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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 12-20-2005 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Terry Scheurer Vice Chair Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Terry Schukart Commissioner Van Tanner Staff Present: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manager Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - None V. NEW BUSINESS - None VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None VII. OLD BUSINESS - None 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 VIII. REPORT AND UPDATES A. AQUATIC CENTER – CARLOS L. ORTEGA, CITY MANAGER Mr. Carlos Ortega, City Manager, reported that he is certain that Ms. Steele has updated the Commission on the City Council’s decision to pursue Scheme Two, which was the Commission’s recommendation for an aquatic center. He stated that the City would be working with the College of the Desert (COD). COD has offered a site and offered some lease terms for an aquatic center, and it is in the process of being put into an agreement. He commented that the agreement is the easy part, but the problem is coming up with $8 million or more. Mr. Ortega indicated that he is looking for partners. He noted that the City Council had not specifically allocated any money, but that Staff has shown that the City might have between $4.5- $4.9 million available. He stated that the City has approached COD in contributing to the funding of an aquatic center. He also met with Mr. Stan Ford of the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), and he indicated that they are willing to participate in this project if money could be found. Mr. Ortega explained that the City could probably help since the City’s Redevelopment Agency has agreements for pass through funds with COD and CVRPD. He mentioned that they have been able to use those funds in previous occasions with both agencies to fund projects that are a benefit. He stated that they are currently having discussions with COD regarding their participation. He also stated that he had a meeting with Mr. Sam Cook, Executive Director of the COD Foundation, concerning funding. Mr. Cook indicated that they would be willing to put in some money. The City would also be approaching the YMCA. Mr. Ortega mentioned that he would be meeting with the Desert Sands School District in January for their participation with pass through funds. Mr. Ortega indicated that by the time the project is designed, the City should have funding in place. His challenge is the continued operations. As it was mentioned by the consultant at the City Council meeting, even in the best of scenarios, there is only an 80 percent cost recovery from all the outside users. He commented the City could come up with the funding, by creating partnerships and user agreements the ongoing operational and maintenance costs would be the challenge. Chairman Guyer asked the Commissioners if they had any questions for Mr. Ortega. Commissioner Tanner asked Mr. Ortega if he has a time frame in collecting all the information and moving forward in regards to the 2 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 partners. Mr. Ortega responded that based on a conversation with Mr. Patton from COD, he has approached their Board with the City’s offer and suggestions. He commented that the Board looked at the project positively, but the Board wants Mr. Patton to do an additional analysis. Mr. Ortega feels that they should be receiving something back from COD in the near future. Commissioner Tanner asked Mr. Ortega if he is able to share what was the offer from COD. He responded that he would rather not because COD has not taken an official position. He added that he could only speak for the City at this time. Mr. Ortega affirmed that the discussions are good and money is there; it is just a matter of allocating it. He said the ball is in the City’s court to show them how much money there is, and if the City issues a bond, could the City rely on that money for repayment? Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Ortega if the City is asking COD plus the other partners to use bond money to repay the City through RDA funds. Mr. Ortega explained that the City gives them money that they use in their operations or capital with RDA funds. What the City would do is keep that money and issue a bond; then the money would be used for repayment for the project. Mr. Ortega commented that is it similar to how the COD/City paid for the library. The City, County, and COD got together on a financing mechanism were the City issued the bonds. The City used the County and COD’s pass throughs to pay back the bond issue. Mr. Ortega explained that the City would be responsible for issuing the debt and putting up the money for the complex, and the City would work out an agreement with COD to pay back the debt. He explained that the agreement with CVRPD would be a little different. CVRPD would operate the aquatic center and the City would get all the users together, and there would be an agreement as to the allocation of use. Mr. Ortega noted that the City is not at that point yet. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Ortega if the $4.5 to $4.9 million is the City’s share. He replied that it is the amount that the City could count on at this time, and the City’s idea is to seek an additional $4 million from partners. He also noted that it might have to be for a little more due to the cost of construction increasing. Chairman Guyer asked if the $4.5 million is in the City’s budget or in the Parks & Recreation budget. He thought there was money set aside a few years ago for an aquatic center. Mr. Ortega responded that the City had allocated $500,000 to remodel the existing pool at COD. He indicated that the money is still available from RDA funds. 3 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 Commissioner Tanner commented that he thought there was another fund. Mr. Ortega only remembers the allocation of $500,000. Commissioner Barnes communicated to Mr. Ortega that he is not concerned about the money because the City has been good at coming up with what has been needed. His concern is with the location. He asked if the driving range was still a consideration for more space. Mr. Ortega responded that the site is still at the corner of San Pablo and Park View. Commissioner Barnes stated that 3.5 acres is needed for Scheme Two that was approved by the City Council. He recalls that the City would have to make a deal with the driving range to fit the pool and parking. Commissioner Schukart responded that COD leases the property to the driving range, so whatever agreement would have to be made is between COD and the vendor. He indicated that COD has had a discussion with the vendor, but that is not an issue at this time. Commissioner Schukart also indicated that COD has submitted a plan to the vendor showing where that line would be for the area that would cut into the end of the current driving range. Commissioner Barne’s other concern is the parking. He noted that 239 parking spaces would be needed for 71,700 square feet. He is aware that there is plenty of parking in the area, but would hate to see going into this project with the idea of having helter-skelter parking to satisfy the parking needs of an aquatic center. Commissioner Barnes commented that students would use the aquatic center parking and people would park where students are suppose to. He feels there is a parking problem, unless it could be all in one specific area where there is an aquatic center with parking. Mr. Ortega commented that COD and the consultant agree that the area for the proposed site is sufficient land for the facility that is being recommended. He indicated that there is plenty of parking, and that there would have to be some type of parking agreement with COD when there is an occasional large swim meet. He feels that there is not a concern with parking and that there would be plenty of land for a facility that is being recommended. Commissioner Barnes asked Commissioner Schukart if students have to buy a parking permit. He replied yes. Commissioner Babcock asked Mr. Ortega if an aquatic center and ice arena could share parking. He responded that the site at COD would not fit an aquatic center and ice rink. 4 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Ortega if the City Council, the City, or COD have given any thought to the monstrosity that is going to be built with the aquatic center. He referred to the slides that were rejected at the park because they were unsightly. Mr. Ortega responded that the project has not been designed. Once the aquatic center is designed, everyone involved would be able to comment, including the Architectural Review Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and the City Council. He briefly explained the various steps for the design approval process. Commissioner Barnes noted that slide would be needed to cut some of maintenance costs. Commissioner Tanner also noted that there is new technology compared to ten years ago from a moneymaking standpoint. He mentioned that people could now surf in a wave pool, which was never brought up ten years ago. Chairman Guyer reminded the Commission that the reason Mr. Ortega was asked to come to the meeting was because they had heard the project had been stalled. He asked Commissioner Barnes if he has a concern with the site not being enough space. Commissioner Barnes responded that was correct. Chairman Guyer expressed to Commissioner Barnes that if the site location were to change, the project would definitely stall. He stated that the Commission does not want it to be stalled. Mr. Ortega clarified that the project has not stalled. The City Council has given him direction and he has given direction to Staff to proceed with the design. He is in the process of providing funding for both the capital and operations for the aquatic center, and all is moving forward. Chairman Guyer asked if all parties are moving forward. Mr. Ortega responded that all parties that he has contacted have responded positively. Commissioner Barnes had a question for Mr. Ortega concerning an ice rink. He commented that the Commission has had several groups approach them requesting land for an ice rink. He mentioned that it would be a great idea to have an aquatic center and ice rink together. He understands that it would not be possible to have both at the San Pablo site location. He asked Mr. Ortega if the City has land by Marriott on Gerald Ford. He responded that the City owns 170 acres north of Frank Sinatra, which does not go all the way to Gerald Ford. Mr. Ortega had not heard that was a site for an ice rink. Commissioner Barnes replied that they have not discussed it either. Mr. Ortega noted that potential sites have been mentioned for an ice rink, but that the groups have not had the money. 5 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Ortega what is going to be built on the land on Frank Sinatra near Desert Willow. He responded that there is no specific proposal at this time. Commissioner Babcock communicated that if an ice rink and an aquatic center is built next to a timeshare it would draw people, and each would live off each other. He feels if the aquatic center were built at COD, there would not be enough draw of people. Commissioner Limont mentioned that it could also be too much traffic for one area. Commissioner Tanner also mentioned that the aquatic center site on San Pablo is centralized. Chairman Guyer asked Staff to look into if money was added to the budget several years ago for an aquatic center. Commissioner Babcock requested from Mr. Ortega if or when he comes to another Parks & Recreation meeting, if he could possibly bring plans where they can see the locations of the pool, ice rink, and other things that the Commission has talked about. Mr. Ortega responded that he was given a directive based on the Commission’s recommendation to work on an agreement with COD on lease terms and parking, seek a design proposal, and work on the operations, revenues, and capital campaigns. He commented that they are moving three issues all at once. He noted that the direction from the City Council does not include a joint facility such as an ice rink. Commissioner Tanner stated that the Commission did not make a request for a joint facility, and that the recommendation did not include an ice rink. Commissioner Limont mentioned that she understood that they are still looking for land for an ice rink. The Commission thanked Mr. Ortega for his time. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst, is working closely with her on the aquatic center. She reported that they received 12 proposals for design services and construction management support services. She commented that it would take some time to go through all the proposals. Commissioner Tanner asked if there is anyone from the Commission reviewing the proposals and is there any reason for any of them to review them. Ms. Steele responded if anyone were interested she would be happy to provide the Commission the proposals. Commissioner Tanner 6 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 asked if they should wait for the short list. It was agreed that would be a good idea. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms Steele updated the Commission on lawn bowling. She reported that Staff and Commissioners that volunteered (Barnes, Dawson, & Tanner) would meet with the Joslyn Senior Center and the Board later that afternoon. Commissioner Tanner asked Ms. Steele if their intent is to have lawn bowling at the Center long term. She responded that would be ideal, and that they are looking at maybe two more years. Commissioner Babcock stated that he visited a lawn bowling facility in Santa Monica, and asked what was the cost for the facility was. They responded it cost up to $400,000. They do their own maintenance without the City’s help. Commissioner Babcock stated he also asked them about artificial turf. They responded that there are four places in Phoenix that use artificial turf. Commissioner Tanner asked Commissioner Babcock if he asked for the names of the places in Phoenix. He replied that he did, but forgot to bring them with him to the meeting. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele for an update on the swamp area at the Civic Center Park. He mentioned that the area was supposed to get new picnic areas and additional restrooms, but he understood there was a problem getting contractors to the jobs. Mr. Niemczak responded that Ryan Stendell had pursued bids for the swamp area in the park. He mentioned that he has not worked on getting bids for that area, but has worked on bids for the handball courts. Chairman Guyer requested that the new picnic areas and additional restrooms in the swamp area be put on the next meeting agenda. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that the consultant for the Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment Survey would be in town to do stakeholder th interviews on January 17 and 18, 2006. She noted that on the 17 is a Commission meeting. She circulated questions that the consultant will be asking so that the Commission would be prepared. Commissioner Babcock stated that he was very impressed with the presentation that was done by Lincoln School. He said that he is very interested how close Lincoln’s School presentation is to the consultant’s 7 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 20, 2005 results. Commissioner Babcock asked if a letter was ever sent to the school thanking them for their presentation. It was mentioned that a proclamation was given to the school and the student at one of the City Council meetings. Commissioner Barnes asked if there was any new information concerning the water feature. Ms. Steele responded that she did give them a call, and has not followed up with them. She apologized and that she would give them another call. Commissioner Tanner asked for an update on Freedom Park. Ms. Steele responded Freedom Park is moving forward. She stated that the advertisement to go out to bid has been delayed about one and a half weeks due to the design team not providing the documents in a timely matter. She also stated that Staff would be selecting a Construction Manager by the end of the following week. Ms. Steele indicated that the Commission’s recommendations (access cards) for the dog parks have been stalled. Ms. Steele indicated that she met a few constituents concerning some of the control issues. She has scheduled a meeting for January 5, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. if anyone is interested in attending. She commented that she is planning to have the recommendations on the January 26, 2006, City Council agenda. Vice Chair Munson requested that Ms. Steele e-mail the Commission reminding them of the meeting. Chairman Guyer had a question concerning the request to reduce park development fees for Taylor Woodrow’s project at the last City Council meeting. He asked if Staff could get more information. Ms. Steele responded that the development is not going to be a gated community, but would have to get more information and update the Commission. The Commission briefly discussed gated and non-gated communities. Commissioner Limont asked if it would be appropriate to make nomination for the Legends in 2006. Chairman Guyer requested that it be added to the agenda. X. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:40 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 8 C:\\Users\\nmartin\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\15437 (2)_941903\\15437 (2).doc