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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks and Recreation Commission NOVEMBER 15, 2005- [[K2 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Schukart Absent: Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Terry Scheurer Commissioner Van Tanner Staff Present: Richard Kelly, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Meathe, Lawn Bowling Club, stated that he spoke to Michael Barnard from the Joslyn Senior Center. Mr. Barnard told him that the Lawn Bowling Club would not be allowed to play at the Center after this year. The Center wants to use the lawn bowling area for something that would produce income. Mr. Barnard also told Mr. Meathe that lawn bowling is an expense to the Center, although Mr. Meathe feels that they are covering their costs. Mr. Meathe indicated that they have no other place to go but to the Civic Center. Mr. Ackerman, Lawn Bowling Club, commented that the Club has been at the Senior Center for two decades. He stated that the Executive Director has made it very clear that this is the last year for the Club at the Center. He briefly explained the treatment for a lawn bowling green, and that it takes a year for the green to mature. He mentioned that people from different parts of the country come to this city for lawn bowling. Mr. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Ackerman requested a commitment from the City to provide space at the Civic Center for lawn bowling. Commissioner Schukart asked Mr. Meathe and Mr. Ackerman if they knew the cost for fencing the area for lawn bowling. They responded that they did not know. They did mention that they have asked other clubs in other areas, and a ballpark figure that they received was $125,000 to install a lawn bowling green. They stated that they did not know if it included fencing. Commissioner Barnes commented that if lawn bowling goes in next to the Skate Park, the fence would have to be the same. He commented that Staff should be able to find out how much the fencing at the Skate Park cost, and get an approximate cost for fencing the lawn bowling area. Mr. Niemczak replied that he would look for the cost of the Skate Park fencing. Commissioner Schukart asked if the people that play lawn bowling pay association dues. If so, he asked what the dues cover. Mr. Meathe and Mr. Ackerman responded that the dues cover a small amount for the equipment, and the remaining money goes to the Joslyn Senior Center. Commissioner Schukart asked if the Lawn Bowling Association would continue paying their dues to offset some of the City's costs for the upkeep of the lawn. Mr. Ackerman replied that they would. Commissioner Babcock asked if the number of people playing lawn bowling would stay the same or are they looking at increasing the number of participants and other events. Mr. Ackerman responded that the standard is 120 people. They are proposing that they be open twice as much. Commissioner Barnes asked if they need a building at the lawn bowling area. Mr. Ackerman responded that they do for equipment. The Commission requested that Staff look at considering lawn bowling at the Civic Center Park, and put on the next Parks & Recreation Commission agenda. Mr. Niemczak stated that he would get the construction cost for fencing, storage, and irrigation. 2 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data1Parks&RecLWnutes111-15-05.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Commissioner Dawson mentioned that Staff should meet with the Joslyn Senior Center to analyze the cost for maintenance to continue having lawn bowling at the Center. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 2, 2005 Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission of November 2, 2005, approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Barnes and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair J. Munson, Commissioners T. Scheurer and V. Tanner ABSENT. V. PRESENTATIONS A. PALM DESERT MIDDLE SCHOOL Ms. Steele announced that the Palm Desert Middle School (PDMS) made a presentation at a recent City Council meeting. She thought they did a great job, and invited them to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Ms. Steele introduced Mrs. Wylie, Palm Desert Middle School teacher. Mrs. Wylie explained the project that they gave their students last year. Their project and question was "What would make Palm Desert a more desirable place to live?" She briefly explained the student's research and ideas. Mrs. Wylie introduced Mr. Raine Armstrong, PDMS eighth grade student. Mr. Armstrong addressed the Commission. He communicated that both his grandparents have lived in the Coachella Valley for most of their life, and they have lived in the City of Palm Desert for 35 years. He mentioned that his parents were born and raised in the Coachella Valley. Mr. Armstrong hopes to continue to make Palm Desert a more inviting place for families to live. He spoke of activities that he and his family enjoys doing. He briefly explained the project and his ideas. His idea was to put in a park near Painter's Path and the wash. He shared a park design he developed for a "new park," and mentioned the different activities and plants that would be in the park. Chairman Guyer commented he found it interesting that almost every idea that was mentioned has been discussed at the Parks & Recreation Commission. Mrs. Wylie mentioned that there is not much for teenagers to do or places to go. The Commission briefly discussed a teen center. Chairman Guyer 3 GlDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DaWParks&RecWinutes111-15-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 mentioned that there was a site and a building picked out, but when brought to the kids there was no feedback or response from them. He indicated that if the kids want to pursue a teen center that they can bring their ideas to the Commission. Commissioner Babcock asked if it is possible to receive copies of the slides that the school presented. Mrs. Wylie responded that the presentation has been saved to the City's computer. Ms. Steele mentioned that she could make copies for the Commission. The Commission thanked Mrs. Wylie and Mr. Armstrong for their presentation. VI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any questions concerning the organizational chart. Ms. Steele commented that there have been lots of changes to personnel, and felt that the chart was valuable information. B. CALIFORNIA ACTIVE PARK CAMPAIGN Ms. Steele communicated the Governor is setting up a list of parks where people can stay active. She provided the website, and the list of parks in Palm Desert that were included on the website. C. CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF PARK & RECREATION COMMISSIONERS AND BOARD MEMBERS Ms. Steele stated that she would be submitting memberships for the Park & Recreation Commission to the California Park and Recreation Society and the National Recreation Park Association. As members, the Commission will receive newsletters and other information. Commissioner Babcock asked if it has been checked if the land south of BLM is City property. He mentioned that he thought there was a trail/park in that area. Councilman Kelly replied that the City owns land in that area, but it is a very delicate area due to the bighorn sheep. It was mentioned that it was probably not listed or advertised as a park or trail because of the bighorn sheep. 4 G.OevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes111-15-05.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 D. MARKET AND FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE PROPOSED AQUATIC CENTER (FEBRUARY 1996) Ms. Steele stated that in the agenda packet is a copy of the 1996 feasibility study that was done for an aquatic center. She stated that Commissioner Barnes requested copies of the study be given to the Commission. Commissioner Barnes asked if the Commission has had a chance to read the study. He feels that the study is still valid as far as the statistics. E. PARKS AND RECREATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR FREEDOM PARK Ms. Steele commented that she wanted to provide a copy of the RFP as an informational item. Councilman Kelly asked when would construction begin for Freedom Park. Ms. Steele responded that she is hoping construction will begin in late February. At this time she is trying to ensure that all the documents are correct so that no change orders are required. F. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR AQUATIC CENTER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES Ms. Steele stated that she also provided a copy of the RFP for the aquatic center. Commissioner Barnes commented that the aquatic design that was approved consists of 3.5 acres. He noted that the RFP discloses approximately two acres. Councilman Kelly responded that the City is going to request 3.5 acres from College of the Desert (COD). Commissioner Barnes stated that COD has presented two places, near Magnesia Falls and across the street from Civic Center/Park. Commissioner Barnes asked Commissioner Schukart if COD is giving more than two acres. Commissioner Schukart replied no. Commissioner Schukart recalls asking Aquatic Design if they would be able to reconfigure Scheme Two (facility design) to fit on 2.2 acres. Aquatic Design's response was that parking could be rearranged, and that there would not be a problem. 5 GlDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data Parks&RecMinutesk11-15-05.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Councilman Kelly voiced that there is parking available across the street. Ms. Steele stated that the City is going with Scheme Two. She mentioned that there is a lot of existing parking that can be used. Aquatic Design developed Scheme Two based on no location and nothing existing in the area. She indicated that the design that was presented included lots of parking and overflow parking. Commissioner Barnes asked where parking across the street is going to be located. Ms. Steele responded next to the Skate Park. Commissioner Barnes noted that the Commission is looking at adding lawn bowling next to the skate park. Commissioner Barnes recommended tearing down the tennis courts, and possibly fitting them at COD. He stated that tennis courts space could be available for other activities. Commissioner Schukart indicated that the COD Board of Directors has approved the General Facilities Plan. He said it is not easy taking pieces of property COD and moving facilities. It would have to go back to the Board of Directors. Commissioner Barnes voiced his concern that two acres is not enough for Scheme Two. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes if they should look at a different location. Commissioner Barnes replied yes. Ms. Steele stated that she went to the City Council requesting direction for the site, scheme, and to move forward with an RFP. The City Council's direction was to move ahead with the RFP. She noted that Aquatic Design initially worked with the City, but has not won the design contract. Councilman Kelly stated that the Commission has come a long way and if changed now, the City will be back to square one. He stated that the process for the project would need to continue with the decisions that have been made. Commissioner Dawson commented that the Commission will still be able to see the RFP's before they make another decision. Commissioner Barnes noted that he feels that they are moving too fast. He thinks that they should have an indoor/outdoor pool, a pool that is more than 25 yards in length, and a bulkhead system in order to accommodate different activities and people. He expressed his concerns with cost and subsidizing at a pool. Commissioner Babcock commented that other cities that have pools have shown that it costs more to run than they estimated. 6 G OevServicesWonica LoredolWord Data 1Parks&RecWinutes111-15-05 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Councilman Kelly noted that COD, the City, and possibly other cities would use the pool. VII. NEW BUSINESS - None Vill. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None IX. OLD BUSINESS A. HOMME/ADAMS PARK BARRIER Authorize Staff to proceed with the replacement of the palm trunks. Mr. Niemczak requested that the Commission authorize Staff to proceed to replace the palm trunks. He stated the tentative cost would be $15,000. Ms. Steele noted if the Commission decides to move forward, Mr. Niemczak would have to take this item to the Landscape Beautification Committee. Commissioner Barnes asked if it has gone to the City Council for approval. Ms. Steele responded that it would first have to be approved by the Landscape Beautification Committee. Commissioner Babcock asked where the boulders are going to be located. Mr. Niemczak responded that they would go in the same path as the palm trunks. Commissioner Babcock asked if there would be a roadway going through. Mr. Niemczak responded that there would be enough room to install a gate and a roadway to let the maintenance crew through. Commissioner G. Dawson motioned for City Staff to proceed replacing the palm logs with boulders at Homme/Adams Park. Motion was seconded by Commissioner T. Schukart and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair J. Munson, Commissioners T. Scheurer and V. Tanner ABSENT, B. PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATION Authorize Staff to proceed with contract negotiations and seek City Council approval for a Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment Survey. Ms. Steele reported the she received seven proposals for the needs assessment, and had seven people (four Commissioners and three Staff Members) evaluate the proposals. She noted that the score totals are on page 102 of the agenda packet. Ms. Steele recommended that the Commission authorize Staff to move forward with contract negotiations. 7 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecMnutes111-15-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 She noted that there is only one City Council meeting in December, and would like to receive the Council's approval at the December meeting to stay on a timeline. Commissioner Dawson recommended that City Staff move ahead with ETC Institute without Option Task D: Develop Performance Measures/Indices and Option Task E: Conduct Consensus Building Workshops. Commissioner Barnes asked if the survey was only going to include Parks & Recreation or are they going to get into other things, such as the fire department, ambulance, etc. Ms. Steele responded that they survey is only for Parks & Recreation. She mentioned that the company has the ability to do other city services. Ms. Steele stated that the Commission would have the opportunity to review the questions before the survey is sent out. She also mentioned that if it were approved by the City Council, a message concerning the survey would be added to the City's newsletter to encourage participation. Commissioner Babcock asked what the company is doing that the Commission/Staff could not do. Ms. Steele responded that they are looking for a statically valid citizens' survey. She believes that the City does not have the expertise, the City could not benchmark against other cities, and the City would not be as objective. Ms. Steele stated that the company would survey the citizens' based on the questions that we are asking them to ask. Commissioner Barnes voiced his concern with the number of residents that would participate. Ms. Steele responded that the number indicated on page 105 of the agenda packet shows how many surveys it would take to receive 95% level of confidence. Councilman Kelly asked how many proposals were received. Ms. Steele replied seven. He asked if all proposals indicate that 600 surveys is the right number to survey. Ms. Steele replied that all but one did, and it ranked low. Commissioner G. Dawson motioned for City Staff to have ETC Institute proceed with a citizens' survey. Motion was seconded by Commissioner T. Schukart and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair J. Munson, Commissioners T. Scheurer and V. Tanner ABSENT. 8 G.OevServicesWonica LOredo WOrd DaWParks&RecWinutesl I 1-15-05.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 X. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE Ms. Steele reported that she contacted Wet Design, and asked if they could find a buyer for the equipment. Wet Design responded that they do not buy equipment back, and that they do not have a list of people that would be interested in buying the equipment. Wet Design also mentioned that the equipment was designed for the City of Palm Desert, and they would have to check with their legal counsel if the City could sell it. Ms. Steele mentioned that Mr. Stendell commented that when Wet Design's business burned down a couple of years ago, Wet Design needed parts from the City's water feature. She noted that the City helped them by letting them take the parts. Ms. Steele stated that she was going to give them a call to remind them of that. She will keep the Commission updated. Commissioner Barnes recommended that when Wet Design comes out that someone that is knowledgeable is there with them to make sure Staff knows what they are talking about. XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dawson commented that his wife has become the chairperson of a hiking group. He indicated that they do not know where all the hiking trails are located. Ms. Steele responded that she has a map that she can give him. Chairman Guyer indicated that he had several parents tell him that there have been several auto break-ins at the Soccer Park. Ms. Steele responded that she would look into it. Ms. Steele reported that there have been a couple of fires. There was a palapa at Homme/Adams and the shade structure at Joe Mann Park. Commissioner Babcock asked if the parks are being checked by the Police Department. Ms. Steele responded that they have been very helpful. If they know that things are happening, they will go around and check the areas. She also mentioned that Park Patrol goes around and reports weekly. Commissioner Dawson asked if there are emergency phones at the parks. Ms. Steele responded no. He asked if there should be emergency phones 9 GlDevServicesWonica LoredolWord Data lParks&ReclMinutesl11-15-05 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2005 at the parks. It was mentioned that people could use cell phones and dial 911. Commissioner Barnes commented that when doing the park inspections, he could not tell if the lights are working unless you go at night. He mentioned that when he inspected the Skate Park, the attendant told him several of the lights were out. He thinks that the lights have to be checked every so often. Ms. Steele stated that Park Patrol should be checking the lights and let Staff know. Mr. Niemczak stated that he hears about the lights that are out. He waits until there are several lights out so that it is worth to bring out an electrician. There might be a light that is out for two or three weeks before it is fixed. Commissioner Babcock commented that once the trail from Cahuilla Park to the Bump n' Grind is connected; sooner or later the Commission/Staff would have to look at having restrooms in that area. He suggested having restrooms at the trailhead. Ms. Steele responded that the Community Development Department handles trails, and that she would discuss it with them. XII. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:10 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 10 G:IDevServicesWonica LoredolWord Data Parks&Rec MInutesO 1-15-05.min doc