Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS & REC CMSN - 05/03/06..'V� C 2 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. He announced that Ms. Steele would be a little late for the meeting, and that Mr. Niemczak would be taking her place until she arrives. He also announced that the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) canceled their presentation and would have to be rescheduled. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absent Chairman Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson (LOA) Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Alternate) Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) Commissioner Connor Limont Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council. Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager arrived at 9:03 a.m. Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary lll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 5, 2006 AND MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 18, 2006 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of April 5, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Schukart and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (LOA). PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of April 18, 2006, were approved with a correction to the first paragraph on Page 5 that the City Council approved that a home could be built that is 30,000 square feet, but has to be as energy efficient as a 4,000 square foot home, and that that City is going in a direction of conservation. In addition, spelling correction to Willie Mays name on Page 9 of the minutes. Motion moved/seconded by Schukart/Dawson and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson (LOA) ABSENT. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Stan Ford, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), communicated that he heard that a couple of Commissioners had concerns on how funds of the CVRPD are collected and spent in the city. He stated that he has prepared some figures and handed out a CVRPD budget summary to the Commission. Mr. Ford noted that Ms. Steele has been working with his staff recently. He commented that his staff expressed that they had some concerns that there were "apples" and "oranges" type of numbers floating around. He understood that at the last meeting there was a report that was given to the Commission, and that he did not know what was in the report. Mr. Ford thought that there might be some confusion, and that questions concerning funds are difficult to answer since they are a regional provider. He commented that the Commission is welcome to look over the report, and that he could return to the next meeting if they have any questions. He gave the Commissioners the most recent CVRPD brochure. Mr. Ford indicated that CVRPD would not be having a summer camp program at the Palm Desert facility. The CVRPD are revamping their Youth Development Department due to renovations being done at the Indio building, and that Indio would not have programs there either. He stated that CVRPD could accommodate kids at the La Quinta site, but might be an additional 15-minute drive. Mr. Ford indicated that for the next school year and summer they would be back with a better program. Commissioner Limont reconfirmed that there was not going to be a summer program at the Palm Desert facility. Mr. Ford replied that was correct. She asked Mr. Ford if the City Council has been notified that there would be no program. Councilman Spiegel responded that he just returned from being out of the office, and that he had not heard anything. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that the City does not have a pool this year, which makes it a little difficult. He asked Mr. Ford if there is anything that could be done at the Palm Desert Parks and Recreation building during the summer. Mr. Ford responded that it might not be a summer camp, but that there is an opportunity to be creative. Councilman Spiegel 2 GADevServicesWonica LoredoMord DatMPa/ks&RecWinutes)2006 Minutesl5-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 asked Mr. Ford if the decision to not have a summer camp at the Palm Desert facility is final or open for discussion. Mr. Ford responded that they addressed their Board concerning not having a summer camp and that they supported the decision. They felt it would give them some time to redo the youth program. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Ford how many kids attended the summer camp last year. Ms. McGalliard, CVRPD, answered that it was approximately 50 kids. Councilman Spiegel stated that the City Council would need to take a look at the program, and asked Mr. Ford to let them know what the shortfall might be and look if a program could be put together. Councilman Spiegel felt that 50 kids is a lot to not have a summer program. Mr. Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert, handed out their summer program brochure along with some specialty camp brochures. He stated that he was disappointed that DSUSD canceled their presentation and unable to address the issue at Magnesia Falls. He reaffirmed that the YMCA has two portable units located on Magnesia Falls that are used for the Teen Program. The units are going to be removed by July 1, 2006, at the request of the school district. He stated that he has sent the school district a letter requesting being allowed to use space at the junior high school. Mr. Ballew indicated that they have 52 kids on an average per day and 105 kids signed up for the program. He mentioned that the City did give them notice about a month ago, and in order for the school district to have there plans check and approved, the district would have had at least six months notice. Mr. Ballew commented that they were caught off guard and would have to adjust. He stated that there is no other place for the program unless DSUSD helps the YMCA with some space. He requested if the Commission could express the YMCA's concern to the school district. Mr. Ballew announced that they are having a summer program scheduled for this year, and that they could take any overflow since CVRPD is not having a program. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Ballew if they could take an additional 50 kids. Mr. Ballew responded that they could take up to an additional 75 kids. Councilman Spiegel asked if the cost is about the same as CVRPD. Mr. Ballew responded that they have specialty camps, which are priced differently. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Ballew if it would be best to have the Teen Program at the junior high school. Mr. Ballew responded that it is best to have the program on site so that the kids do not have to be transported. 3 GADevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecWinutesQ006 Minutesl5-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Chairman Guyer commented that he believes that Ms. Steele has addressed those concerns to the school district. He stated that they would try to have DSUSD at the next meeting. Councilman Spiegel asked who was supposed to do the presentation for DSUSD. Ms. Loredo responded Ms. Peggy Reyes. The DSUSD called the day before the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to cancel. Chairman Guyer requested that DSUSD are prepared to answer questions concerning the Rutledge Strip. Chairman Guyer moved to Unfinished Business: Legends Fields Honoree Nominations. V. PRESENTATIONS A. DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (DSUSD) The presentation would be rescheduled to the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS Recommendation for any changes to the bylaws. Commissioner Barnes moved to recommend to the City Council City Staffs changes to the Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws as submitted. Commissioner Babcock seconded the motion and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (LOA). B. LEGENDS FIELDS HONOREE NOMINATIONS Selection of the top three honoree nominations. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they returned their nominations and asked if anyone had any comments. Commissioner Barnes asked who had done the biographies. Ms. Loredo responded that they have a student that helps the department and that she had done the biographies. He commented that she did a good job. Commissioner Limont agreed. 4 G:IDevSBN%CesWonica LoredolWord Data4Qarks&ReClMinufes12006 Minufes15-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Chairman Guyer stated that Councilman Spiegel would count the nominations for the top three. Chairman Guyer moved to Reports and Updates while Councilman Spiegel counted the nominations. Chairman Guyer announced the results of the nominations as the following top three: 1) Willie Mays; 2) George Brett; and 3) Johnny Bench. Commissioner Barnes asked how many people voted for Willie Mays. Commissioner Limont responded that Mr. Mays had five votes for the number one spot. Commissioner Barnes commented that Mr. Brett and Mr. Bench are going to be tough to get a hold of. Chairman Guyer stated that they would hold on to the names and go down the list if the top three nominees are not available. Commissioner Barnes asked who came in at number four. Commissioner Limont replied Mr. Tom Flores. Commissioner Barnes asked Commissioner Dash if he knew if Mr. Mays actually has a home in the Coachella Valley. Commissioner Dash responded that he knows that he has or had a place in the desert. Commissioner Dash commented that he was going to get an answer from Mr. Mays as soon as possible. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECT UPDATES Mr. Niemczak explained that the Parks Staff updates the Assistant City Manager and the City Manager on a weekly basis of park projects. In the process, they decided to include the information under Reports and Updates of the Commission agenda. The report includes the project name, dates, and progress of the project. Commissioner Dawson commented that the report is a good idea and is very helpful. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart asked if the new designs for the aquatic center, in terms of buildings placement, have been shown to City Staff. Mr. Niemczak replied that Ms. Steele met the design group the day before the Commission meeting. He believes that she would be presenting a design to the Commission soon. 5 GADevServicesWonica LoredolWord Data lOarksBReclMinutes0006 Minutes15-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Commissioner Barnes asked what the Date Grove project is going to entail. Mr. Niemczak responded there is going to be restrooms, bocce ball, horseshoe pits, and a picnic shelter. Commissioner Barnes asked what is happening with the dirt part of the grove. Mr. Niemczak replied that there is nothing scheduled to go in at this time. Commissioner Barnes asked if there would be grass. Mr. Niemczak responded that turf could be added. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that people in wheelchairs are cutting through the park lawn near the Messenger of the Puul statue. Mr. Niemczak answered that Staff could look into installing a concrete path, but he had not noticed very many handicap people using that area. Commissioner Barnard asked if there are horseshoe pits at the Soccer Park and are they used. Mr. Niemczak replied that there are pits and they are used. Commissioner Barnes asked if anyone has looked into other turf at the Dog Park besides artificial turf. He feels that Staff is continually installing new turf, which could be very expensive. Mr. Niemczak stated that he has talked to other people that run dog parks. They recommended having a dog park big enough to close one side down for a couple of weeks while the grass is grown back. Commissioner Barnes asked if the dog park going in on the north side is going to be big enough to close one side off. Mr. Niemczak replied that he did not think it would be big enough, but that they could take a look at it. Commissioner Barnes asked how many acres is the dog park on the north side of the City. Mr. Niemczak replied that it is four acres. B. PARK INSPECTIONS Chairman Guyer asked if anyone had questions concerning park inspections. Alternate Vice Chair commented that the feedback from the inspections is very helpful and appreciated. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dawson asked if the parks survey had been mailed out. Mr. Niemczak replied that he was not sure. Commissioner Limont indicated that she believes the survey had been sent out. 6 G:1DevServicesWonica LoredolWord DaWParks&ReclMinutes0006 MinuteM5-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Commissioner Dawson commented that he did not see anything in the Brightside regarding the survey. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that he received a phone call warning him about the survey. Chairman Guyer moved to Unfinished Business: Parks & Recreation Commission Bylaws. Commissioner Babcock stated he would like to have the hours changed on the trails, and more police patrol on trails at Cahuilla and Homme/Adams. Mr. Niemczak indicated that Staff is working with the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to install an access gate north of the CVWD pump station at the Cahuilla trail. Staff is going to talk to CVRPD Park Patrol to have them open and close gates. Mr. Niemczak also indicated that he and Ms. Steele have discussed the park and trail hours. Specifically on the trails, they felt that there would be a safety and liability issue to allow people to use the trails when it is dark. One concern is with the elevation and having someone drop-off on the side of the hill. Chairman Guyer asked how the Forest Service handles when there are people hiking in the hills for two weeks, is there a liability issue with the Forest Service? Mr. Niemczak responded that in the forest people are out on the hills at their own risk. Chairman Guyer asked why there is a liability issue whether it is daytime or nighttime. Mr. Niemczak responded that they felt it was too dark at night. Commissioner Dash asked for someone to explain the term Bump and Grind. Chairman Guyer replied that it is a trail on the side of the mountain that is very steep and was nicknamed the Bump and Grind. Commissioner Babcock gave a brief history of the trail and problems that have occurred with area residents, such as noise in the early morning hours. He noted that it is a very nice hike, but might be shutdown soon. Commissioner Barnard asked when it is scheduled to be shutdown. Commissioner Babcock responded that no one really knows. 7 GVevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataFarks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes15-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Commissioner Barnes mentioned that Mr. Phil Drell or Councilman Crites might be able to answer how the trail got the name Bump and Grind. Chairman Guyer moved back to Legends Fields Nominees for the results. Chairman Guyer addressed the Commission that they need to call and sign up for the State Mandated Ethics Training (AB 1234). Ms. Steele arrived to the meeting at 9:03 a.m. Councilman Spiegel asked Ms. Steele why DSUSD canceled. Ms. Steele responded that Ms. Reyes had to go out of town. Staff tried to contact her for the past couple of days to confirm and to ask her what type of audio equipment she would need. When Ms. Reyes returned the call the day before the Commission meeting, she stated that she had to go out of town. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart asked Ms. Steele if the survey had been sent out. Ms. Steele replied it was sent out at the end of April. Councilman Spiegel asked when Staff would receive the results from the survey. Ms. Steele responded that she is hoping to receive the preliminary results by the end of May. Chairman Guyer commented that it would be nice to see something before they go dark for the summer. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if they are supposed to be calling people regarding the survey. Ms. Steele responded that they would be mailing the survey. Commissioner Barnes commented that they called him and that they were going to call him back for the survey. Ms. Steele stated that she would find out. Councilman Spiegel asked Ms. Steele to update the Commission on various projects. Ms. Steele reported that Staff has been working on the design for the aquatic center. There were some changes done to the contract and needed signatures once it is signed, Staff will bring more information to the Commission. Ms. Steele mentioned that the firm is working on putting together a color layout of the aquatic center to show the Commission. She noted that Staff would first show it to the Aquatic Center Committee then to the Commission. Ms. Steele also reported that Staff has met with the College of the Desert to discuss land. She noted that it seems that the designer was able to put in adequate parking. a GlDevServicesWonica LoredolWord Date AgrksdRec%finutes12006 Minutes15-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Ms. Steele asked Mr. Niemczak to update the Commission on Freedom Park. Mr. Niemczak reported that a Notice to Proceed would be issued on Monday, May 8. There were a couple of delays, a storm water plan and a PM10 dust control program was not submitted. Councilman Spiegel asked when the park would be finished. Mr. Niemczak responded that they are looking at January or February of 2007. Chairman Guyer asked if there were any updates on not allowing dogs on playing fields. Ms. Steele responded that she is working on a plan, but has to work with the City Manager first before bringing it back to the Commission per his request. She apologizes and that she has not forgotten the issue. Councilman Spiegel requested an update on disc golf. Ms. Steele responded that disc golf at Hovley Park was approved by the City Council, and Staff is in the process of receiving quotes for the installation of the course. Commissioner Barnes commented that he read the April 4, 2006, Planning Commission minutes. He noted that there is a lot of development occurring in the north sphere. He also noted from the minutes that the Planning Commission talks about the University Park Master Plan, and that there is going to be 11.2 acres of parkland and not 8.3. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele if there was any significance as far as the Commission is concerned. Ms. Steele responded that the she would have to look at the notes. She mentioned that the group that made a presentation to the Commission some time ago has three neighborhood parks going in the north side. She also mentioned some other parks that developments are going to maintain themselves because they were too small for the City to maintain. She commented that she would check on the 11.2 acres. Commissioner Barnes asked how many acres is the dog park going to be in the north sphere. Ms. Steele answered that it is close to four acres, but it is going to have paths around it. The land is not good because it is a retainage area so it is not good to put in anything else. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they would like her to bring another copy of the plan. Commissioner Barnes stated that he wanted to take a tour of the area and invite Mr. Drell to give the Commission an update on the development in that area. Commissioner Barnes feels that the Regional Park has to be completed by next year due to the development in that area, and have a meeting to decide what is going to go in that park. 9 G:OevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data UParks&RecMinutesl2006 Minutesl5J-O6.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Ms. Steele is not sure if the land has gone through all the legal processes, but that as soon as they are, Staff will move forward. Councilman Spiegel stated that the City has purchased the land at the end of Portola, but nothing will be happening for two to three years. He noted that not that many people are living in that area yet. He mentioned that the pocket parks and Freedom Park are coming soon. Councilman Spiegel suggested Staff providing the plans for the north sphere with parks that are tentatively planned for the whole area. Commissioner Barnes voiced his concern that the Regional Park is not going to be built soon enough. Mr. Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, noted that anything in the planning stage is usually 8 to 12 months out. The Commission briefly discussed neighborhood parks. Ms. Steele indicated that within the next year and a half, there would be two neighborhood parks. She will request for Mr. Drell to come to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Barnes asked how long before Portola goes all the way to the highway. Mr. Croy responded that after all the City processes; it would probably be three to five years before Portola is open all the way. Councilman Spiegel noted that the Commission still would need to decide if the City should built an ice arena in Palm Desert. He feels that is a primary concern. Recommendations still have to be made to the City Council on what group has been chosen and location. Ms. Steele commented that City Staff is waiting for the results of the survey. Chairman Guyer stated that the Commission would get an update on the University Park and at that time form a subcommittee for the Regional Park at that time. Commissioner Dawson asked how soon could they receive the survey results. Ms. Steele replied that she would find out. Commissioner Babcock asked if Staff could work on the ice arena without the survey. Ms. Steele responded that they could work on the Request for Proposal (RFP). 10 G:1DevServicesWonice LoredolWord Da1a1Parks&RecWinutes12006 Minutest5-3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2006 Councilman Spiegel commented that there is enough interest in the valley for an ice arena. Commissioner Barnes asked if there is an update on the interactive fountain. Ms. Steele responded that she e-mailed the company. The company is supposed to be sending one of their employee's out with the controls to check if the interactive water feature is still in working order. Commissioner Babcock asked for an update on the kiosks and handball courts. Ms. Steele noted that an update is in the agenda. Mr. Niemczak reported that an architect is in the process of designing the handball courts, the Legends Fields columns, and Date Grove area. Commissioner Barnes asked if restrooms are included on the design for the Date Grove area. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Councilman Spiegel asked the Commission if they received a list of events being held in the Civic Center Park. The Commission replied yes. Commissioner Barnes asked when the Commission would be going dark for the summer. Chairman Guyer responded that they are looking at going dark in July and August. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that if something does come up; a special meeting would be scheduled. Commissioner Dawson referred to an article in The Desert Sun on April 19, 2006, regarding wasted light. He asked if there is a measurement of wasted light in the parks. Mr. Niemczak responded that there is a measurement for the athletic fields, but that he does not know of a measurement for general lighting. Mr. Croy explained that the City requires photometric lights on all construction sites. He noted the article that Commissioner Dawson referred to is a zero tolerance approach, which requires more light standards than normal. Chairman Guyer asked Ms. Steele how much it is going to cost to redo the lights at the Soccer Park. She responded that it is going to cost $21,500.00 to change the light bulbs. Mr. Niemczak added that the bulbs have a two-year guarantee. He also noted that Staff is looking at lights for Freedom Park. Staff is looking at different options and types of lights keeping conservation and bleeding of lights in mind. 11 G:%DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 MinutesZ5 3-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 312006 Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Spiegel if the homes south of Gerald Ford to Frank Sinatra have been selling well. Councilman Spiegel replied that there are a lot of resale homes. He noted that the Jewish Community Center has purchased land in that area, but does know where that stands. Councilman Spiegel commented that a certain amount of light is needed for safety. He feels that one of the reasons the parks in the City of Palm Desert are successful and used by many people is because they are safe. He is afraid that if the lights were cut down in the parks it would not be as safe. Councilman Spiegel shared a comment that a previous City Manager once said to him, "A used park is a safe park." It was discussed that Ironwood Park is not being used enough. It was recommended to add signage at eastbound of Haystack that there is a park. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dash, second by Alternate Vice Chair Schukart, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:40 a.m. 9 Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 GlDevServicesWonica LoredolWwd Data Parks&Rec Minutes12006 Minutesl5S3-06.min.doc