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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 12-07-2005 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor III. INTRODUCTIONS A. PARK MAINTENANCE STAFF Ms. Steele stated that she felt it would be important to introduce the Park Maintenance Staff that work hard outside everyday. Mr. Niemczak introduced Ricardo Torres, Jose Torres, Ernesto Teran, and Ernie Owens. Councilman Spiegel commented that he took the head person for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments for Hotels on a golf cart ride around the park. The gentleman commented that he has never seen a park that looks so good. Councilman Spiegel thanked the Maintenance Staff. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, YMCA, commented that the kids enjoy the park, and they are looking forward to using the playground equipment once it is finished. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission of November 15, 2005, approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Barnes and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner T. Scheurer ABSENT. B. SECOND PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING FOR DECEMBER Discussion and recommendation to cancel the Tuesday, December 20, 2005, scheduled meeting due to the holiday. Commissioner Barnes motioned to cancel the December 20, 2005, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. Motion was seconded by Chairman Guyer and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner T. Scheurer ABSENT. VI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. PARK VANDALISM Ms. Steele reported there has been an increased amount of vandalism in City Parks. She stated that she is working closely with the Sheriff’s Department and the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) to help alleviate some of the vandalism. The Sheriff’s Department commented to her that incidents increase this time of year. Ms. Steele noted some of the activity that has been happening, such as numerous fires and four-wheel driving at Cahuilla Hills Park, cars at the Soccer Park were broken into, and vandalism at the Portola Community Center just to name a few. She asked the Commission to keep an eye on the parks and to give her any suggestions to prevent vandalism. Commissioner Dawson asked why incidents increase this time of the year. Ms Steele responded that the Sheriff’s Department believes it is due to the weather and school vacation. Commissioner Schukart commented that he was recently at the Soccer Park, and someone with a golf cart made several sets of donuts in Field One. He suggested the Commission have a discussion on installing some 2 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 concrete posts at the corner openings where you can walk through, but not drive through. Commissioner Tanner asked how many times in the past has the City experienced this type of activity with golf carts/cars at the Soccer Park. Mr. Niemczak replied that the last incident was the second time since he has been with the City. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. CAHUILLA PARK ACCESS GATE Discussion and recommendation to install an access gate on the gravel road by the Water District’s pump station. Mr. Niemczak reported that not only is there vandalism at Cahuilla Hills Park, he has also received complaints from the residents that people are driving into the access road past the pump station along the wash, and parking by the trail heads. He reported that he was looking into installing a gate north of the Coachella Valley Water District’s (CVWD) pump house. CVWD would have access to the pump house, and the gate could be opened and closed in the morning and evening by CVRPD. Councilman Spiegel asked if the homes in the area would be affected. Mr. Niemczak responded that it would only limit access past the water pump along the wash. Commissioner Babcock asked where the gates would be installed. Mr. Niemczak responded that they would be just past the pump station. They would not be able to park behind the tennis courts at night. Chairman Guyer asked if there is parking to use the trail. Mr. Niemczak responded that there is not. VIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. LAWN BOWLING Discussion on the location and construction of a lawn bowling facility. Ms. Steele reported that at the last Commission meeting City Staff was directed to return with costs on building a lawn bowling facility at the Civic Center Park. Mr. Niemczak stated that he spoke to a representative from Enviable Greens. He was given a price of $158,000 for the site work, $19,000 for 3 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 the fencing to match the Skate Park fence, $5,000 for a storage facility, and $3,000 for irrigation. He mentioned that Mr. Ackerman introduced him to a consulting firm that installs lawn bowling courts in desert areas. He circulated an e-mail to the Commissioners with information he received from the consultant. Mr. Niemczak communicated that the consultant stated that a lawn bowling court could be built between $80,000 and $100,000. The consultant fee is approximately $40,000. He noted that he was only passing on the information to the Commission. Mr. Duke Ackerman, Lawn Bowling Association, commented that the consultant built the court at Smoke Tree. Chairman Guyer asked if San Diego or Los Angles have lawn bowling. If so, are they private clubs or part of the Parks and Recreation Department? Mr. Ackerman responded that they are public clubs and are public accessible. Mr. Niemczak stated that the City of Riverside has a lawn bowling facility, which is maintained by the City, but is only accessed by the lawn bowling clubs. Councilman Spiegel asked where it is located. Mr. Niemczak responded in their park. He mentioned that it is gated and has a shed. Mr. Ackerman mentioned that Lyle Adams has built numerous lawn bowling greens in desert climates and under similar circumstances. He noted that Lyle Adams renovated the Smoke Tree Lawn. Mr. Ackerman mentioned that he asked Mr. Adams if it costs more or less to build greens in the desert. Mr. Adams indicated that it costs less due to the drainage factor. Mr. Ackerman commented that the desert does not have a drainage problem. He also commented that the consultant estimated the cost to be $80,000 to $100,000. Mr. Niemczak stated that he would like to speak to the consultant because the figure he received from Environmental Greens differs in the construction cost. Chairman Guyer asked Staff what is the potential information we could obtain by contacting the San Diego and other Recreational facilities. Mr. Ackerman mentioned that he has contacted other facilities and those facilities recommended Lyle Adams, Consultant. Mr. Ackerman expressed that their Association is on a time constraint as the Joslyn Senior Center is not allowing them to stay, and it takes time for the lawn to mature. 4 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Babcock asked if artificial turf is used in other areas for lawn bowling. Mr. Ackerman responded that he has talked to several people in Arizona, and all of them have chosen natural grass. Commissioner Barnes asked that if artificial turf was used, would it have an impact on tournaments. Mr. Ackerman replied that he did not think it would matter if turf were natural or artificial. Commissioner Babcock asked if the base would be dirt or concrete. Mr. Ackerman responded that it would be mostly dirt. Commissioner Schukart questioned Mr. Ackerman concerning a facility that is located in a public park, but could only be accessed by one group. He feels the Commission would have to really think and discuss how it would be accessed. He feels that the Commission would face interesting inquiries from non-bowlers that would want to use the area for lawn bowling. Mr. Ackerman stated that anyone could currently bowl at the Joslyn Senior Center for a fee. Commissioner Tanner stated that he is familiar with the Smoke Tree facility and asked if it is private and do they host tournaments. Mr. Ackerman replied that they have not held a tournament for several years. Commissioner Limont asked Mr. Ackerman how many full-time members are there in the club. Mr. Ackerman replied approximately 45 in season. She asked if they bowl through the summer months. Mr. Ackerman replied no because it is too hot. Commissioner Limont asked if they play October through June. Mr. Ackerman responded that the green is usually not ready until November. He commented that he has talked to some people in Arizona and some of the options would be to open the facilities at different times and more than three days as they do now. He noted that Arizona installed lights to bowl at night. Commissioner Barnes asked who currently supervises the facility at the Joslyn Senior Center. Mr. Ackerman responded that their Association has secretary and a treasurer that collect the fees. Commissioner Barnes asked if he could go at anytime to lawn bowl if he has $3 or would he have to make an appointment. Mr. Ackerman responded that if you are a club member, a member pays $75 for a year. Commissioner Barnes asked if lawn bowling were to come to the Civic Center, who would take the collection of the fee. 5 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Tanner explained his concern that it would cost a lot of money to install a lawn bowling facility, and the City does not have the resources to keep it in nice shape. He noted that whether it is fenced or not, it would be used. He stated when one fences an area; it is an invitation to jump the fence. Mr. Ackerman voiced that lawn bowling currently is a public facility. If lawn bowling were to be at the Civic Center, it would be open to different age groups. He mentioned that they would be there to monitor the area while taking the fees. Commissioner Dawson asked if CVRPD offers lawn bowling. Ms. McGalliard replied that they do not, and could possibly offer it. She noted that they have a lawn bowling tournament during the Senior Olympic Games. The tournament is held at the Joslyn Senior Center. Ms. McGalliard commented that she agrees with Commissioner Barnes and Commissioner Tanner that lawn bowling does need some coordination by someone to monitor it. Commissioner Limont added that once the lawn is down, it would only take a couple of incidents to ruin the green. She feels that the location for a lawn bowling facility is a huge factor. Commissioner Tanner commented that there would be a cost to man lawn bowling, and it would be ruined if left unattended. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Ackerman that if the issues at the Joslyn Senior Center could be resolved, would the Association be willing to stay there. Mr. Ackerman replied that they would stay, but that they would have a concern on how long they could be there. Councilman Spiegel explained that the City could help with financial losses. He recounted the vandalism that is currently happening in the parks. Councilman Spiegel stated that there has to be discussion with the Joslyn Senior Center, and ask what is their concern with lawn bowling. Chairman Guyer stated that his understanding was that the Center would like to use the area to put in a building. Councilman Spiegel commented that the property adjacent to the Senior Center was given to them. He suggested that a couple of Commissioners and Staff talk to the Center’s Board. Ms. Steele suggested advertising lawn bowling with CVRPD to bring in more members. 6 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Babcock voiced his concerns with the costs to maintain the turf. After a brief discussion, there will be a meeting setup to talk to the Joslyn Senior Center concerning lawn bowling, and the Commission would be updated at the next meeting. Commissioner Barnes, Tanner, and Dawson volunteered to represent the Parks & Recreation Commission in discussions with the Joslyn Senior Center. IX. OLD BUSINESS - None X. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they had any questions concerning the Park Inspection Report. Commissioner Limont commented that there are a lot of little pieces of paper (trash) at the Soccer Park. She asked if Staff could contact the coaches to have kids pickup their trash after games. Her thought is to pickup as you go, and not to depend on Parks & Recreation to cleanup after them. Commissioner Dawson indicated that the trash is not only at the Soccer Park. There are little pieces of paper all over at other parks too. Commissioner Limont responded that there are organized groups using the Soccer Park, and that people could be contacted concerning the trash. Vice Chair Munson asked if the pieces of paper are from snacks kids are eating. A couple of the Commissioners responded that they were from snacks such as candy. Commissioner Schukart commented that when he jogs by the Soccer Park he is seeing people running their dogs off leash. He mentioned that he was at the Soccer Park for about approximately 30 minutes, and saw seven dogs off leash. Commissioner Schukart voiced his concern with dogs defecating in areas where children are playing and falling down. He feels if there continues to be issues at Dog Parks, people will decide to go elsewhere such as the Soccer Park, which is a large open area. There are several joggers and walkers at the Soccer Park with dogs off leash. Mr. Niemczak suggested having Code Enforcement patrol and enforce the Code at 6:00 a.m. Chairman Guyer also suggested that Code 7 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Enforcement let people know of Dog Parks that are available to run their dog. Ms. Steele stated that the signs with the rules were installed approximately two or three months ago because she was receiving complaints of dogs running off leash. Commissioner Schukart asked why the City could not have signs that say “No Dogs Allowed.” Commissioner Limont commented that she was at the Soccer Park one Sunday afternoon, and there were dogs off their leash. Commissioner Schukart stated that there are people having picnics, there are concessions, and there are kids constantly falling on the ground. He could not see why dogs need to be at the Soccer Park. Commissioner Tanner asked if this is a Commission or City issue. Commissioner Dawson mentioned that it is the Commissions issue. Commissioner Tanner asked Commissioner Dawson if that was his motion. He did not respond. Commissioner Schukart stated that he would make such a motion. Commissioner Schukart motioned to have “No Dogs Allowed” sign installed at the Soccer Park. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Tanner and carried with an 8-0 vote with Commissioner T. Scheurer ABSENT. Chairman Guyer requested that if the signs do go up, let people know where they could take their dogs. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Tanner asked if the motion is a recommendation to the City Council. Ms. Steele asked the same question. It was asked if it is a City Ordinance. Councilman Spiegel responded that there is an ordinance that says all dogs must be on a leash unless they are in a dog park with their owners. He stated if there is an area where dogs are not allowed it is up to the Commission to decide. Vice Chair Munson commented that Ms. Steele’s phone is going to be ringing. Commissioner Babcock stated the Commission could put up signs, but people do not read them. He suggested that the rules be enforced and people are cited when the rules are broken. 8 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Barnes asked if the City Council would need to approve the “No Dogs Allowed” sign. The Commission responded no. He asked if the Sheriff’s Department would be notified. Staff would notify the City Council and the Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner Limont indicated that she has not seen the goals anchored at the Soccer Park. She asked if they are going to be installed. Vice Chair Munson also commented that she has not seen any anchors. Commissioner Tanner commented that there are several sites where the goals were anchored, but that it is difficult at this time because the short- sized fields. He knows that it is a safety issue, but it is also going to be difficult to enforce. Vice Chair Munson communicated that kids are constantly hanging from them, and one day they will come down and a kid will get hurt. Commissioner Limont voiced her concern that she is not worried about the kid that breaks his/her arm, but is worried about the kid that breaks his/her neck. Commissioner Tanner stated that if something is going to be done, it has to be done now. The goals are up all year around; his concern is when the area is not supervised. He mentioned that there are goals with rebar installed. Vice Chair Munson asked if the goals could still be moved. He replied yes. Councilman Spiegel asked Vice Chair Munson if there have been any accidents at Washington Charter School. She responded that there have been a number of accidents such as broken arms. She is not sure if it has to do with the equipment or the kids. Vice Chair Munson commented that she would check with the principal. B. DESERT ICE HOUSE, INC. Ms. Steele provided an update on the ice rink. She stated that the Commission had requested additional information from Desert Ice House. The additional information is included in the agenda packets. Ms. Steele noted that there is no land just yet. She also noted that there would be ice rink questions added to the survey that will be on the City Council agenda for approval on Thursday, December 8, 2005. Bottom line is that there is no land at this time. Councilman Spiegel commented that they are looking at another regional park in the north sphere. He is not sure when, but it will come up 9 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 eventually. He commented that there might be land there for an ice skating rink. Commissioner Barnes asked Councilman Spiegel about the land at the corner south of Portola and Frank Sinatra next to Desert Willow, could an ice rink and a hotel be built in that area. He replied that it could. Councilman Spiegel commented that it would be a good solution, and the Marriott would love it because it would give their guests additional activities. He added that the main thing the Commission would need to see is what kind of business this is and what is the financial situation. He commented that he was impressed with Desert Ice House. Commissioner Barnes agreed with him. Commissioner Barnes asked what does Desert Ice House want from the City. The Commission responded that they want land. Ms. Steele expressed that she and Mr. Niemczak feel that Desert Ice House are willing to do anything we ask them to do. They are not pushing their views. They are interested in having a pleasing architectural building that would fit well with the City of Palm Desert. Chairman Guyer asked Councilman Spiegel if there is property behind Costco. He thought there was seven acres available north and west of Costco, Councilman Spiegel responded that the City sold the seven acres. Commissioner Tanner commented that at one time it was discussed that a BMX track was going to put there. Commissioner Barnes shared that the market profile completed by Combs is on target. The Commission agreed it was excellent. They also communicated that they would like to see an actual business plan and a pro-forma statement. Commissioner Babcock asked why the rink could not go where the big shopping center (Walmart) is located. Because there would be more traffic, people would want to go to the rink. Councilman Spiegel informed the Commission that Portola is going to be a very important road for the City. The City is working on connecting Portola and the I-10. It would also connect with Dinah Shore. If you live in Palm Desert and want to go to Walmart, you would not want to go down Monterey. Commissioner Barnes asked Councilman Spiegel if the City still owns property by the Marriott timeshares. He responded that the City still owns 10 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 some of the land. Commissioner Barnes asked why the ice rink could not go in that area. He feels that it would be a good location. Ms. Steele requested that the Commission clarify their direction. Does Staff request a business plan and pro-forma statement from all three groups? The Commission said yes. Commissioner Schukart indicated that there is a statement of credit worthiness that they could get from an institution that would suffice in terms of available capital. His concern is that if we ask all three people that have approached the Commission for the pro-forma statements, then the City advertises for Request for Proposals (RFP), there would be others that come forward that did not have an opportunity to do this exercise before the RFP’s. Would it later be a problem? The Commission had discussion on the opportunities of having an ice rink by the Marriott. Commissioner Babcock asked what the City would gain from the ice rink. Some of the Commissioners responded sales tax and Staff mentioned services that are currently not being provided. Commissioner Tanner shared that the ice rink would bring more to the City of Palm Desert. Commissioner Dawson asked if the Commission cares if the ice rink is either for-profit or non-profit organization. Ms. Steele responded that this project would be for-profit. Chairman Guyer noted that they are not going to get ten acres. At this time, the Commission does not know how much acreage to offer. Commissioner Babcock asked what happens if Macy’s comes in and requests land from the City. Commissioner Barnes replied that they buy their own land, and that they are a private business. Commissioner Tanner asked Commissioner Babcock if he does not like the idea of giving land for an ice rink. Commissioner Tanner expressed that we would be giving back to the City of Palm Desert. The City would be serving the public. Chairman Guyer motioned to direct City Staff to request pro-forma business statements from all parties that are interested, and have it applied to land such as A and B. Motion was seconded by 11 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Tanner and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner T. Scheurer ABSENT. C. HANDBALL COURTS Mr. Niemczak stated that there was no response for the construction of handball courts. He stated that he would be contacting a number of local construction companies. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Niemczak if he contacted anyone at the high school. He said that he would find out who was the contractor. Commissioner Schukart informed Mr. Niemczak that the City of Rancho Mirage has a small court in their Whitewater Park by the wash. He said that it was recently built. XI. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes mentioned that the approval for the citizens’ survey is on the City Council agenda on December 8, 2005. He asked if there is a list of things that the Commission would like ETC Institute to look into. Ms. Steele responded the she has a list from Commissioner Barnes. She welcomed ideas from the Commission and said that they could e-mail her with a list. Vice Chair Munson mentioned that the proposal was very specific, and covered everything. Commissioner Babcock asked for an update on Freedom Park. Ms. Steele responded that the notice for a Construction Manager closes on December 8, 2005. She said bid documents should be finished the following week. Staff needs to clarify when to open and close bids, and when to have pre-construction meetings. In the meantime, plans are being overnighted so they can be signed-off and out to bid. Commissioner Babcock asked if there were any changes made since they last looked at the plans approximately a year ago. Ms. Steele responded that she has not changed anything. She noted that there is some discussion on the artwork going in at Freedom Park. Ms. Steele commented that she would keep the Commission updated on the artwork. Commissioner Barnes recommended two items for the next meeting. He stated that there is going to be a large number of condominiums and apartments going in at Frank Sinatra and Gerald Ford. He commented 12 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 that it would have an impact as far as parks go. He suggested Phil Drell come to the meeting to discuss the project. Ms. Steele asked if he knew the name of the development. He replied that Taylor Woodrow is the applicant. Ms. Steele mentioned that the community is gated. The applicant did take the project to the City Council, and they were directed to see her about the parks. She indicated that she did meet with them and has a copy of the plan, if anyone is interested in looking at it. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that the developer is looking at putting in a community pool (25 yards), jacuzzi, playgrounds, a spray area, bathrooms, locker rooms, barbeques, and green space area. There will also be two smaller pools and they all will have bathrooms. Commissioner Barnes asked if they are putting in tennis courts. Ms. Steele responded that she does not remember seeing tennis courts in the plan. Commissioner Tanner commented that he has lived in a gated and non- gated community, which both had tennis courts and they were never used. Commissioner Barnes stated his concern regarding whether there is going to be enough park space. How much of a burden would be put in the parks with the 750 units going in with Taylor Woodrow’s project. It was mentioned that Freedom Park, the University Park Project, and some neighborhood parks would be going in too. Commissioner Barnes asked Commissioner Schukart for an update on the negotiations with College of the Desert concerning the Aquatic Center. Commissioner Schukart responded that the negotiations are stalled. He mentioned that there are still meetings going on with the Vice President and Carlos Ortega regarding the financials. Commissioner Tanner asked what is the City’s position. Commissioner Schukart suggested speaking to Mr. Ortega for more information. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that maybe Mr. Ortega could come to the next Commission meeting. Chairman Guyer commented that the Commission would need to ask Mr. Ortega why the project has stalled. The Commission discussed meeting to receive an update on the Aquatic Center from Mr. Ortega. The Commission decided to meet Tuesday, December 20, 2005, to get an update on the Aquatic Center from Mr. Ortega. 13 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 Commissioner Tanner asked where has Commissioner Scheurer been. Ms. Steele responded that he has moved to Desert Hot Springs, but that she has not seen an official resignation. She mentioned that City Clerk’s office is in the process of interviewing and filling vacant positions for Committees/Commissions. Commissioner Limont stated that she would like to see how much money the City of Palm Desert is spending with CVRPD on the next agenda. Her last comment was to move forward with the signs at the Soccer Park. XII. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 14 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15436 (2)_941900\\15436 (2).doc