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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 10/03/06W �(1 N 3 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absent Chairman Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson (k ) Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash A • . Commissioner Gerald Dawson w W Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) z x Commissioner Connor Limont arrived at 8:31 ., a o Q z ' Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member , Janis Steele, Parks &Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor a ra Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary z _ a A A APPROVAL OF MINUTES v Ow A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 a W a U w w C x a� U v g A o e o:zm>4 0'2..zwis H.. .. Z 4 G4 •rl E < iq to W E•+ �awwcncna•+ Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of September 6, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Barnes/Schukart and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Limont and Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on leave of absence). ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Nancy Martel, Indian Wells, addressed the Commission to let them know that people at the large dog park are concerned with the screen that was installed between the large and small dog park and the misting PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 system that cannot be controlled. She mentioned that a puppy was abandoned in the dog park. She indicated that she has contacted Mr. Hart Ponder, Code Department, to find the person that left the puppy and seek justice for him. Ms. Martel also mentioned that since the screen is up between the big and small dog park, they cannot see if a puppy will be abandoned again. She indicated that Ms. Steele told her that security cameras were being installed in the dog park. She asked who is going to be monitoring the cameras 24/7 in case another animal is left abandoned. Ms. Martel voiced her concern that there is no visibility at night. Mr. Chris Bash, Palm Desert Youth Sports, requested if one side of the Legends Fields columns could be left for a plaque for outgoing Youth Sports presidents or volunteers so they could be recognized. He mentioned that the Rutledge Strip has a 25-year lease. He hopes the lease does not happen as it did with the high school where they only gave the Palm Desert Youth Sports only 30 days to get out. Mr. Bash read from prior Commission minutes, that some ball fields would be lost for two to three seasons. He stated with no offense to the school district, that was a straight out lie, and that he has been told that it has been bull dozed and plowed under. He indicated that they are losing four fields plus the two outfields, which technically are losing six fields. The school district is only rebuilding varsity baseball and softball. Mr. Bash mentioned that he has been having discussions with Ms. Steele about possibly having a fourth field at Legends even if has to be small. Ms. Steele interjected the possibility of having a third field (there are only two). Lastly, he asked if he could be on the Committee for the new park being built in the north sphere. He thanked the Commission for their time. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Bash if Ms. Steele knows how to get in contact with him. He replied yes. Chairman Guyer also asked Ms. Steele if she could follow up with the school district. Mr. Craig DeWitt, CVRPD, provided the Commission with information they requested at the previous Commission meeting concerning the usage of the Palm Desert Community Center. He informed the Commission that they installed a new tracking system May 2006, and they are still working out the bugs. He stated that the information was retrieved from that system. The information includes everyone that has bought passes of some sort for the District and swipe when they walk in the building. He stated that since May 2006, they had over 32,000 visits to the Palm Desert, La Quinta, or Indio Community Centers. There have been approximately 5,000 visits by Palm Desert residents. The number includes if a Palm Desert resident visited a center in Indio or La Quinta. Mr. DeWitt reported that there have been close to 6,000 passes sold, which includes membership for the District, Desert Willow, and the Skate Park. He noted 2 G:IDevServiceslMomcs LoredolWord DetalParks&Rec Minutes12006 Minutes110-3-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 that Palm Desert residents have purchased 34% of passes. He reported that there were 530 Skate Park passes sold with 160 of that number being bought by Palm Desert residents. There were 4,475 memberships sold with 25% bought by Palm Desert residents. He noted the memberships include all the services provided District -wide. Lastly, 694 Desert Willow cards were sold, which 100% are Palm Desert residents. Mr. DeWitt stated that he would be happy to give the Commission more information or detail. He indicated that the system is new and they are learning what the system could do. Alternate Chair Schukart asked Mr. DeWitt if he was a Palm Desert resident and has a pass, would he be able to get into the center without swiping. Mr. DeWitt responded that they hope not. The goal of the CVRPD Staff is to make sure that everyone that comes in swipes their card. He commented that there are people that pay $5 for a day pass. He stated that the day passes are not included in the usage charts that he presented. He commented that it is possible for someone to get in without swiping. Ms. Steele announced that Councilman Spiegel brought in a copy of The Desert Sun dated Tuesday, October 3. She stated that the newspaper reports the death of a sixteen year old in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele reported that the sixteen -year old boy was boxing in the park, which resulted in his death. There currently is an investigation in process, and that she does not have any other information. City Staff is going to wait until the investigation is complete before making any recommendations. Alternate Chair Schukart asked if there have ever been any reports by the park ambassadors there has been any "fight club" activity in the park. Ms. Steele responded that it is the first time that they have been aware of it in the Civic Center Park. She commented that she communicates very closely with the park ambassadors and they prepare reports if they see any suspicious activity. She noted that she also communicates with the Sheriffs Department. Mr. DeWitt added that the park ambassador did mention that he did see some activity (the same day) prior to the incident. He saw that the guys had some equipment on and were doing some light sparring, and that it looked like it was just a couple of guys enjoying the sunshine. Chairman Guyer commented that after the investigation is complete, the Commission should look if it is a new trend that they need to look at. 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data IParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minuteslf0-3-06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. SURVEY PRIORITIES Discuss, review, and identify the top three to four survey priorities. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission that at the previous meeting they were asked to provide Staff with their top priorities. She indicated that Staff received their priorities and compiled the information, which is enclosed in their agenda packets. She listed the aquatic center as a top priority with a gymnasium (state of art facility) coming second and bicycle/walking trails following. Included are the community programs and outreach to let people know about parks. Commissioner Barnes commented that if the City does the aquatic center and a community center, it would cover a lot of the items that the residents say they want. He mentioned, for example, adult and wellness fitness programs and after school programs. Chairman Guyer remarked that he thought it was interesting that there is a perceived lack of ball fields, and yet there was no emphasis for them in the survey. Commissioner Barnes noted that the Soccer Park is one of the most utilized parks. Commissioner Barnard mentioned that it is important to look at what is already in existence, and not go build something right away because the City has the money. They could make a change to an existing gym, subsidize existing programs, promote existing programs, and possibly partnership with schools and gyms. Commissioner Barnes noted that the survey indicated that the residents are not utilizing those facilities. Commissioner Barnard commented that a priority would be to increase marketing and promote programs, which would cover a lot of program issues. Commissioner Barnes expressed that the Bright Side is a very weak communication. He feels a lot more could be done with that publication 4 GlDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data lParks&Rec Minutes12006 Minutes110-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 promoting the parks. Councilman Spiegel responded that his point has been well taken and has made a note. He feels that there should be a monthly column from Janis. He noted that there is going to be an article in the November issue of the Bright Side regarding the new Disc Golf Course. Commissioner Barnes commented that they have addressed this issue before. He mentioned that other cities have good publications such as Santa Barbara. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission that the 2007 City calendar would be dedicated to the City's parks, new maps for parks are being developed, and the City's website is being redesigned so you could hover of the park site, see a map, pictures, amenities, and the address. Commissioner Barnes stated if the Commission decides to build a community center, he recommends the location being adjacent to the university and share it with them. Chairman Guyer remarked that he would not recommend it because the university is too busy. Commissioner Barnes stated that there is a need for ball fields, he asked if it were possible to build only the ball fields at the new north sphere park instead of waiting for the whole park to be built. Chairman Guyer commented that Commissioner Barnard is making notes since he is heading the committee for the new park. Ms. Steele announced that the land has been purchased for the new park in the north sphere. She noted that the committee could schedule a meeting. Councilman Spiegel asked when the four fields at Freedom Park would be open. Ms. Steele responded that there are only three fields. Originally there were two fields planned. The Commission asked when the park would be done. Ms. Steele responded in the spring of 2007, she added that it was on schedule. Ms. Steele stated that the new fields at Freedom Park would hold the City for a while. The fields would replace the fields they are losing at the high school. She asked the Commission to give Staff time to investigate. She is scheduled to meet with the school district in a couple of weeks and will discuss the ball fields at that time with them. Councilman Spiegel explained that the original agreement with the City Council was to have only two ball fields at Freedom Park because there was not enough recreational land for people to have picnics. In the 5 G*OevServices'Monica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutesQ006 Minutes110-3-06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 meantime, the school district is closing down fields due to the remodeling of schools. He stated now that the objective is for the Commission and City Staff recommend to the City Council to install three ball fields at Freedom Park until the high school remodel is completed. Once the fields at the high school are completed and if recreational space is still needed at Freedom Park, the City will get rid of the third field at the park. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that the land for the park in the north sphere was purchased, but the road would not be built for another year. He also noted that the City is in negotiations with the YMCA to triple the size of their facility. The YMCA would be going from 5,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet. He commented that soon there would be another larger facility for residents to utilize. Commissioner Barnes asked when the committee could meet concerning the features for the new park. Ms. Steele responded Commissioner Barnard would set up a meeting with the committee. Chairman Guyer recommended that the Commission motion to add a third ball field to Freedom Park for City Council's approval. ADD TO AGENDA: Moved by Alternate Vice Chair Schukart to add the following item to the agenda. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA): B. APPROVAL TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNICL TO ADD A THIRD BALL FIELD AT FREEDOM PARK Alternate Vice Chair Schukart moved to recommend to the City Council to take part of the designated recreational land at Freedom Park for a third ball field. In the future, once other facilities become available the Commission will reassess whether the area will remain as a ball field or reconvert into a recreational area. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart asked if there is timeline for the YMCA expansion. Councilman Spiegel replied no. Mr. Ballew, YMCA, stated that they working on the plans, and hope to present them to Ms. Steele, the Commission, and the City Council in about a month. 6 G.IDevServicesWonica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec Minutes12006 Minutes110-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 Commissioner Babcock asked if the expansion would be done at the current location or different location. Mr. Ballew responded that it would be at the same location. Chairman Guyer requested more input from the Commission on the survey priorities. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart asked if there is an active Boys and Girls Club in Palm Desert. Ms. Steele responded that there is not. He commented that they would need to look at other resources (partnerships) that they could work with for programs and events. Commissioner Barnes noted that the survey results mention a performing arts center. He commented that the arts center could be easily set up in the YMCA. Councilman Spiegel suggested the Senior Center Theater. Commissioner Barnard commented that when he ran the Senior Center, they had a good program. He added that theatrical programs could be very expensive. Also, that there are other cities that are looking into having a performing arts theater in their city. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that the McCallum Theater is discussing putting in a black box theater, which is a small theater. Commissioner Dawson asked if it would be appropriate for Mr. Vine and Ms. Steele to write a summary of the Commission's top priorities for the City Council study session. Ms. Steele commented that she could talk to Mr. Vine about formalizing the priorities and present a draft to the Commission before the City Council study session. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if she had any experience with performing arts groups. She responded not much and noted that the YMCA had some day summer camps. She feels that there are some small-scale theater programs that the City could do, which would make it a perfect opportunity to partner with other facilities. Commissioner Barnes asked Alternate Vice Chair Schukart if the performing arts program at College of the Desert is only available for students. He responded the program is for registered students and is part of the curriculum. G IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatelParks&RecMfinutest2006 Minutest 10-3-06. min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 Councilman Spiegel noted that the City is working on some of the priorities such as the aquatic center, a gymnasium (he referred to a group that is expanding their facility), and bicycle and walking paths. The City Council would like to know what the Commission would like to see happen. Mr. Croy clarified that a study session is not a session to make decisions. A study session is purely a time to educate the City Council and make them aware of the programs and issues coming before them in the future. Commissioner Barnes stated that the Commission has never discussed what they would like to see in a community center. He requested if it could be discussed at the next meeting. VII1. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. ADA ISSUES Ms. Steele reported that the Deputy Building Official recently attended a national conference on building and safety, which involved some ADA issues. She included the information that was given to her in the agenda packet. She stated as a follow up to the information she received, Parks Maintenance Staff visited all of the City parks to identify any changes. The packet includes a list of the changes they feel might need to be made to comply with the ADA guidelines. Chairman Guyer asked if the rules were new that the City did not know about. Mr. Niemczak responded that rules have not yet been implemented. B. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Ms. Steele announced that a City Council study session is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Commission are invited. C. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele reminded the Commission to complete their park inspections. She asked the Commission to let her know if they need a copy of the schedule or inspection sheets. 8 GlDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPerks&RectMinutest2006 Minutest 10-3-06. min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes commented that the bike and walking trails is one of the City's priorities. He communicated that he envisions that is a priority that exists with all other valley cities from Palm Springs to Indio. He asked if the Palm Desert City Council is getting together with other cities or the Coachella Valley Association of Governments on developing more trails. Councilman Spiegel responded that staff from each city is working on trails. Palm Desert has done everything to build the City's walking trails, and it is now up to the other cities to build their's. He added that Staff is working on the bike trails. Commissioner Barnes stated that there are no good bicycle trails in the City of Palm Desert for 25-mile ride. He noted the sidewalks could not be used or streets with high traffic. Mr. Croy responded that the Marketing Department created a map showing different links of bike trails. Chairman Guyer communicated that once the City completes the bike trails in Palm Desert, it would be easier to go to other cities and ask why the trails do not extend into their communities. Commissioner Babcock reaffirmed that there is a need to have a bike trail to link all cities together. He suggested giving City Council bicycles. Commissioner Barnard asked Commissioner Babcock if he is referring to bike lanes on the shoulder of the road. He replied yes. Councilman Spiegel thanked those who attended the committee and commission brunch at Desert Willow. He mentioned that there would be awards for all commission members. Councilman Spiegel asked Ms. Steele if she could talk to the editor of The Desert Sun to do a nice article on the City's Disc Golf Course. Ms. Kaufman, Desert Sun, indicated that there was one done earlier and she would bring it up again. Ms. Steele noted that there was an article in the Press Enterprise. Ms. Steele announced that on Friday, November 10, the City is sponsoring the Commodores Jazz Ensemble in the Civic Center Park. They are a United States Navy Band. She also announced that CVRPD is having a concert series. Two concerts will be held in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park and one will be held at the Indio Municipal Golf Course. The concerts in Palm Desert are free. 9 GADevSeMceslMonice LoredolWord Data VDarks&RecV&nutes12006 Minutesl10-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 Alternate Vice Chair Schukart announced that the City and College of the Desert have scheduled a trophy game on October 28, 2006, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The football game will start at 7:00 p.m. It will be a family event with rides, food, and games. He noted that it is free for Palm Desert residents. He mentioned since the article in the newspaper concerning the aquatic center, he has received several communications from a couple of members of the Commission, College of the Desert Board of Trustees, and the City Council. The members concerns are the height of the slides being an aesthetic issue. He feels that the issue needs to be addressed. Councilman Spiegel referred to a letter in The Desert Sun that was sent to the editor regarding the way he voted. He noted that he does not vote at the Commission meetings. The person was complaining about all the features in the aquatic center. He commented the Commission has to have the concept of an aquatic center go through, then make the decision of what features to include depending on the expense. Ms. Steele stated that she met with the aquatic center architects last week and they were going to provide her with new drawings. She stated that the architect is going to lower the tower by ten feet and do some nice screening on the side of the Golf Center. They will also address the colors of the slides. Councilman Spiegel noted that it is not the City's intention to compete with Knott's Soak City. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if the Planning Department have analyzed the parking situation. She responded that Mr. Drell was present in the meeting she had with the architect. She stated that Staff is working on a parking agreement with College of the Desert. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if they are working with the City engineers' concerning the corner of San Pablo and Park View Drive. She replied yes. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Alternate Vice Chair Schukart, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 10 G9DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DstaVParks&RecWinutesI2006 Minutes110-3-06.min.doc