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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 02-21-2006CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Limont asked Staff when a white garbage bin at Ironwood Park would be removed. It seems people are using it as a dumping ground. Mr. Niemczak responded that he has taken a picture and will be e-mailing the picture to Ms. Riddle, who is in charge of the recycling program. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2006 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of February 1, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Babcock and carried by an 8-0 vote. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS — None VII. NEW BUSINESS - None VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CENTER WEIGHT EQUIPMENT Discussion and recommendation concerning new weight and cardio equipment at the Palm Desert Community Center. Ms. Steele stated that at the last meeting the Commission requested that the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) return with additional figures. Mr. Craig DeWitt, CVRPD, thanked the Commission for their attendance at the Senior Games, and gave the Commission t-shirts from the Games. Mr. DeWitt reported that the CVRPD has provided the Commission with information on the usage of weight equipment at the Palm Desert Community Center as requested at the last meeting. Numbers show that the usage has increased, and they feel confident that if equipment were improved, more people would use it. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any questions. Councilman Spiegel asked how well attended the Senior Games were. Mr. Kalman responded that 892 people attended, which is approximately 50 more than last year. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that he is aware that CVPRD receives money from real estate taxes and the Redevelopment Agency, and asked if there is not enough funds to take care of the weight room equipment needs. Mr. Kalman responded that there is not at this time. Mr. DeWitt commented that the Palm Desert Community Center is currently subsidized by $250,000. Commissioner Limont asked if the City of Palm Desert did not give money to the CVRPD, would the CVRPD still need $250,000.00 to run the Palm Desert facility. Mr. Kalman replied that the money the 2 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 District receives is allocated to different operations. He mentioned that the overall operation of the District is running in the red. Commissioner Limont stated that several months ago Commissioner Schukart requested an assessment or audit of funds given to the CVRPD, and what is being given back to the City for the funds. She agrees if equipment needs to be updated that it be done, but if the CVRPD is running on a deficit maybe they need to look at raising dues. She feels that they need to look at everything that is being done, and not continue coming to the Commission requesting more money. Commissioner Dawson asked the District if the Commission could receive all sources of income and expenses received from the City of Palm Desert and/or Palm Desert facilities. Mr. Kalman replied that he has provided Staff with this information. Ms. Steele responded that the information she received is not broken down by sources of income and expenses. Mr. Kalman explained that the District serves all of the desert and not just Palm Desert. He noted that all revenues and expenses are together for all of the Coachella Valley. Commissioner Dawson feels that Palm Desert is either paying too much to support the CVRPD or not paying enough. He feels that the City should pay only the costs to provide for the City of Palm Desert with maybe additional money for the eastern valley cities that might not have enough money. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that he is not against the $50,000.00 for equipment, but would like to know where the money is going, and why should Palm Desert be the cash cow. Ms. Steele stated that she has been working on the finances with the CVRPD, and that Mr. Kalman has been very helpful. She will be meeting with Mr. Kalman again to confirm that she is receiving all the information and figures to provide to the Commission. She noted that breaking all the figures down is taking some time, and will soon provide the Commission with more information. Commissioner Barnes asked how long the CVRPD has been operating the Golf Course. Mr. Kalman replied three seasons. Commissioner Barnes asked how much money has been lost during that time. Mr. Kalman replied close to $450,000. Commissioner Barnes asked if it is worth holding on to the golf 3 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 course and what is the alternative. Mr. Kalman responded that the alternative is to sell it. Councilman Spiegel explained that the schools are being remodeled within the City's district. In the remodel of the high school, they need additional land. As part of the remodel, the ball fields that were part of the park may no longer be available, and there will be a shortage of fields. He explained that the City is in negotiations with the CVRPD to take over the golf course. The golf course has not been doing well so it might be used for ball fields. Councilman Spiegel noted that there is nothing definite at this time, but it is being discussed. Commissioner Barnes asked if there is enough room for soccer fields. Councilman Spiegel responded that he was not sure. He mentioned that there are soccer fields opening in Indio and Cathedral City, and was not sure if there was a need for more soccer fields. Mr. Kalman clarified that the Golf Course is 16 acres. Commissioner Barnes asked if it would be a good location for an ice rink. Councilman Spiegel replied that it is not easily accessible for an ice rink. Chairman Guyer asked the CVRPD what is the percentage revenue that comes to the District from property taxes. Mr. Kalman answered 17%. The district serves five cities and six unincorporated areas. Ms. McGalliard, CVRPD, added that regarding raising fees, the district is not allowed to charge different fees in various cities. Commissioner Dawson mentioned that in the near future more space would be needed for the Palm Desert Recreation Center, and asked where the money would come from. Councilman Spiegel replied that it would come from the City. Commissioner Barnes commented that in a survey that was done, the need for a Palm Desert gymnasium was mentioned complete with track facilities. Vice Chair Munson moved to provide funds at an approximate cost of $50,000.00 to replace the weight room equipment. 4 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 Motion was seconded by Commissioner Barnes and carried by an 8-0 vote. B. ICE ARENA RECOMMENDATION Recommendation to continue to the last meeting in March. Ms. Steele addressed the Commission as Staff was asked to look into land locations and recommend a group for the ice arena. She mentioned that Desert Hockey brought in a business plan and wants to be given an opportunity. She asked that the Commission continue the item to the March meeting. The Commission agreed to continue the item to the March meeting. Commissioner Barnes asked Councilman Spiegel what the difference is between City and Redevelopment land. He answered that there is no real difference. The Commission briefly discussed the maps provided in the agenda packet of potential ice arena sites. It was mentioned that the land near Marriott would be a good location. IX. OLD BUSINESS - None X. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY Ms. Steele stated that a rough draft of the survey was provided in the agenda packet. She asked the Commission to provide feedback, comments, or changes to give back to the consultant. She also asked the Commission who should sign the letter that would accompany the survey. Councilman Spiegel commented that Staff should ask the City Manager, but that it would be nice if it were the entire Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Barnes had question on No. 9, page 26 of the agenda packet concerning the 50-meter lanes. Ms. Steele responded that that line would be taken out since there is no land for a 50-meter pool. Chairman Guyer suggested adding a question whether the resident is permanent and/or temporary. 5 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 Commissioner Barnard asked if there should be a question added to the survey concerning fees. Commissioner Limont stated that they could ask the residents how much they are willing to pay for activities or for the use of Palm Desert facilities. Ms. Steele responded that she would talk to the consultant about adding it into the survey. Commissioner Dawson noted that question No. 16, page 28 indicates Palm Center Community Center & Gym. Should be changed to the Palm Desert Community Center. The Commission briefly discussed some of the questions of the survey. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission to look at the survey and return to Staff by Friday, February 24. Commissioner Dawson asked if the survey would be finalized by the next meeting. Ms. Steele answered that there should be no problem. B. AQUATIC CENTER DESIGN Ms. Steele stated that a firm was selected for the Aquatic Center design and construction support services, and will be presented to the City Council for approval on Thursday, February 23. She added that the dog issues are also on the agenda on February 23. Commissioner Barnes asked if there are any updates on the location. Ms. Steele responded that Staff is moving forward with the location at the corner of San Pablo and Parkview. Commissioner Barnes requested to be taken across the street to be shown the exact location of the proposed Aquatic Center. He also asked Councilman Spiegel where the Public Safety Academy would be located. Commissioner Schukart responded that it would be located at Magnesia Falls and San Pablo. Commissioner Schukart explained to Commissioner Barnes exactly where the pool site would be located. Commissioner Barnes would still like someone to walk him over to show him. 6 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 C. FREEDOM PARK UPDATE Ms. Steele reported that David Evans & Associates were the design team for Freedom Park. Their original cost estimate for the project was approximately $7 million. She explained that when the project went out to bid she received an e-mail from David Evans in the end of December with an updated cost estimate. The new cost was quite a bit higher. Ms. Steele stated that David Evans & Associates made some grave errors in the design of the irrigation, landscaping, and drainage. She mentioned that she is working with Finance, RDA, and Public Works in moving forward and to find additional funding. The Freedom Park award of contract will be going to first City Council meeting in March. Commissioner Barnard mentioned that there was grading going on by the new housing project and railroad tracks, and asked if that was part of Freedom Park. Ms. Steele explained that the housing project started dumping on the Freedom Park land. The City's Public Works Department gave them a notice to clean the area up, which is what Commissioner Barnard might have seen. XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Babcock asked how things were coming along at the big dog park. Ms. Steele answered that a report requesting the City Council's direction is on the Council agenda on February 23. She mentioned that she has met with several dog users and implemented some of the users suggestions. Ms. Steele reported that at a previous meeting it was mentioned that a water fountain was purchased. She stated that a water fountain could not be located and believes one was never purchased. She also recommended that a telephone not be installed due to the vandalism and the cost. Ms. Steele noted that there is a phone at the Community Center and people have cell phones. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Babcock asked Ms. Steele if the City's lawyer found any laws concerning dogs in sport fields. She responded that he was unable to find any laws prohibiting dogs from sport fields. Chairman Guyer suggested installing a kiosk or sign at the soccer fields that indicates different locations where dogs are allowed. 7 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 Ms. Steele commented that an Indian Wells resident approached the Indian Wells City Council regarding building a dog park in their city. She mentioned that Indian Wells has contacted Palm Desert Staff requesting information on dog parks, which is a good sign. Commissioner Barnes expressed his concern regarding the fees for residents and non-residents using the dog park. Ms. Steele mentioned that she could e-mail a copy of the City Council Staff Report to the Commission. Commissioner Limont commented that one of the reasons to have a fee was to encourage other cities to build their own dog parks. Commissioner Babcock commented in setting a precedent for other cities. Councilman Spiegel shared that complaints received are from non Palm Desert residents. Commissioner Munson added that the Commission should look at the Senior Games Awards Ceremony and nominate someone that will show up. Commissioner Limont responded nominating John Lujack for next year. Added Agenda Item: Commissioner Schukart moved to have discussion of a Palm Desert Bowl. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Babcock and carried by an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Schukart mentioned an idea that he and Councilman Spiegel had about having a Palm Desert Bowl Celebration on a Saturday evening in the fall at a College of the Desert home football game. The celebration would consist of Palm Desert residents coming and enjoying a football game with free admission, food, and music. Councilman Spiegel commented that the purpose is to give $50,000.00 to the football program, if the Commission agrees. Then it would be a matter of taking the item to the Marketing Committee and the City Council. Commissioner Dawson moved to recommend to the Marketing Committee to have a joint event with College of the Desert and the City of Palm Desert to have a Palm Desert Bowl for a pre -determined date in the fall, and $50,000 be provided by the City for this event. The event would include a free night of football entertainment for Palm Desert residents. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Munson and carried by 7-0-1 vote with Commissioner Schukart abstaining due to a conflict of interest. 8 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2006 Chairman Guyer stated that the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1. He mentioned that Ms. Steele would be out of town at a conference. Ms. Steele noted that due to February being a short month the next scheduled meeting is the following week. The Commission agreed to cancel the Wednesday, March 1, 2006, meeting. The next scheduled meeting will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Councilman Spiegel referred to handouts provided to the Commission regarding a Parks & Recreation Conference being held in Ontario, California, on the 17th of March. He mentioned if any of the Commissioners were interested in attending, the City would pay for the cost. He asked the Commission to let Staff know in order to submit payment. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that he researched disc golf on-line. He found it to be a big business. He suggested to the Commission to look it up and think of a good location for disc golf. The Commission requested that disc golf be added to the next agenda. XII. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Vice Chair Munson, second by Commissioner Schukart, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:05 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 9 W lAgenda Items12006-Apr 131Parks&Rec2-21-06 m,n doc