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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 06/07/06CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL I UV Present: Chairman Randy Guyer Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) Commissioner Connor Limont Excused Absent Vice Chair Julie Munson (LOA) Absent Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 16, 2006 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of May 16, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Barnes/Dawson and carried by an 8-0 vote with Alternate Vice Chair Schukart and Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA). ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert, circulated three jars of peanuts to the Commission. He commented that the kids sell the peanuts to help earn their way to summer camp. Mr. Ballew named all of the camps for the summer and has brochures available. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked what the kids do in pirate camp. Mr. Ballew responded that the kids look for a buried treasure, everyday is different and unique, and the kids get dressed up. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Ballew how much is a jar of peanuts. He responded that they cost $3 each. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. SUMMER MEETINGS Discussion and recommendation on the Commission meeting during the summer months. Chairman Guyer commented that the plan is to go dark for July and August with the option to call a special meeting if there is a need. Commissioner Dawson asked how much of an advance notice would the Commission receive if there is a meeting. Chairman Guyer replied that if there were a need to schedule a meeting, it would be scheduled for the next regularly scheduled meeting. Councilman Spiegel commented that there might only be a need to hold a meeting if something needs to go to the City Council. He indicated that the Council only meets once in July and once in August. Ms. Steele stated that the only item that she foresees is a presentation by the Parks Needs Assessment Survey Consultant. She stated that she would try to schedule the presentation for the first meeting in July. Commissioner Dawson moved for the Parks and Recreation Commission to go dark for the months of July and August, and if there is a need to call a meeting that it is scheduled during the normal meeting days, if appropriate. Commissioner Barnard seconded the motion and carried by an 8-0 vote with Alternate Vice Chair Schukart and Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA). VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None Vill. REPORTS AND UPDATES 2 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataWarks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes16-7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 A. PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY Chairman Guyer asked Ms. Steele, according to the report, if there is 477 surveys completed and they are expecting 600, how much more is the report going to change by adding another 100 surveys. Ms. Steele responded that an additional 100 surveys would get the City to the +/- 4% confidence level that Staff requested. She commented that the consultant does not think the results would change very much. Ms. Steele stated that she had requested initial results for a presentation that she had to prepare for the City Council, and thought that it would be good to also share the preliminary results with the Commission. She explained that once the survey is completed, they would receive a benchmarking for each section and geographical information would be provided. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele what is the deadline for answering the survey. She replied that she looked through the survey and there was no deadline. Commissioner Babcock asked if there would be a comparison between the results from the survey and the project that was done by Lincoln School. Commissioner Limont commented that they could have a side -by - side presentation to compare the survey and the school project. Ms. Steele commented that she could have it arranged. Commissioner Dash asked what was the basis for the random selection. Ms. Steele explained that the consultant made a presentation to the Commission and explained how they do their random sampling. Residents that receive a survey are randomly selected. Commissioner Dawson commented that the consultant was also going to look at the demographics. Chairman Guyer asked what if someone wanted to complete a survey and they did not receive one. Ms. Steele responded that a resident could provide the City with feedback if they would like, otherwise it would not be random sampling. Commissioner Babcock was not sure if he had read the report correctly, people responded that they felt that the parks are dirty. Councilman Spiegel asked that the Commission go to page 18 of the agenda packet. Ms. Steele read from the report that 51 % of residents that responded to the survey said that the park maintenance was excellent as compared to the national average, which is 30%. 3 6:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatakPat*s&Rec1MinutesA2006 Minutes16-7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Councilman Spiegel thought the survey was very accurate. He asked the Commission to look at page 21 of the report that shows how well Parks and Recreation facilities meet the needs of the people. The bottom four: indoor ice skating rink, leisure pools, teen center, and paddleboard courts show up because the City does not have them. Councilman Spiegel also commented that he thought it was interesting how people responded to the question where people were asked how they would spend $100. He noted that people responded that they would like an indoor recreation facility ($17), construction of a new sports facilities ($7), development of walking and biking trails ($18), new park land and open space ($12), improvements to existing parks ($22), outdoor aquatic facilities ($18), and other ($6). Commissioner Barnes commented that he studied the preliminary results and found many things have been revealed. Ms. Steele agreed with Commissioner Barnes, and for that reason she would like the consultant to come in to do a presentation to the Commission. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that he found after his study, the City would need to build a $50 million gymnasium that includes an indoor track, swimming pool, handball court, volleyball court, and weight and exercise rooms. He is very interested to see the final results of the survey. Ms. Steele stated that there is strong evidence that a nice community center with a track is needed. Chairman Guyer stated that the Commission has in the past or recently has addressed things mentioned in the preliminary results. The Commission is on the right track, but must wait for the final results. Commissioner Barnes commented that people don't realize that they live in the desert and they are not going to find nice woods with shaded areas with bike and walking trails. Ms. Steele pointed out that people would like to see improvements in the maintenance of existing parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities. She noted that the City is currently working on improving and maintaining the parks. The City is also currently developing trails. Commissioner Barnes commented that at one time it was mentioned having a trail from Palm Springs to La Quinta going through the wash, which would have been very expensive and unpractical. 4 GMevServicesWonica LoredolWord Data1Perks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes16-7.06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Chairman Guyer responded that a similar idea is being worked on by the railroad tracks. Commissioner Barnes indicated that residents would want to have more neighborhood parks, but the study also shows that people are not visiting the existing smaller parks or any parks. Councilman Spiegel noted that many residents live in gated communities and might only leave their community to go to a movie or concert in the Civic Center Park. Commissioner Barnes agreed. Commissioner Barnes asked Councilman Spiegel if there are pools in the lower income housing developments. He named the developments that have pools. Councilman Spiegel stated that an aquatic center would supplement what already exists. Commissioner Barnes asked what is a walk-in pool. Ms. Steele responded it is a zero depth pool (beach entry). It is a pool that one could gradually walk into. Ms. Steele commented on the design for the aquatic center and soon would present the designs to the Aquatic Center Committee. Commissioner Barnard mentioned that people like the dog parks, the walking and biking trails, and events in the park. He indicated that it seems that the City is missing the boat on adult fitness and recreational programs. He stated the City is putting in a lot of money for recreation programs and that there are not enough programs available. Councilman Spiegel replied that the City is working with the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District and the YMCA. Commissioner Babcock asked if the City has a public relations consultant. Councilman Spiegel responded that the City has a Public Relations Department. He indicated that the Bright Side is the main vehicle to the residents. Commissioner Barnes felt that the Bright Side is not as good as other cities newsletters that he has seen. B. PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECT UPDATES Ms. Steele stated that the dog park was in the news on Channel 2. The news was at the dog park letting people know of places where they could take their dogs. She noted that it was a nice little piece. 5 G:10evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatelParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes16-7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Ms. Steele thanked everyone that was able to come out to the Freedom Park Groundbreaking. There will be a picture in the Bright Side. Chairman Guyer asked Ms. Steele to give an update on the ball fields at Freedom Park. Ms. Steele reported that Desert Sands Unified School District would be doing renovations at various schools, including the High School, and the City would lose some ball fields for two to three seasons due to the renovations. She indicated that she has met with the City Manager and the City Council concerning the ball fields. She is in the process of getting a cost to have an additional ball field built at Freedom Park. Chairman Guyer asked how much is the cost for another ball field. Ms. Steele replied that Staff does not have that information yet. Chairman Guyer commented that he did not see anyone working at Freedom Park the day before. Ms. Steele responded there are some issues being worked out with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). Chairman Guyer asked due to the delays, is there going to be a problem installing the turf during a certain time of the year. Ms. Steele responded the City was already going to have a problem, and that the turf was going to be installed during the spring. Commissioner Babcock asked who is "Staff' mentioned in the reports. Ms. Steele responded that "Staff' refers to Mr. Niemczak, Ms. Loredo, Parks Maintenance Staff, and herself. Councilman Spiegel stated that an additional position was approved in Fiscal Year 2006/07 to help Ms. Loredo. Ms. Steele reported that Staff is working with the aquatic center consultant. There are still details that need to be completed with the contract, but they are still moving forward. She stated that as soon as they have a signed contract, she would setup a meeting with the Aquatic Center Committee. Ms. Steele noted that she has given an update on the assessment survey and moved on to the lighting at the Soccer Park. Mr. Niemczak reported that the re -aiming and the light replacements have been completed at the Soccer Park and the Civic Center Park. He noted that he has not contacted the resident at Monterey Country Club, but would be contacting him soon. 6 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataV-arks&RecMlnutesk2006 MinutesW-7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Ms. Steele reported that Public Works has started on paving the road at Homme/Adams Park. The palm logs have been removed and the fencing is scheduled for installation in the third week of June. Ms. Steele mentioned that the gate at Cahuilla Park by the tennis courts have been installed by CVWD. There is an area where someone could drive around the gate, but rocks would be put in to stop people from driving through. Mr. Niemczak reported that the palapa for Homme/Adams has arrived. He is awaiting bids for the installation of the palapa. Ms. Steele stated that she has been working on contracts with Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), YMCA, and CVRPD as requested by the Commission and the City Manager. She stated that there was a Study Session with the City Council last week. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that she would give them a copy of the report later during the meeting with comments from Councilman Spiegel. The report could be discussed at the next meeting. Commissioner Barnes stated that he was disappointed that he did not receive a copy of the notice until late in the day after the Study Session. He asked what happened at the meeting. Councilman Spiegel reported that the City Council met with the Convention and Visitor's Authority (CVA) to discuss whether the City should continue contributing to CVA or spending the money ourselves along with the Marriot to promote the City of Palm Desert. After discussion, the City has recommended that the City continue contributing for next year. After a year, the City may consider opting out. Commissioner Barnes asked who is the biggest contributor. Councilman Spiegel replied that Palm Springs contributes a little more than Palm Desert. Councilman Spiegel reported the second item that was discussed at the Study Session was the relationship between the City and DSUSD, YMCA, and CVRPD. He stated that he would discuss the item once Janis hands out the report. Ms. Steele indicated that the big and little dogs have been fighting through the fence. It was recommended to install a cloth divider between the large and small dog park. 7 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data Parks&Rec Minutes12006 Minutesl&7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked if the cloth was going to be the entire height of the fence. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. It could always be taken down if there is a need. Mr. Niemczak reported that the architect has proposed the design fees for the columns, handball courts, and date grove area. He stated that Staff is going to review the proposal. Commissioner Babcock asked if the design included the kiosks. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Chairman Guyer asked if the architect made any changes. Mr. Niemczak responded that they did not make any changes. The architect is duplicating what currently exists. Chairman Guyer asked when it would be complete. Mr. Niemczak responded that the design work would take 30 to 60 days, and then go out to bid. Ms. Steele reported that there are some issues with the shade structures at the Soccer Park and Ironwood Park. Shade structures have been ordered and they should arrive in late June. Ms. Steele stated that the bids for the maintenance of Area 3, Area 5, lagoon maintenance, and pest control were opened on May 26. Approval of contracts will be going to the City Council on June 22. She noted that Staff received a good response for Areas 3 and 5. Commissioner Babcock asked for an update on the golf course off Cook Street. Councilman Spiegel replied that someone else owns part of the land. Commissioner Babcock asked Mr. Niemczak what time the gates are opened at Lincoln School. Mr. Niemczak replied that the gates at the play area are always open. Commissioner Babcock commented that he had been by a couple of times and the gates were closed. Mr. Niemczak stated that he would look into making sure that the gates are open. Ms. Steele circulated the report that was discussed at the City Council Study Session on May 30, 2006. She explained that one of the reasons she was hired was to review contracts and services with different agencies. She indicated that the report has a lot of information and it could be discussed at the next Parks and Recreation meeting. s GA)evServicesVWonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecWinutesk2006 Minutes16-7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Councilman Spiegel updated the Commission on the Study Session. He stated that the Council discussed the relationship with DSUSD, which has been very successful with the park at Washington Charter School, Lincoln School, and the future success with Freedom Park that is adjacent to the Ronald Regan School. He mentioned that they discussed the renovations that are going to occur at the High School and the loss of some ball fields. It was mentioned that the City might be able to use part of the golf course across the wash. The City Council agreed that the City and DSUSD are working well together. Councilman Spiegel stated that the City Manager, Councilman Kelly, Ms. Steele, Mr. Croy, and himself met with the CVRPD Board Chairman, a Board Member, and Mr. Ford concerning questions the City had. Councilman Spiegel referred to the report that Ms. Steele circulated. He pointed out the revenues from the City that go to CVRPD is approximately $2 million. CVRPD spent $1.3 million in the City of Palm Desert. He noted that there is a difference of $700,000 between what the CVRPD spent and what the City gave them, which concerns the City. Councilman Spiegel also pointed out that CVRPD cut programs that were originally detailed in the agreement with the City. For example, CVRPD announced to the Commission that they were not going to have a summer camp this year. He stated that the comments made at the Study Session were that CVRPD should be the primary service provider for Parks and Recreation services. The Commission is supplementing what the CVRPD should be providing. He referred to the replacement of the workout equipment at the Palm Desert Community Center, and noted that Indio received all new equipment. Councilman Spiegel commented that in the CVRPD report, they stated the population projection for the City of Palm Desert by the year 2020 the City would have 41,000 residents. He stated that the population today is at 50,000. Councilman Spiegel noted that Mr. Ford was not at the meeting on May 30, but that he did receive a copy of the report and would be responding to the City's questions and concerns. He hopes that something could be worked out with CVRPD. If things could not be worked out, the other possibility is that there be a Palm Desert Parks and Recreation District. It would be similar to what other large cities have. Chairman Guyer asked Councilman Spiegel if the Board had any comments at the CVRPD meeting. Ms. Steele responded no, but believes Mr. Ford was going to take the report to the CVRPD board meeting before responding to the City. Councilman Spiegel commented that the meeting with CVRPD was good and hopes things could be worked out and that they could meet on a regular basis. 9 G:%DevServicesWonice LoredoMord Data1Parks&Rec\Minutes12006 Minutes16-7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Commissioner Limont asked if Mr. Ford was in the meeting. Ms. Steele responded that he was not at the Study Session, but he was at the meeting with CVRPD. Councilman Spiegel added that Mr. Ford mentioned that he did not receive the information about the Study Session. He noted that Mr. Ballew, YMCA, did attend. Councilman Spiegel reported that the YMCA has a contract with the City that after five years they must add 5,000 square feet to their facility, and after being open ten years they must add another 10,000 square feet. He indicated that the YMCA has been open for over ten years and additional footage has not been added. Councilman Spiegel stated that the YMCA has taken a look at the expansion, and have come up with a couple of plans to add 10,000 square feet. With 10,000 square feet more, they could offer much more programs than they are currently offering, which is primarily childcare. Mr. Ballew communicated that the YMCA's future is to continue childcare, but they would also like to diversify into health and fitness, and things that meet the needs assessment being done by the City of Palm Desert. Their goal is to meet the needs of the community. Councilman Spiegel stated that it is only fair that Mr. Ford has an opportunity to respond. The Commission could invite him to the next Parks and Recreation meeting to give that response. Ms. Steele added that most of the contents in the report are attachments that came out from the Commission meetings, and they are probably already familiar with the materials. Commissioner Dawson commented that there is more evidence of a "heads up" for management on the part of the City in making sure that things run the way they ought to be run in the City. Councilman Spiegel stated that it is unfortunate that the City does not have a close relationship with CVRPD like other agencies that the City contracts with. Ms. Steele voiced that the report states the facts concerning finances and programs. She expressed that staff at the Palm Desert Community Center are absolutely fantastic. She also expressed that it is not anything personal against the staff at the Community Center and that they all work well together with City Staff. 10 G:TevServiceslMonica LoredoMord Data\Parks&RecWinutesQ006 Minutesl6.7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 Councilman Spiegel commented that he hopes to establish a good relationship with CVRPD. Commissioner Limont communicated that some of the decision -making made by CVRPD has been a little frightening. She voiced that it was a bad decision when CVRPD cut out the summer program and not notify the City. That does not go hand -and -hand with the goal of the Commission, City Council, City Staff, and what taxpayers expect. Commissioner Barnes feels that CVRPD has a very different relationship with the City of Indio. He is not sure if he is mistaken with that observation, but it seems that Indio has more programs, a bigger facility, and are more effective. He does not deny that CVRPD has done a lot of work for the City, but that it still seems they are more effective in Indio. Councilman Spiegel responded that he does not weigh what CVRPD does for other cities. He is interested in weighing what it does for the City of Palm Desert. C. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele stated that she included a new calendar and assignments for the next fiscal year. D. LEGENDS FIELDS HONOREE Commissioner Dash announced that Mr. Mays is out of the state for the month of June. He will be returning in July. Commissioner Dash stated that he would be arranging a lunch meeting between Mr. Mays, Ms. Steele, Councilman Spiegel, and himself. Councilman Spiegel requested that a representative from CVRPD is at the meeting. Ms. Steele replied that she would contact CVRPD and let them know. Chairman Guyer returned to Parks and Recreation Project updates to discuss the Parks and Recreation Services contracts. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they are not able to do park inspections, please let Ms. Steele know so that someone else could get to it. Commissioner Barnard mentioned that he has formed a sub -committee for the Regional Park. He asked if there is a problem having non -commission 11 G:0evServicesVvfonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecMinutesW06 Minutest&7-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 2006 members to be part of the committee. Councilman Spiegel replied that there is no problem as long as they are a resident of Palm Desert. Commissioner Barnard indicated that Mr. Van Tanner and Mr. Rob Ballew are part of the committee. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnard if he would be a scheduling a meeting with the Regional Park Sub -Committee. Commissioner Barnard asked if the meeting had to be scheduled through Ms. Steele. Ms. Steele responded that she could schedule the meeting. She requested that he give the names of who to contact and a couple of time frames. Commissioner Babcock commented that Chairman Guyer gave an excellent speech at the Freedom Park groundbreaking. Councilman Spiegel added that Mayor Jim Ferguson also gave an excellent speech. Commissioner Barnes requested an update at the next Commission on the bicycle path in north Palm Desert. Ms. Steele replied that she will work on getting an update. Chairman Guyer informed Commissioner Barnes that tentatively there is permission to link Freedom Park with the new Portola Park. There would be a bicycle/walkway between the two parks along the railroad tracks. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Barnard, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G:0evServicesWonica Loredo%Word Data\Parks&RBcVJinutesN2006 Minutes)6-7-06.min.doc