a guest. Ms. Steele replied that it does include a guest. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Tanner distributed a current copy of the YMCA brochure. 12 E 0- 7-05 min ooc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 X. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Sec tary 13 E k9- 7-05 min uoc