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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 01-04-2006CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JAN UARY 4, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Schukart convened the meeting at 8:34 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chair Randy Guyer arrived at 8:35 Commissioner Phill Babcock Vice Chair Julie Munson arrived at 8:39 Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Ryan Stendell, Assistant Planner Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Steele welcomed and introduced Michael Barnard, newly appointed Parks & Recreation Commissioner. Mr. Rob Ballew, YMCA, provided the Commission with a copy of the winter YMCA brochure. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2005, AND DECEMBER 20, 2005 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of December 7, 2005, and December 20, 2005, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Barnes/Dawson and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson and Commissioner P. Babcock ABSENT. V. PRESENTATIONS A. TRAIL SIGNAGE — Ryan Stendell Mr. Stendell reported the progress of trail signage. He displayed four signs, and stated that he has been working with a consultant and Councilman Crites on developing rules and informational kiosks. The first sign he mentioned would be a map showing where dogs can and cannot go and it is all indicated with a color. Commissioner Dawson asked Mr. Stendell if the signs are covered with plastic. He replied that they are covered. Mr. Stendell indicated that the first few signs that were installed were vandalized. He commented that he has had discussions with Mr. Niemczak regarding materials to use for the signs. He mentioned if they use glass it will shatter when vandalized. They have been discussing using UV plexi-glass, which might not hold either if vandalized. Mr. Stendell mentioned that the sign is printed on UV paper and ink that should hold up fairly well. Mr. Stendell displayed a second sign that would go next to the first sign that reads "Welcome to Santa Rosa National Monument." He pointed out on the sign the color red indicates dogs are strictly prohibited (adjacent to the Bighorn Habitat); orange indicates dogs are to be kept on leash; and green indicates dogs can be off leash within 50 ft. of the owner and under voice control. Some of the other rules on the sign are to stay on trails, do not litter, and to pick up after the dogs. The third sign Mr. Stendell displayed was an informational sign that show the names and brief description of the trails. He explained that Staff has digital images in- house and could be edited very easily. The last sign he displayed were pictures of plants and little critters that could be found in the area. He noted a local illustrator had drawn the pictures for the sign. Mr. Stendell indicated that all signs would soon be installed under the kiosks. He briefly mentioned the vandalism that recently occurred at Cahuilla Park. 2 G.101evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes0006 Minutes% 1 -4 -06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Commissioner Dawson asked if there is a space between the plexi-glass and the sign. Mr. Stendell replied yes. Commissioner Dawson asked if the plexi-glass could be put right against the sign to prevent the glass from shattering. Mr. Stendell responded that staff could look into it. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Stendell if anyone patrols the trails. He responded BLM has rangers that patrol. He also mentioned that police sometimes do park in the area to complete . their reports. Mr. Drell commented that the ranger's sole job is not to police the trails. Their responsibility is to patrol the whole national monument. He also commented that the vandalism occurred in the parking lot and not on the trail. Commissioner Barnes asked if there have been any accidents on the trails. Mr. Stendell replied that they have had none reported. Commissioner Dawson asked Mr. Stendell if the signage program include the pillar signs at various points on the trail. He replied yes and mentioned that he would bring back to the Commission a sample of the actual sign that would go on the trail. He explained that the signs are made of metal material that has been cut out so you can see through. Commissioner Dawson asked for the target date for the signs to be installed. Mr. Stendell responded that they would be installed as soon as possible. B. SPANISH WALK PROJECT — Phil Drell Mr. Drell stated that the Commission had questions concerning Quimby development fees that were being waived for the Spanish Walk project. He explained the Quimby Act. It is an Act that requires residential projects to provide recreational needs for their residents. He mentioned that the Spanish Walk project has invested $7 million for recreational needs. In the development, the developer will provide four pools, basketball, volleyball, tot lots, hiking trails, childcare site, etc. They would not be providing regional facilities such as soccer and baseball fields. Mr. Drell commented the Quimby fees for Spanish Walk are approximately $1.3 million based on the facilities they provided on -site, which were mostly neighborhood park facilities. He explained that two-thirds of their fees were credited based on the facilities they would be providing, and the $1.3 million would go to the community park site in the north area that would be similar to the facilities and size of Freedom Park. 3 G:OevServiceslMonice LoredolWo(d DetelPerks&RecUUinutesk2006 Minutes1117-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Councilman Spiegel commented that the Spanish Walk project is one of the single-family highest density developments that the City has gone after. He explained that when the developer first went to the City Council, there were apprehensions concerning the density, but that the location seemed to convince the City Council that it would be acceptable. Mr. Spiegel indicated that the developer did not have enough park and recreational amenities for the residents that would be living in the development. He indicated the Council did not approve the project and sent the developer back to the drawing board, and that they returned with what was copied in the agenda packet. Mr. Spiegel also commented that the developer put more money into the project than they originally planned, and the City Council was very appreciative of what they had done. The City Council then approved the project, and in turn the developer requested for fees to be waived. Commissioner Limont asked if the amount to be waived was 60%. Mr. Drell responded that he thought it was 66%. Commissioner Limont agreed with the Council's decision, and that it seemed like the right thing to do. She explained that her first reaction was that it seemed like a large percentage. Mr. Drell again made clear that the first requirement is for the developments to provide a recreational facility. The Quimby Act was setup mainly for small projects that did not make sense for them to provide recreational facilities. He indicated that the thrust of the Quimby Act was to have developments build their own recreational facilities whether public or private. He noted that the recreational facilities in the Spanish Walk project are twice the value of the fee. Commissioner Limont voiced that her only concern was that the residents of the Spanish Walk development would also be using other parks that the City provides, and hopes that the City is careful and able to maintain the level of parks. Mr. Drell noted that there is a neighborhood going in between Portola and Monterey that includes a large neighborhood park, and that the Palm Springs School District is buying 25 acres in the middle of that block. He feels that the north area is well covered with the three developments and with the regional park. He communicated to the Commission that they should not have anxiety concerning the ability to fund the parks. The big problems are the logistics of planning and the construction of parks. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Drell if the development is going to be called Spanish Walk. Mr. Drell responded that it is, and that it was formerly called Emerald Desert. 4 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Dat81PsrksBReclMinu1es12006 Minutesl1-4-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Commissioner Barnes commented that there is going to be relatively young residents living in the development. He feels that the project should have at least two tennis courts. Mr. Drell responded that is a decision the developer would have to evaluate. Commissioner Barnes asked that Mr. Drell pass on the suggestion to the developer. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Drell how the developer came up with the 60% figure. Mr. Drell replied that is was based on the magnitude of the facilities they would be providing. Chairman Guyer asked why the developer did not give the City half of what they are spending, and the City would build the park for them. Mr. Drell responded that the City is not prepared to build a park for them. He again mentioned the purpose of the Quimby Act. Chairman Guyer asked why the developer is spending twice as much as they have to. Mr. Drell replied that it was the choice they made as part of marketing to sell the homes and that they received approval by the City Council. Commissioner Barnes asked if Spanish Walk was going to be gated. Mr. Drell replied yes. He indicated that the apartments would not. Commissioner Dawson asked if there is a ratio of land for parks and recreation. Mr. Drell responded that the ratio is five acres per thousand, which could be used for both parks and open space. He noted that the City currently owns 1000 acres of open space. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Drell who owns a triangular piece of land on Portola as you go into Santa Rosa Country Club. Mr. Drell responded that a developer owns the land and was designated for a shopping center. Commissioner Barnes also asked about land that is south of Frank Sinatra near the Marriott. It was not clear which property Commissioner Barnes was referring to. The Commission and Staff suggested that a map be provided for the next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting and add to the agenda. Chairman Guyer asked if it is possible for a developer to request that the City Council waive 100% of fees under the Quimby Act if they provide 100% recreational facilities. Mr. Drell responded that the Quimby Act is specifically for the developer to provide recreational facilities. The 5 G DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DalalPerks&RecWinufes12006 Minufesli-4.06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 VI. ma developer is not obligated to provide general recreation for the rest of the City. They are obligated to provide recreation for their own residents. Chairman Guyer asked if the City would be providing maintenance to the parks in Spanish Walk. Mr. Drell replied no. He indicated that the homeowners' association would handle complaints concerning maintenance. Commissioner Barnes asked if the Quimby Act has been applied to other parts of the City. Mr. Drell responded that Act is applied to every residential project. Commissioner Barnes asked if they collect fees from the City's low income housing. Mr. Drell believes the City collected fees from the Desert Rose project. Mr. Stendell returned to the meeting to show the Commission a sample of the metal signage for the trails. Commissioner Schukart asked if the sign is mounted on wood. Mr. Stendell responded that they are looking at having a post in the middle. Commissioner Schukart asked if the posts would be set in concrete in case they are vandalized. Mr. Stendell responded that it is something that they could look into. The Commission thanked Mr. Drell and Mr. Stendell for their presentations. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY Ms. Steele stated that the consultant would be at the next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. The consultant will meet with the Commission as a group to go over some of the Commissioner's requests for the survey. She also stated that the consultant would be conducting interviews with stakeholders. Ms. Steele noted that they could also meet with anyone individually, and t in doing an individual interview. their recommendations. She questions, and that a notice January 2006 Bright Side issue. NEW BUSINESS o please let her know if they are interested She suggested that the Commission bring noted that the agenda includes sample regarding the survey was added to the A. LEGENDS FIELD 2007 NOMINATION Recommendation for Legends Field 2007 nomination. 6 G-OevSerwcesWomce LoredolWord DatalParks&RecVlfinutesl20o6 Minutesl7-4-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Commissioner Limont stated that she wanted to nominate John Lujack. Chairman Guyer asked if there were any other recommendations. Commissioner Barnes asked if Dorothy Hamil still lived in the area. Vice Chair Munson responded that she believes Ms. Hamil moved back east. Commissioner Barnes also recommended Glen Davis, although deceased, he is not sure if his widow is still in the area. Councilman Spiegel mentioned Merlin Olson. Commissioner Barnes commented that he would like to see a women nominated. Councilman Spiegel asked if Anika Sorenstam sold her house in Bighorn. No one knew if she still had a house in Bighorn. Vill. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None IX. OLD BUSINESS A. DOGS AT HOVLEY SOCCER PARK Discussion and recommendation concerning signage at the Soccer Park. Chairman Guyer stated that there was a resident who would like to comment concerning dogs at the Soccer Park. Ms. Suzanne Pride, (46040 Burroweed Lane, Palm Desert), stated that she is a medical sports therapist. She wanted to make it clear that she is not at the meeting to attack dogs. Ms. Pride voiced her concern with dogs in the Soccer Park. She stated that even when dog owners pick up after their dogs, there is still feces on the blades of the grass. She expressed that when children play in the park/field, they are subject to health problems. She commented that she does not have a solution, but suggested maybe having more dog parks. Ms. Steele communicated that Commissioner Babcock could not make it to the meeting, but he did want to make it known that he does not want to allow dogs on any sports fields. Commissioner Babcock also relayed information to Ms. Steele indicating that he thought there was a law that prohibits dogs on any sports fields. She stated that she would do some research to see if she could find anything on that law. Commissioner Limont commented that it is a good suggestion. She indicated that dogs are supposed to be licensed, license is suppose to be 7 G 1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataWarks&RecUnutes12006 Minutest 1-4-06. min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 on the dog, and dogs should be on a leash. She asked if there could be some type of enforcement. Councilman Spiegel commented that the question goes back to the Commission if dogs should or should not be allowed at the Soccer Park. He stated that the Commission cannot make that decision, but that the Commission could make a recommendation for the January 26, 2006, City Council meeting to install signs that say "No Dogs Allowed." He also commented to make a recommendation for other Palm Desert's sister cities to build their own dog parks. He referred to a letter that was written to The Desert Sun editor, and that the letter was written from a Rancho Mirage resident. He also referred to the lady that usually attends the meeting in regards to dogs, and that she lives in Indian Wells. He hopes that other cities get the message and build their own dog parks. Councilman Spiegel stated that a dog park would be going in at Freedom Park and the regional park in the north sphere. The City already has the Civic Center and Joe Mann dog parks. He feels the City has built their share of dog parks. He also stated that he agrees with Ms. Pride's comments. He commented that if his kids were still young, he would not want his kids playing where there is chance they maybe infected by dog feces. Chairman Dawson affirmed that the City of Rancho Mirage and City of Indian Wells do not have dog parks. He also hopes The Desert Sun writes that in their paper. Councilman Spiegel commented that he hopes members of the Commission attend the City Council meeting on January 26, 2006, to express their feelings. Vice Chair Munson requested Ms. Steele to remind the Commission of the meeting date. Ms. Steele responded that she would, and that she would also e-mail the staff report to the Commissioners. Commissioner Limont communicated, in order to receive a positive response from the Council, recommended signs to say, "No Dogs on the Playing Fields," instead of banning dogs completely at the Soccer Park. Commissioner Schukart remarked that it is an off -leash issue. It is not whether they are on the field or on the sidewalk. He stated that if they are on a leash, there is no problem. The problem is that the dogs are not on a leash, and the dog cannot differentiate between off and on the field. Commissioner Barnes stated that no dogs should be allowed at the Soccer Park. 8 G:IDevServtceslMonica LoredolWord DaWPerkSBRec MlnuteM2006 Minufeslt-4-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 The Commission made the following recommendations: 1) authorization from the City Council to install signs to not allow dogs at the Soccer Park; 2) City Staff is to research if there is.a law that bans dogs from ball fields; and 3) provide additional information and locations of parks where dogs are allowed. B. LAWN BOWLING Discussion and recommendation to enter into an agreement with the Joslyn Senior Center. In addition, discuss the land on north side of the Center for a possible site for lawn bowling. Ms. Steele reported that Staff and three Commissioners met with the Joslyn Senior Center Board regarding lawn bowling as requested by the Commission. She stated that the Board agreed to enter an agreement to continue lawn bowling at the Center for a two-year period, and the City would assist with subsiding the cost of the program at $10,000 annually. Ms. Steele asked for the Commission's recommendation to move forward with the agreement. Mr. Duke Ackerman, Lawn Bowling Association, requested if they would be able to have a larger shed on the premises. Mr. Niemczak responded that he could look at some samples. Mr. Ackerman also noted that lawn bowling is only occupying 13% of the maintenance/landscape budget, and are being allocated for 60% of the budget. He stated that they are paying their way now for maintenance. Commissioner G. Dawson motioned to recommend to the City Council to enter into an agreement with the Joslyn Senior Center to provide lawn bowling for a two-year period with the City to assist with subsidizing the program at a rate of $10,000 a year, including a purchase of a larger shed. Motion was seconded Commissioner T. Schukart and carried by a 6-0-1 vote with Commissioner M. Barnard abstaining due to a conflict of interest and Commissioner P. Babcock ABSENT. X. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. FREEDOM PARK UPDATE Ms. Steele announced that the Freedom Park project is out to bid. There is a scheduled pre -bid meeting scheduled on January 18, 2006, and bids are scheduled to be opened February 1, 2006. 9 G:%DevServicesWontca LoredolWoni Da(aV-alks&ReclMmufes12006 MinWes11-4-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked if the 270 days to complete the project is realistic. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mr. Niemczak stated that there are liquidated damages if the project is not finished on time. B. SOCCER GOAL ANCHORS Ms. Steele reported that Mr. Niemczak has purchased a couple of anchor sets to test on the different types of soccer goals. If they work, more anchors would be ordered. Vice Chair Munson asked if the goals would still be able to be moved. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Chairman Guyer asked if the Soccer Organization has been contacted. Ms. Steele responded that she has, and that they were excited and very supportive to have the anchors. C. PARK INSPECTION UPDATE Ms. Steele stated that she needed someone from the Commission to take over Mr. Tanner's assigned park (Soccer Park). Vice Chair Munson responded that she would since she is usually out at the park. Ms. Steele informed new Commissioner Barnard of the park inspection process and to let her know if he had any questions. The inspection sheets are due at the second scheduled Parks & Recreation meeting. D. DATE GROVE FIELD IMPROVEMENTS Chairman Guyer asked if the drawing in the agenda packet was the same drawing that was initially provided from the previous years. Mr. Niemczak responded that he believes that it is. He checked the budget and there were line items allocated for the Date Grove area. He noted that he is doing some research on the costs for the restrooms. The Commission briefly discussed the purchase of a pre -fabricated restroom. Mr. Niemczak stated a pre -fabricated restroom would be less money. Commissioner Barnes commented that he was not sure if a pre -fabricated restroom is the best option. Commissioner Limont asked if the restroom at Palma Village Park was built. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is a pre -fabricated restroom. She asked if it was nice and working okay. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is working for that area. He communicated that he was not sure if a restroom would be able to be designed to suit the architecture at the Civic Center. 10 G:0evServices1Momca LoredolWord DalaTsrks&ReclMinules12006 Minutesl1-4-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Councilman Spiegel suggested putting the bocce ball, picnic areas, and restrooms together in one package. He also suggested not going with pre- fabricated restrooms. Mr. Niemczak responded that he would start working on a package, one with pre-fab and one with built restrooms. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if the drawing shows everything that was originally intended for the Date Grove. Chairman Guyer responded that he did not remember the horseshoe pit. Chairman Guyer commented that the Date Grove area would be a good area for the elementary schools to visit. XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes asked for an update on the ice rink. Ms. Steele responded that she is waiting for the pro -forma business plans from all parties that are involved. She noted that she would try to have another update for the first meeting in February. Commissioner Barnes requested an update on the columns for Legends Fields. Mr. Niemczak responded that he has called several businesses, and that they are all to busy to do small jobs. Commissioner Barnes asked if they would be installed in time for the dedication. Mr. Niemczak replied that he did not think they would. He stated that dedication would have to be done and later return to install the columns. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele for an update on the interactive fountain. Ms. Steele responded that they are waiting to hear back from the company. She noted that the company was on vacation for the last couple of weeks. Commissioner Barnes inquired about the card system for the dog park. Ms. Steele responded that she has a meeting scheduled January 5, 2006, to gather more information and come up with a game plan. It is scheduled to go to the City Council on January 26. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that it was previously discussed that some of the columns at the park needed refurbishing and asked if it has been done. Mr. Niemczak responded that the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District is going to power wash and clean them. Ms. Steele stated the Commission had asked her to look into the 430 Fund for the pool, and she was unable to find the money. She said that she would continue to look. 11 G VevServiceslMonica LotedolWoni DatelPa/ks&RBCIMinutesl2006 Minutesil 4-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2006 Vice Chair Munson suggested looking at past meeting minutes. It was mentioned looking back to the year 2003. Commissioner Barnes asked if there was anything new with the pool. Ms. Steele responded that the City received 12 proposals for design and construction services. She mentioned the first round of reviewing proposals have been completed and has been narrowed down. Interviews have been scheduled. She noted that Commissioner Schukart would be sitting in the interviews to represent the College of the Desert and the Commission. She asked if anyone else was interested to let her know. Commissioner Barnes responded that he would be interested. He requested that she send him a schedule of the interviews. She stated that the interviews would be held in the Administrative Conference Room. XII. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:47 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G:tDevServicesWonica LoredolWord DaWParks&RecWinufesk2006 Minutes11-4.06.mm.doc