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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 05/16/06�LL F1 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absent Chairman Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson (LOA) Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Alternate) Commissioner Phill Babcock Absent Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 3, 2006 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of May 3, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Barnes/Dawson and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Limont and Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA). Commissioner Schukart thanked Ms. Loredo for job well done on the minutes. i PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilman Spiegel congratulated Ms. Peggy Reyes from Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD). She was a recipient of an award for being one of the nine excellent educators in Riverside County. There were two other educators that received awards from DSUSD. V. PRESENTATIONS A. DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Peggy Reyes and Steve Ricci from DSUSD, and Roger Clarke the architect for the Palm Desert Middle School modernization. Ms. Reyes commented that Mr. Richie is the project manager for the PDMS modernization project. She stated that they first presented the project to the Parks & Recreation Commission approximately five years ago. She commented that the District wanted to refresh the Commission on the project since improvements would be starting soon. Ms. Reyes introduced Mr. Clarke. Mr. Clarke displayed a Power Point presentation of the site design of the PDMS modernization plan. He pointed out that the portables would be taken out, and a new two-story classroom building (No. 8 of site plan) would be built. Building No. 7 is a Multi -Purpose Room; there would be a minor addition to Building No. 1; and some remodeling and reconstruction inside Buildings No. 1, 5, and 6. In addition, there will be minor improvements in Buildings 2 and 3. He mentioned field development; the District will work out any issues on the Rutledge Strip with the City. Mr. Clarke displayed on the Power Point presentation the timetable for the construction and phases. He mentioned that field development would occur during the summer. Chairman Guyer asked what the triangular shape at the top of the site plan is. Mr. Clarke responded that it is the existing tot lot. Ms. Reyes noted that PDMS would have more science classrooms and labs than is the District's standard. Mr. Clark briefly explained some of the changes that would be happening with the modernization. Ms. Reyes mentioned that she has been having conversations with Ms. Steele regarding t-ball usage. She stated that once the play fields are 2 G.OevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DaWParks&RecWinutest2006 Mmutesl5-16-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 developed, the District would be able to provide space for the t-ball program along with backstops. Mr. Clark stated that work would begin in June. He commented that the school would be a mess for the next couple of years, but would be an outstanding project once it is finished. Ms. Reyes commented that the precise plan would be left with Ms. Steele for reference. She asked if anyone had any questions. Councilman Spiegel asked Ms. Reyes to point out on the plan the Rutledge Strip. Ms. Reyes pointed to the Rutledge Strip on the precise plan, which is from the well site to the bus stop. She stated the improvements on Rutledge would be the soccer field and a bus turnout to improve the flow of traffic. Ms. Reyes also stated that they are proposing leaving the tot lot due to high usage. Mr. Clarke noted that they would be keeping most of the trees around the tot lot. Chairman Guyer asked where the fencing would be located in relation to the tot lot. Ms. Reyes responded that the tot lot would be fenced off, but would be opened after hours similar to the Washington Charter and the Country Club School joint use agreement. Chairman Guyer asked how the soccer field would be accessible. Ms. Reyes replied that there would be some gates added. She was not sure exactly where the gates would be located. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert, if he had any concerns. Mr. Ballew commented that he has communicated with DSUSD a few times. He stated that the District has requested that the portable units are removed by July 1. Mr. Ballew asked Ms. Reyes if the area where the portable units (YMCA Teen Center) are located would be utilized soon or is it part of Phase I. Ms. Reyes responded that area needs to be utilized soon for the field work this summer. She stated that they are working with the school principal to accommodate for the YMCA program, and would be in touch with Mr. Ballew soon regarding moving the units and to provide the YMCA with something adjacent to the interim housing. Mr. Ballew asked Ms. Reyes if the District would be helping the YMCA in moving the units. Ms. Reyes replied that they would not be helping. They would provide a space and a contact person. Mr. Ballew thanked the District. Ms. Reyes commented that the District recognizes that the 3 G:OevServices Monica Loredomord DaWF`arks&ReclMinutes12006 Minufesl5-16-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 program is very important and would like to see that service continue for the students. Mr. Ballew asked Ms. Reyes if in the future she foresees any space that could be utilized by the YMCA where the Teen Center is located. Ms. Reyes responded that they could look into it. Commissioner Babcock asked what the dark area on the plan is. Ms Reyes responded it is the parking lot off Magnesia Falls. The parking lot would stay as it is. Commissioner Babcock asked if people would be able to use the picnic area during the day. Ms. Reyes responded that people would be able to use the park and that there would be no restrictions. Ms. Steele stated the restrooms by the parking lot would remain. The soccer field area with the track would be ready possibly by September. Ms. Reyes indicated that it would be ready by October. Mr. Chris Bash, President of Palm Desert Sports (Youth Sports), asked until what date would the soccer field not be able to be utilized. The District responded that probably not until December of 2007. Ms. Reyes suggested another open area that could be used. Ms. Reyes asked Mr. Bash when their season starts. He answered that his season begins at the end of January. Mr. Bash commented that in the past, the league used Washington Charter, James Carter, Gerald Ford and Lincoln, but due to lockdowns and fencing they have not been accessible. He also commented that the ruts and holes at the schools are a safety liability. Mr. Bash stated that they would be able to use Lincoln and Carter fields if they were maintained and the holes were filled in. Ms. Reyes responded that they would look into the maintenance of the fields, which is handled by different department. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Bash if they could use Washington Charter School. Mr. Bash indicated that Washington Charter used to have backstops years ago, but when the school was redone, the backstops disappeared. He noted that they could also use Lincoln, but that the holes are really bad. Ms. Reyes commented that once the construction materials are removed at Washington Charter, the District would work on re-establishing the turf area and reinstall the backstops. 4 G 1DevSemceslMonica LoredolWoid Data Pad(s&Rec1Minutesl2006 Minutesl5-16-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 Mr. Bash mentioned that he has left his number with Mr. Ricci and that he has been very helpful. He also thanked the School District and the City. Ms. Reyes noted that she had left some of her business cards with Ms. Steele in case anyone needs to contact her. Councilman Spiegel congratulated Ms. Reyes once again and thanked the District for the presentation. Chairman Guyer moved to Item A under Reports and Updates until Mr. Drell arrives. B. NORTH SPHERE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE - PHIL DRELL Mr. Drell gave the Commission a copy of a recently approved University Park Master Site Plan, which includes the parks that were presented to the Commission approximately six months ago. He stated that University Park includes low density, medium density (apartment complex), commercial (hotel, restaurants, shops), and parks. He mentioned that the City Council approved the Taylor Woodrow Project (Spanish Walk), which is a residential development next to the university; Walmart is half completed; Lowe's is open; and he mentioned other projects that are being built. Mr. Drell mentioned that Palm Spring Unified School District would be building a school (Grades K through 8) in the north sphere. He commented that every piece of ground and square foot of dirt is in design or discussion for development. Chairman Guyer asked if there were an anticipated figure for the Parks and Recreation Fees the City would be receiving from the developments. Mr. Drell replied that the University Park project would not be paying fees since they are dedicating the land and building the parks. He pointed to the Taylor Woodrow project on the plan that is paying approximately $1 million in fees. Chairman Guyer asked if the residents would go to the City or to the developer if the usage of the parks was incorrect. Mr. Drell responded that the parks would be public parks. If the residents want to change the parks they would have to go to the City Council. He noted that once the parks are completed, they would be public parks. He also noted that Staff is determining what the facilities are. The parks are being built through the assessment district for the whole site. Chairman Guyer asked who would maintain the parks. Mr. Drell replied that the City would maintain the parks. 5 G.IDevServicesMontca LoredolWord Data VFarks&ReclMtnutesQ006 Minutesl5-16-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 Commissioner Babcock commented that with all the parks that are going to be built, would the budget for park maintenance have to be increased? Mr. Drell responded yes. He mentioned that with all the commercial being built; the City's revenues would increase. Commissioner Dawson asked when the large green park would be ready. Mr. Drell responded that it is up to the City. The City is in the process of purchasing it. The question is, is there going to be money available. He noted that Freedom Park is going to cost approximately $10 million to build. Commissioner Babcock asked how large the park is going to be. Mr. Drell replied that it would be slightly larger than Freedom Park. The park would accommodate some of the ball fields that the City is losing on the south side. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Drell when the Commission should get involved to plan what would go in the park. Mr. Drell responded that they could start immediately. Chairman Guyer announced that Commissioner Barnard has volunteered to head that committee. If anyone is interested in being part of that committee, please let Commissioner Barnard know. Mr. Drell commented that the results from the survey would help decide what goes into the park. Commissioner Barnes asked where the third golf course is going to be located. Councilman Spiegel pointed to the large green area on the site plan (corner of Frank Sinatra and Portola Avenue). Commissioner Barnes asked how many homes in the north sphere would be built in the next three years. Mr. Drell replied that it would be approximately 2000-3000 homes, and it would all be built out in ten years. He commented that it also depends on the economy. Commissioner Barnes asked how well the homes between Frank Sinatra and Monterey are selling. Mr. Drell responded that the homes were first sold for $350,000.00, and are now selling for $700,000.00. There will be a point in time where the market is going to level off. Commissioner Barnes asked if there is affordable housing being built in the north sphere. Mr. Drell mentioned that the City is working with some of the developers to provide affordable housing. Another program mentioned was that the City would provide assistance for the down payment to first- time homebuyers. 6 G 1DevServiceslMomca Loredo%Word DataWarks&ReclMinutesQ006 Minutes15-16-06.mm.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 Commissioner Babcock asked if the developments would be gated. Mr. Drell responded that they would not be gated because they would have public parks inside of them. He mentioned that the developments would have private streets, but there will be a public easement around the parks. The homeowners' association would be maintaining the streets. Commissioner Barnes asked if Spanish Walk was on the site plan. Mr. Drell pointed to the site plan and indicated where it was located. Commissioner Barnes asked from now to the end of the year, how many homes would be under construction. Mr. Drell noted that developments start in phases, but that he thinks there will be approximately 1,000 by the end of the year. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes where he is trying to go with his questions. Commissioner Barnes replied that he wants to know how soon they need to start working on the Regional Park. Mr. Drell commented that it would take about five years to complete the park knowing how long it takes to go from drawings to construction. Mr. Drell pointed out on the site plan some of the high, medium, and low - density projects are located. Chairman Guyer commented that it seems that the community park is situated away from the higher density areas. Mr. Drell stated that there would be a mix. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Drell if the City of Rancho Mirage is planning any parks on the west side of Monterey. He responded that he believes Rancho Mirage is still planning a park in conjunction with the YMCA. Commissioner Babcock asked Councilman Spiegel if the City would be able to negotiate with the Palm Springs Unified School District as the City currently does with DSUSD. Councilman Spiegel responded that at this point the City does not have a relationship with the school district. Commissioner Barnes asked since the school is another district, would Palm Desert kids be able to attend. Councilman Spiegel replied yes. The Commission thanked Mr. Drell for his presentation. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 7 G OevServiceslMomca LoredolWord Data1Parks&RecVMinutesQ006 Minutes15-16-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. CVRPD SUPPORT TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT Ms. Steele gave the Commission a document that explains the RDA Pass Through's. She noted that Mr. Ford, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District (CVRPD), gave the Commission budget information at the last Commission meeting. She indicated that she has worked very closely with Mr. Kevin Kalman, CVRPD, to talk about budget numbers. It has been difficult to separate items out since CVRPD is a district that serves other cities. Ms. Steele referred to the staff report in the agenda. She noted that there was a typo on Page14, No. 2 Redevelopment Tax, CVRPD Net should be $310,157.00, and not $210,157.00. She stated that she could invite someone from the Redevelopment Agency to come to a Commission meeting to better explain the Pass Through's if they would like. Chairman Guyer had a question regarding the District donating 32 acres of land as stated on Page 17 under explanations. Mr. Kalman, CVRPD, stated that his understanding that there was an exchange with Cahuilla Park and the Community Center that used to be a church. Mr. Drell affirmed that there was an exchange for Cahuilla Park and that the City took over the responsibility of taking care of the tennis courts and maintaining the park. He indicated that he is not sure if it is currently worth $15 million and believes it is worth considerably less than that. Chairman Guyer asked if the City built the tennis courts. Mr. Drell replied that they were already there. Commissioner Barnard wanted clarification on the two ambassadors for 17 hours a day on page 15 of the agenda packet. Are there two people working 17 hours a day? Mr. Kalman explained that there are 17 hours a day of coverage. Ms. Steele explained that there are two staff persons covering the opening, closing, and cleaning of the bathrooms in the park. There is also one person doing park patrol for 17 hours and another staff person covering the Skate Park for 16 hours. Commissioner Barnard asked if the City is paying for 17 or 33 hours. Ms. Steele responded that it is 17 hours for park patrol and 16 hours or the monitoring of the Skate Park for a total of 49 hours. Mr. Kalman noted that the hours change with the season. G iDevServicesWonrca LoredolWotd DafakParksBRecWinutes12006 Minutesl5-16-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they had any questions and if there is a need to have someone from RDA explain the Pass Through's. The Commission did not have any questions. Commissioner Dawson thanked Ms. Steele and everyone involved that helped put the information together. It has been very helpful. B. PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECT UPDATES Ms. Steele announced that there is a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Freedom Park on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. at the Freedom Park site (enter Liberty Drive). She noted that the City has already broken ground. Ms. Steele gave an update on the aquatic center. She reported that Staff will receive color designs, and she would be setting up a meeting the Aquatic Center Committee members. Ms. Steele reported that she should have some preliminary results within the next two weeks for the Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey. Commissioner Barnes commented that he received a survey and that a deadline to return was given. He asked if she knew what is the date of the deadline. Ms. Steele responded that she was not sure, but that she could find out. Ms. Steele reported that the light re -aiming and replacement at the Soccer Park and Civic Center would begin May 16. Chairman Guyer requested Staff to contact the gentleman from Monterey Country Club to check if he has noticed a difference once the work has been completed. Mr. Bash addressed the Commission and commented that when you get to the top of the hill it is dark the way the lighting was designed. He believes that the residents that are complaining are getting a glow from the lights. Mr. Bash also commented that he read in the minutes that people were complaining about the lights being left on. He feels that the system is good. He thinks there is no way to have a perfect system to contact the CVRPD to shut the lights off. He commented that there could be four games going on at the same time, which all finish at different times. If games on the north ball fields finish first, the people in the back could not get out because it is too dark. He suggested for the lighting at Freedom Park having switches so that the league officials are able to turn 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DaIMPsrks&Rec%linutes12006 Minutes1S76-06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 off the lights as soon a game is done, but on certain fields leave a light on for safety. Chairman Guyer asked if the league is done by 9:00 p.m. Mr. Bash responded that he has never seen the lights on after 9:10 p.m. He noted that the league does not schedule anything after 6:00 p.m. He voiced the league's concern with the lighting schedule at Freedom Park. The league has a problem with the 9:00 p.m. schedule and suggested changing the schedule to 10:00 p.m. He noted that they are the biggest league in the valley. He thanked the Commission for their time. Ms. Steele noted that the City ordinance actually states 10:00 p.m. She commented that the City is trying to be nice to neighbors by turning them off at 9:00 p.m. She indicated that Staff would look into the lights staying on until 9:30 p.m. at Freedom Park. Mr. Bash had one last comment. He suggested keeping the Legends Fields honorees dedicated to baseball players. He mentioned that Don Sutton and Steve Garvey are now residents of Palm Desert. Mr. Bash stated that he could contact Don Sutton and that he would be more than happy to be honored. Ms. Steele reported that the fencing was approved by the City Council the week before at Homme/Adams Park, and that the work was going to be coordinated with Public Works. Mr. Niemczak indicated that in two to three weeks the Public Works Department was going to go in and remove the palm logs. Chairman Guyer asked if there is a shutdown date on the Bump and Grind trail. There was no shutdown date confirmed. C. FREEDOM PARK GROUNDBREAKING An update was given under Parks and Recreation Updates. D. HOVLEY SOCCER PARK RE -LAMP An update was given under Parks and Recreation Updates E. MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS Ms. Steele reported that at one time Staff provided the Commission with copies of the contract for the maintenance of the parks to show what services the contractors are providing. She stated that the contracts in the 10 G.1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data VDarks&ReckMinutes12006 Minutesl5-16-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 16, 2006 agenda packet are out to bid for the Commission's information. The bid openings are scheduled for May 26, and Staff hopes to have the contracts approved at the first City Council meeting in June with the new contracts to begin the first of July. She stated that Mr. Niemczak made some changes to the contracts, such as increasing the trash pickup. Commissioner Barnard asked why there are separate contracts. Mr. Niemczak explained that Landscape Area 5 is the sports fields and Landscape Area 3 is the parks, which are paid by different accounts. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Bash if he had any comments concerning dogs at the Soccer Park or any ball field. Mr. Bash responded that they allow their spectators to bring their dogs on a leash and they have not had a problem. The dogs usually stay around the perimeter and never really go on the ball fields. He is not sure about the soccer field. Commissioner Dash commented that he spoke to Mr. Mays the day before, and that Mr. Mays was going to have someone check (agent?) if he would be available and get back to him. He mentioned that he has spoken to a mutual friend that knows him very well, and she is very aggressive and doubts that Mr. Mays would say no. As soon as he receives word, he would contact Ms. Steele. Commissioner Barnes asked if Mr. Mays has a residence in Palm Desert. Commissioner Dash responded that he has a home at the Springs. He also thanked Ms. Loredo for researching and providing the necessary information to describe the program and past nominees to Mr. Mays. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Alternate Vice Chair Schukart, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:01 a.m. 1 Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 11 G.1DevServicesWonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinuteW006 Minu1es15-16-06.mtn.doc