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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 10/17/06CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Randy Guyer Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash f ! - Excused Absen4unson-( - Vice Chair Julie Absent Commissioner Connoi L_-nb Commissioner Gerald Dawson 14 Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) H w A U Staff Present: H Robert Spiegel, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager ieC %) Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor H LL H Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant a w 44 0 to x N a� U ES qq I A H H o APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8 9> z Q H 19,201 . se W H H tT w w a A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER aw W�0MMwP Una X�rZ<4>0 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of September 19, 2006, were approved as submitted with a change on page 4 in the second paragraph, change the word year to years. 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). 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Sharon Marshall communicated that she had comments regarding the dog park fence, but would wait until the item is discussed. Chairman Guyer agreed with Ms. Marshall to hold all comments until then. Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, communicated that Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart asked the YMCA to be part of the College of the Desert (COD) and the City of Palm Desert Fall Festival on October 28. The YMCA will have kids games at the festival. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. DOG PARK ISSUES Discussion concerning screening between small and large dog parks. Mr. Niemczak stated that a screen was installed between the big and small dog parks to separate the small and large dogs. He indicated that the dog users have found the screening inconvenient; therefore, City Staff removed the screening. Mr. Niemczak suggested raising the existing medal fence bars by two and a half feet reducing the space between each bar. Ms. Marshall commented that the purpose would be so that the big dogs and little dogs cannot get to each other. She mentioned that in the past, there have been problems with dogs biting each other. Ms. Marshall suggested installing a wire mesh about 2/3 of the way up. She indicated that there would still be air flow and the dogs could still see each other, but would not be able to get to each other. Commissioner Barnes voiced that he thought the dogs like to chase each other. Ms. Marshall replied that they do, but there have been some incidents. Chairman Guyer asked if it is possible to hang something across between the two parks. Mr. Niemczak responded that he would look to see if there is some type of wire mesh that could be hung. Commissioner Babcock commented that the City has had the dog park for 5-7 years, and asked if there have ever been any problems before. Ms. Marshall responded that the users have never said anything. She 2 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutesl10-17-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 mentioned that there has been a couple of incidents where a big dog got a hold of a small dog through the fence and the police had to be called. Chairman Guyer asked Ms. Marshall what other problems are occurring in the dog park. She replied that she would not call them problems but recommendations. She stated that some big dog park users are requesting larger stones be installed because some of their dogs are eating the stones and getting sick. Mr. Niemczak responded that the small stones were originally put in because the City received complaints that the large stones were heating up and burning the paws of dogs. Ms. Marshall also recommended that a sidewalk be installed in the middle of the small dog park where the cover is located to the back gate on San Pablo. The big dog park users would also like water access to the kiosks located in the back. The last request from dog park users is to have a smoking area. Councilman Spiegel interjected that the City does not allow smoking in the parks. Ms. Marshall asked if there is an ordinance that smoking is not allowed. If so, she suggested having the ordinance displayed in the park. Commissioner Barnard asked if the park ambassadors suppose to be patrolling the dog park area. Ms. Steele replied yes. If there is a complaint, they could relay the message to park patrol. B. FREEDOM PARK KIOSKS Discussion and recommendation for the content of the Freedom Park kiosks. Ms. Steele asked if a couple of Commissioners could meet to decide on a design to have installed on the kiosks. She commented that she would like to move forward quickly on the design for approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council. Ms. Steele thought that the Art in Public Places were going to do the design, but they have not. Commissioner Guyer voiced his idea of getting schools involved. He stated that kids could get involved for a grade. If funds were needed, the City could provide the funds. Councilman Spiegel commented that the idea of the kiosks came from Mayor Jim Ferguson. He thought it would be a good idea to consult with him. Councilman Spiegel also thought Chairman Guyer had a great suggestion. He feels it is wrong that Art in Public Places is not involved. 3 GADevServiceslMonics LoredolWord DatakParks&R9c Winutes12006 Minutes110-17-06.mm.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 Commissioner Dawson recommended involving Veteran organizations in the valley of what should be on the kiosks. He noted that was one of the reasons why it was named Freedom Park. Councilman Spiegel added that one of the other reasons is that Ronald Reagan School is adjacent to the park. He reiterated that the Commission and Staff involve Mayor Ferguson. Chairman Guyer asked Staff if they would take care of contacting Mayor Ferguson. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Barnes commented that the information that was provided in the agenda pertaining to the wars has caused him to lose sleep. The information glorifies the wars and people that were killed. He feels that it is not very pleasant and depressing considering with what is going on today. Commissioner Barnes stated the Country's freedom was based on three or four things that should be glorified. First would be the Declaration of Independence, the second would be the Constitution, third would be the Gettysburg Address, and possibly the Dr. Martin Luther King Speech. He also suggested having the names of Palm Desert residents who gave their lives for our freedom. Councilman Spiegel interjected that the names are at the Peace Memorial. Commissioner Barnes responded that maybe it could be repeated at Freedom Park. He feels that the four things he mentioned are the basis for our freedom, and not the people that have been killed. He noted that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not mentioned in the information packet that was provided by Staff. Commissioner Barnes recommends having something more cheerful. Chairman Guyer remarked that Commissioner Barnes has a good point. Commissioner Barnard asked if the kiosks have been purchased. Ms. Steele responded that the kiosks are part of the construction. Commissioner Barnes asked how many kiosks there will be. Ms. Steele responded ten. Commissioner Dawson expressed that Commissioner Barnes has a good idea. He added that the Country does not only keep freedom by having wars, but also keeps freedom from diplomatic services. Commissioner Dawson offered to serve on the committee. Commissioner Barnes asked Alt. Vice Chair Schukart if there is someone from COD that could be on the committee. He replied that he would ask Professor Gudelunas. 4 GJDevServicesWonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minuteslf0-17-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 Commissioner Garcia suggested the Bill of Rights and the Flag be considered. ADD TO AGENDA: Moved by Alt. Vice Chair Schukart to add the following item to the agenda. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Limont and Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA): C. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT (CVRPD) BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT AGENDA ITEM DATED OCTOBER 17, 2006 Discussion on the above -mentioned staff report. Chairman Guyer stated that Commissioner Babcock, Limont, and himself attended the board meeting regarding the assessment district. Ms. Steele mentioned that she and Mr. Niemczak were out of town at a conference during the CVRPD board meeting. She noted that in all fairness to the District, Ms. Laura McGalliard or Mr. Stan Ford could address the Commission with a presentation on what the District is looking at with the assessment district. She noted that the presentation does not have to be today. The Commission would just like to know what is going on. Ms. Steele provided Ms. McGalliard with a copy of the Parks and Recreation Commission staff report with the questions that the Commission has concerning the assessment district. Chairman Guyer pointed out the questions at the bottom of the staff report that the Commission would like answers to. Ms. McGalliard responded that it would be best for CVRPD staff return to the Commission with answers to their questions. She mentioned that the creation of an assessment district was also new to the board. Ms. McGalliard commented that from what she understood there are a lot of new homes in the county areas in the eastern part of the valley. She explained that new assessments could be created for new homes in the county area, which she believes is the area that they are talking about. But she recalls from the board meeting, the assessment district would be district -wide. Ms. McGalliard noted that currently each homeowner is being assessed $9.90 a year. The amount pays for the maintenance and lighting of all ball fields. Chairman Guyer asked Ms. McGalliard if she knew what AD93-1 is. She replied that is the $9.90 assessment, which was approved in 1993. 5 G 1DevServicesWonica LoredolWord Data lParks&RecWinutesl2006 Minutes110-17-06.mm.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 Chairman Guyer requested that the CVRPD assessment district item is added to the next Commission meeting agenda, and that they provide answers to their questions. Councilman Spiegel commented that he believes Mr. Ford, CVRPD, has asked to meet with the City Manager. The City Manager has suggested that Councilman Kelly and he attend the meeting. He also suggested that Ms. Steele and a couple of Commission members be part of the meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2006, at 3:00 p.m. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that there is a City Council study session scheduled for October 26. He asked if the relationship between the City and CVRPD would be discussed at the study session. Ms. Steele responded that the survey results and the parks and recreation business pro -forma plan would be discussed. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes if he is suggesting having another meeting with the City Council regarding the relationship with the CVRPD. He answered if that what it amounts to. Chairman Guyer felt that there is not enough information to discuss the relationship with the City Council. Commissioner Barnes responded that the survey results say a lot about CVRPD. Chairman Guyer commented once some of the questions from CVRPD are answered along with the their master plan, then they could make a recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Babcock commented that the Commission should have a meeting as soon as possible to receive accurate information from CVRPD. Councilman Spiegel responded that he believes Ms. Steele is working on it. She replied yes. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None Vlll. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE Ms Steele reported that due to some of the comments Alt. Vice Chair had at the last meeting, she provided some elevations on how some screening could be done. She noted that the elevations are only informational and that there has been no forward motion at this time. 6 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksdRecWinutes12006 Minutesll0-17-06.mn.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 She mentioned that Mr. Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst, met with the City Manager to discuss the agreement with COD. She suggested taking the Aquatic Center to the City Council for direction based on the Commission's recommendation. Chairman Guyer asked if anyone has heard any other comments concerning the height of the slides. Commissioner Babcock replied that it was in the newspaper. Ms. Steele also answered she has received positive comments from the Youth Committee and other citizens. She pointed out a copy of a letter in favor of the aquatic center that she provided the Commission from a Palm Desert resident. Commissioner Barnard mentioned that he received comments about other pools being built. Ms. Steele responded that she has been in contact with Indio and other entities in the valley. She commented that she would keep the Commission updated on any new developments. Ms. Steele mentioned that she just returned from a National Parks and Recreation Association session, and learned that the industry calls for a community pool for every 30,000 people. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart added that the survey supports the decision of an aquatic center and certain features to be included in such a facility, and they should respond to the community needs. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if she had talked to Mr. Phil Drell concerning the parking situation. Ms. Steele responded that she has been out of the office, but would meet with Mr. Drell. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart added that COD is working on an agreement regarding the parking. Commissioner Barnes asked if the Planning Department have been included the pool discussions. Ms. Steele replied yes. She added that was the reason Mr. Alvarez was involved. He has planning background and has worked for many years with Mr. Drell. Councilman Spiegel asked the Commission if they would like to see plans of the COD renovations. Commissioner Barnes replied that it would be nice to view. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that he might be able to arrange for a presentation. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart added that the master plan is two 7 G:0evServiceslMonica Loiedolftrd Oata1Pat*s&RecIMmutes12006 Minutes110-17-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 years old and has had about 30% of the plan changed. He noted that they would be building a new gymnasium. Commissioner Barnes feels it is important to know what COD is doing since so many people use their facilities for recreation. Alt. Vice Chair stated that he would talk to COD about having plans presented to the Commission. Commissioner Dash mentioned that he attended a meeting with the designer for the pool, and noted that there is no seating. He was told that there was going to be no competitive swimming. Ms. Steele responded that the pool is designed for competition swimming and water polo, but that it is not designed with permanent seating. There would be bleachers that could be rolled in. Commissioner Dash remarked that he must have misunderstood. Commissioner Barnes reconfirmed with Alt. Vice Chair Schukart if COD would be tearing down the old gymnasium and building a new one. He replied yes, but it would be three to fours years away. B. MARKETING UPDATE Ms. Steele shared that at the last meeting the Commission requested having more parks and recreation information in the Bright Side. She informed the Commission that the next issue of the Bright Side would have an article on the Disc Golf Course. Chairman Guyer asked if information regarding the CVRPD and the YMCA in the Bright Side. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Dawson asked if the disc golf article would include when people are able to play and instructions on how to play. Ms. Steele responded yes. Councilman Spiegel added that the Marriott is interested in using the disc golf course as a thing to do for people that come to the hotel. Ms. Steele mentioned that she has sent out the scorecard to print with the map on the back. The cards would be available at the Marriott, Visitor Center, YMCA, and the Community Center. Commissioner Dawson asked where they could buy discs. Ms. Steele responded there is a store where they could be bought, but could not recall the name. She mentioned that they did order more discs, which would be available at the Visitor Center and the YMCA. a G OevServicesWonrca LoredolWord Data lParksdRecWsnutes12006 MinutesV0-17-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 Mr. Ballew, YMCA, added that they took some children to the Disc Golf Course and they had a blast. Ms. Steele mentioned that the engineering firm that designed the maps offered design services for free if there ever were another disc golf course. C. HOMME/ADAMS FENCE Mr. Steele reported that the fence at Homme/Adams is complete, and the palm logs have been removed. Commissioner Barnes asked if all the palm logs were removed. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Guyer mentioned that Homme/Adams Park is a good place to walk dogs. The dogs could be off leash and under voice control. Cahuilla Hills was also mentioned for a place to take dogs. It was suggested to include the dog parks in the Bright Side. Ms. Steele responded that marketing is working on it. D. CALIFORNIA'S RECREATION POLICY Ms. Steele reported that she included the California Recreation Policy as an information item only. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes asked the status of the committee that is handling the north sphere park. Commissioner Barnard responded that he would be setting up a meeting very soon. Commissioner Barnes voiced his concern that there are not enough ball fields and the north sphere park seems like it would be a good solution. It was mentioned that a road would still take a year to be built. Councilman Spiegel noted that it was recommended a third field be added at Freedom Park. Commissioner Barnes asked who is the head of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). Councilman Spiegel answered John Wolmuth. Commissioner Barnes asked if it would be worthwhile to invite Mr. Wolmuth to a meeting to give the Commission some insight on hiking and bicycle trails. Councilman Spiegel responded that Staff could find out if s G:0evServicestMonica LoredolWord DatelParksdRecWinutesk2006 MinutesM-17-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 CVAG has any involvement with trails. If not, it would make no sense coming to a meeting. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that a young man died recently in the park while boxing. He read in the newspaper that there were some cities that passed resolutions outlawing fighting in public areas. He is not sure if it is something that Palm Desert should look at. Chairman Guyer asked if there is an ordinance. Ms Steele responded that there is an ordinance against fighting, but not boxing. Commission Dawson asked if COD or the YMCA conduct any boxing instruction. Mr. Rob Ballew responded that the Palm Springs YMCA provided boxing, but was eliminated a couple of years ago. The Commission asked why it was eliminated. Mr. Ballew answered that there were other clubs in the area that had a better record in regards to lack of injuries. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart added that the clubs are organized and have to follow certain safety regulations. Ms. McGalliard mentioned that they are looking into partnering with a local boxing instructor, but the problem is finding a location. Chairman Guyer requested that the police report on the boxing incident is added to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Dawson asked if the report would have the police department's recommendation. Councilman Spiegel replied he hopes it would. He suggested inviting a member from the police department that has been involved in the investigation for a presentation. Commissioner Barnard asked if the Public Safety Committee would address the boxing safety issue. It was said that it would need to go to the Committee for discussion. Commissioner Babcock asked for the status of the handball courts and the kiosks. Mr. Niemczak responded that he has a meeting with the architect. He stated that Staff would be going out to bid for the columns at Legends Fields in the next few weeks, and the kiosks in the Date Grove area would immediately follow. Commissioner Babcock asked if the work would be done by next summer. Mr. Niemczak responded that the restrooms probably would not be done, but the recreational facilities would be complete. 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minuteslf0-17-06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 2006 Commissioner Garcia asked Ms. Steele if there is a video presentation on what to see and do in the parks of Palm Desert that could be played in the hotel rooms. Ms. Steele responded that there is a City video, but not for parks. Commissioner Garcia suggested a video as part of the marketing material that includes a piece on parks. Commissioner Barnes asked if it would be expensive to produce a video. Commissioner Garcia replied that it could be expensive depending on the production company. Chairman Guyer pondered if they would want tourists coming to the parks. The parks are for the residents. Ms. Steele commented that an update is being done to the City's website with pictures and details of the parks. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart commented that there is large number of residents that do not know about the parks. How do they help those people know about the parks? Councilman Spiegel pointed out that was objective in having Janis do a monthly column in the Bright Side. Ms. Steele added that the calendar would be dedicated to the parks. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Alt. Vice Chair Schukart, seconded by Commissioner Barnard, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:46 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 11 G: DevServicesWonica CoredolWord DatalParks&Rec Mlnutes12006 Minutes110-17-06.min.doc