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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - PARKS & REC CMSN - 04/18/06CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. He stated that the minutes of the April 5, 2006, meeting would be added to the next meeting agenda since some pages of the minutes were missing from the agenda packet. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absent Chairman Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson (LOA) Vice Chair Terry Schukart arrived at 8:35 a.m. (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: Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor arrived at 9:20 a.m. Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 5, 2006 Will be added to the next meeting agenda. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, YMCA, informed the Commission that the YMCA utilized the Civic Center Park for an Easter egg hunt for approximately 500 kids and families on Saturday, April 15, 2006. The previous Saturday the 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 YMCA held a Healthy Kids Day with approximately 250 families learning about fitness and nutrition. Mr. Ballew commented that at the last Commission meeting he mentioned the YMCA expansion at the San Pablo site. He noted that there was an article in The Desert Sun the following week. Mr. Ballew is looking forward to the needs assessment survey that the City is currently conducting. He has asked Ms. Steele to join the volunteer force to help with possibilities of what the expansion should consist of. He asked if anyone on the Commission is interested in volunteering to help the YMCA on programs once items are identified for the expansion, please let him know. V. UPDATES OF PROJECTS A. TRAILS-RYAN STENDELL Mr. Stendell handed out a copy of the Cahuilla Hills Trails Master Plan. He indicated that they are currently working on connecting the Bump and Grind, which is the pink area on the plan. He indicated that the Bump and Grind has been connected at the highest point. It was completed two to three weeks ago, and has been receiving a great amount of use. Mr. Stendell stated that the lower portion connection (by Hobby Town Track) is close to being completed. Once that is completed they would continue moving south and working on the Hopalong Cassidy connection. Mr. Stendell commented that they have received great feedback on what currently exists. He noted that the trail kiosks are holding up fairly well. There has been some damage to the kiosks located in Cahuilla Hills. He feels that there is more damage in that area due to more kids being in the nearby neighborhood. Mr. Stendell stated that maps are being updated as trails are being completed. He also stated that he is working with BLM to allow him to install Carsonite (trail markers) on the trail along with the "No Dogs" signs and other signage. Commissioner Babcock asked if the Bump and Grind is going to be closed off. Mr. Stendell responded that City Staff has received a couple of calls from people saying that the City of Rancho Mirage told them that the Bump and Grind is in Palm Desert. He does not know what the City of Rancho Mirage's intention is. Commissioner Babcock commented that there is a parking problem. Mr. Stendell replied that he has a feeling that Rancho Mirage wants to shut down the bottom half of the trail. Commissioner Babcock stated that the trail is fairly narrow and is the most popular trail. He asked if the trail is wide enough to handle runners, hikers, and bicyclists. Mr. Stendell communicated that the Bump and Grind is a road not a trail. People like the road because they can walk, talk, and exercise with several persons across. Commissioner Babcock noted that if 2 G.1DevServicesWonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecWinufes12006 MinutesW-18-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 the Bump and Grind closes, it is going to be a very narrow trail. Mr. Stendell responded that he has talked to the contractor about having turnouts added to some portions of the trail. Commissioner Babcock asked where dogs are not allowed. Mr. Stendell replied that the easiest way to remember is to know where they are allowed. Dogs are only allowed in the section from Homme/Adams to Cahuilla Park. Commissioner Babcock asked if dogs are not allowed on the trail going to the Bump and Grind. Mr. Stendell answered that no dogs are allowed and a sign will be posted. B. BUDGET Ms. Steele explained that she wanted to clarify some of the Capital Improvement Projects that are included in the agenda packet. She noted that she listed the projects separately. Ms. Steele clarified that the bocce ball, handball courts, picnic area, Civic Center restrooms, pavilions, and other projects are under Fund 430. She also mentioned that City park improvements are under Fund 233. Ms. Steele noted that she is looking into the funds for the amphitheater on whether the $2 million is still there. The Finance Director told her that he believed some of the money was going to be utilized by the City Manager for land acquisition for parks, but has not had that clarified. She explained that on page 16 and 17 there is a summary of the City's expenses along with some of the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) expenses. Commissioner Barnard stated that if he is reading the summary correctly, the CVRPD has a net revenue of $855,266.00. He asked if part of that amount goes to their general overhead. Mr. Kalman, CVRPD, was not sure what Commissioner Barnard was referring to. Ms. Steele responded that Mr. Kalman has not seen the report. She explained that she tried to separate and show where money from property taxes is distributed per the Commission's request. Mr. Kalman stated that the building operation and the parks supervision are separated out. The recreational programming is budgeted into one program. He explained that the tax allotment comes as a one lump sum. He stated that the Redevelopment pass through funds are separated. Chairman Guyer commented that the Commission is only trying to find out if Palm Desert is receiving their fair share. Mr. Kalman responded that by far, as far as programs go, Palm Desert receives more than any other city in the district. 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatMParks&RecMinutes12006 Minutes14-16-06. min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Commissioner Dawson asked if the CVRPD keeps track of participants by city. Mr. Kalman that they keep track by program and not by city. He noted that they have the addresses for members and could look it up that way. Commissioner Dawson commented that the information would help, in addition to with the survey that is being done, to find out how many people are participating in programs offered in Palm Desert. Mr. Kalman replied that they would not be able to that with programs such as the Easter egg hunt. He explained that they had approximately 2000 people participate in the Easter program throughout the Coachella Valley with approximately 600 people attending Palm Desert. The Commission requested information on how many Palm Desert residents are participating in programs offered by the CVRPD for the last year by the second Commission meeting in May. Ms. Steele asked Mr. Kalman to call her if had any questions. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any more questions on the budget. No one responded. Chairman Guyer introduced Mr. David Garcia as the new alternate Commissioner. He was sworn in prior to the meeting. C. ICE ARENA CLARIFICATION Ms. Steele clarified that Staff was going to wait for the needs assessment results before requesting proposals for the ice arena. In the meantime, Staff will continue to work on the scope of the project and a lease agreement for the land. She did not think that groups would lose interest. She also clarified that the RFP would include that the selected group perform a feasibility study. Vice Chair Schukart apologized for not being at the previous meeting. He voiced his concern in regards to giving land away to one of the groups (profit or non-profit), he referred to bullet point No. 3 of the Staff Report and asked if the RFP would include enough time and is the cost going to be reasonable enough for residents to utilize the ice arena. Ms. Steele responded it would be noted in the scope to have certain amount of time blocked for public use. Commissioner Dawson clarified "giving away land," he reaffirmed that the land would be leased and that the group would not own the land. 4 G:\DevServicesWonica LoredolWord DatalParksBRecMinutest2006 MinutesW-18-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Commissioner Limont mentioned that the Commission should be aware of the direction the City is taking as far as conservation. She noted that the City Council recently approved that you could build a 30,000 square foot home, but it must be energy efficient. She feels that the ice arena should be on the same track as far as energy conservation. Ms. Steele stated that once the RFP is completed, Staff would provide it the Commission as an informational item. Once the proposals are received, she would invite any Commissioner who is interested to review and score the proposals. She indicated that the top two or three groups would be called back to be interviewed. Ms. Steele noted that all groups that submit a proposal would not be called back for an interview. It would be narrowed down to the most qualified group based on the criteria and scoring. She mentioned that at the last meeting that there was discussion concerning the amount of housing and development being built in north Palm Desert. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission that the University Park Project would be developing and providing the City with three neighborhood parks and one dog park. She also reminded the Commission of the Taylor Woodrow Project that agreed to provide an adequate amount of park space, amenities, and trails for their community. She commented that she could bring the original designs for that project back to the Commission as a reminder. Commissioner Barnes referred to No. 7 of the Staff Report, and asked if the University Park Project is private or a City project. Ms. Steele replied that it is a private project. He asked how many acres is the project. Ms. Steele answered that she was not sure. Mr. Tanner, Planning Commissioner, commented that he believed it is approximately 180 acres. Commissioner Barnes asked what was the Taylor Woodrow Project. Ms. Steele responded that the Taylor Woodrow Project (builder) is referred to Spanish Walk (development name). Commissioner Barnes suggested having a tour of the north area where everything is being developed. Chairman Guyer suggested getting a map from the Community Development Department. Commissioner Barnes responded that maps mean nothing to him. Chairman Guyer commented that he would only be looking at dirt. Commissioner Barnes replied that he would still like to view the area. Ms. Steele remarked that she would ask the Community Development Department. 5 G:0evServicesWonica LoredolWord Data1Parks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes4-18-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Chairman Guyer suggested setting a time with Mr. Drell or Mr. Stendell and taking anyone that is interested on a tour. Ms. Steele indicated that she would look into it. Commissioner Dash referred to item No. 4 of the Staff Report, he commented that at the last meeting he suggested that the RFP is brought back to the Commission because there were several Commissioners that had specific questions concerning parking, size of building, etc. He felt that the RFP should be brought back so that those items could be discussed before the RFP is sent out. Ms. Steele commented that Staff could bring the RFP back to the Commission before it goes out. Chairman Guyer moved ahead to Unfinished Business so that Ms. Giles and Ms. Whitlow, Fall Baby and Family Fest representatives, did not have to wait any longer. D. CIVIC CENTER PROJECTS Ms. Steele noted that Mr. Niemczak is not present because he is trying to get the Freedom Park Project started, and had to meet with the City's engineer during the Commission meeting. She informed the Commission that the project should begin within the next week. Ms. Steele reported that the large Dog Park was closed for about one week. After receiving complaints from dog park users, concrete curbing and pea gravel was added around the shade structures to improve the drainage. In addition, repairs were made to the gate and the fence is going to be painted. Commissioner Barnes asked if the fencing damaged by the car accident had been repaired. Ms. Steele responded that it was still being worked on. Commissioner Babcock asked if the car had insurance and if a report was done. Ms. Steele replied that the Police Department was working on it. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that some trees at Homme/Adams Park were planted. Also, Mr. Niemczak is working on getting an easement with the Coachella Valley Water District to install a gate at Cahuilla located right passed the tennis courts so it could be closed at night. Commissioner Barnes requested the status for the fence in that area. Ms. Steele responded that Mr. Niemczak is awaiting quotes. She noted that the Public Works Department is also working on paving the road, and along with that project they would be removing the palm logs. 6 G:WDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatelParks&ReclMinutes12006 MinutesWW-18-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked how much of the road is going to be paved. Ms. Steele responded that she would have to check on it. Commissioner Babcock asked how much of the fencing was going to be installed. Ms. Steele replied that the fence was going to be installed the length of where the palm logs are currently located. She believes it was going to be 2000 linear feet. Chairman Guyer asked for the status of the Civic Center Park Project (restrooms, handball court, etc.). Ms. Steele responded that Mr. Niemczak has met with an architect for the design of the project. E. DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Ms. Steele indicated the Desert Sands Unified School District would make a presentation at the May 3, 2006, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Chairman Guyer asked if they would be notified ahead of time on the Commission's concerns. Ms. Steele believes they are aware of the concerns. F. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele briefly explained the Park Inspection Program to the new Commission Alternate. She assigned Vice Chair Munson's park assignment to Alternate Commissioner Garcia. Ms. Steele indicated that she included the schedule of park assignments along with a copy of the inspection sheet. She noted that an updated e-mail list was handed out to the Commission, and that she would be e-mailing a blank copy of the inspection forms, as well as the schedule. Commissioner Barnard commented that he was not on the e-mail list. Ms. Steele asked for his e-mail address. Commissioner Barnard gave his e- mail address (michael(a)_dsfte.ora). VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. FALL BABY AND FAMILY FEST Discussion and recommendation for the above -mentioned event to be held in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. Ms. Whitlow stated that they provided the Commission with a revised proposal with guidelines for the vendors. She indicated that the proposal was changed so that Family Fest has interactive activities at every booth 7 G: DevServiceslMonica LoredolWad DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutesl4-18-06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 with no selling done by vendors. Ms. Giles informed the Commission that they would have car seat safety checks and other wellness information for families. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any questions or comments. Commissioner Dawson moved to recommend to the City Council to approve the Fall Baby and Family Fest at the Civic Center Park as presented. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (LOA). The Commission thanked the representatives for the additional information. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS Recommendation for any changes to the bylaws. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any changes. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart asked if there was a section of the agenda that was being omitted. Ms. Steele responded that the agenda was in a different order. She stated Ms. Loredo corrected the order of the agenda to correspond with the bylaws beginning with the meeting on April 18. Ms. Steele noted that a change of when the regular meetings occur along with the office appointments and order of business must be taken to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Dash asked if there is such a thing for an excused absence. Ms. Steele responded that she would get clarification from the City Clerk. Commissioner Limont asked when the Commission goes dark. Chairman Guyer responded that the Commission usually goes dark in June and return in September. Commissioner Dash had a question concerning the agenda deadline. Chairman Guyer responded that the Commission is able to motion to add an item to the agenda during the meeting. Commissioner Dash asked for the process if someone from the public wanted to add an item to the agenda. Ms. Steele responded that she would double check with the City Clerk on the process. 8 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataWarks&RecWinufes12006 MinutesW-16-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Ms. Loredo requested to make a change to the order of the agenda so that Unfinished and New Business is prior to Updates of Projects. Chairman Guyer asked Ms. Steele if she could the changes and clarifications by the next meeting. She replied that she would. Chairman Guyer thought that the officer appointments were done in September. Ms. Steele responded that according to the bylaws, the appointments are done in January. The Commission recommended changing the appointments to September. B. LEGENDS FIELDS HONOREE NOMINATIONS Recommendations for the above -mentioned nominations. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any honoree nominations. Commissioner Barnes responded that he had a list of people that may or may not live in the area. He noted a legend is defined in the dictionary as someone famous. Following are the names mentioned: Don Baylor, Jack McDowell (might live in Palm Springs), Jim Mora (might live in La Quinta), Tom Flores (might live in Indian Wells), John Lujack (said no thank you), Glenn Davis (no longer living), Chuck Knox, Gene Mauch (might live in Indian Wells), Pete Sambras (lives in Bighorn), Merlin Olsen, Rosie Casals, Johnny Bench, George Brett, and Rosalynn Sumners (might live in La Quinta). Councilman Kelly mentioned that Merlin Olsen is involved with El Paseo Bank, and was the marshal for the Golf Cart Parade last year although he lives in Utah. He indicated that Mr. Olsen is good at showing up for events. Commissioner Barnard asked if there is criteria for the honoree nominations. Chairman Guyer responded that there is criteria, but that the Commission does not sick to it. Commissioner Barnes commented that the main criteria is that they live in the Valley. Commissioner Dash mentioned Willie Mays and Fred Williamson for nominees. He indicated that he knows people that know Willie Mays and that he might own a second home in the Valley. 9 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredoMord DetalParks&RBCWinutes12006 MMutes14-18-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Chairman Guyer requested that the names are added to the next meeting agenda, and that the Commission prioritize their selection prior to the meeting. Commissioner Barnes asked if there is way to find out if they live in the area. Chairman Guyer stated that they would first start with the selection and then find out who lives in the area. VIII. COMMENTS Commissioner Limont commented that the Friends of the Desert Mountains recently purchased the Whitewater Trout Farm if anyone is interested in visiting the farm to let her know. She mentioned that the area is pristine. Commissioner Babcock asked where the Trout Farm is located. Commissioner Limont answered that it is located off the 1-10 near White Water Rock Company. Commissioner Dawson asked if the Trout Farm is still operating. Commissioner Limont responded that it is in operation. Alternate Commissioner Garcia commented that the Trout Farm is quite unique. Commissioner Dash thanked Alternate Commissioner Garcia for joining the Commission. Commissioner Barnes voiced his concern that he never sees an Animal Control Officer, and could not see how one person could adequately cover the City of Palm Desert. Chairman Guyer commented that they have some idea of what he is doing. Ms. Steele also commented that she has a copy of the contract. Chairman Guyer stated that it animal control contract could be added to the next meeting agenda. He indicated that Ms. Steele does have some ideas concerning animal control. Ms. Steele requested that the item be added to the second meeting in May. She noted that she is scheduled for City training for the next meeting and she would prefer to be present for the discussion. 10 GADevServiceslMonica Loredo\Word DaWPai*s&Rec Minutes12006 MinutesW-16-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2006 Commissioner Barnes asked if Animal Control is working out of the new Animal Campus and do they cover the City of Palm Desert. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mr. Niemczak stated that Animal Control's hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and after hours they are on -call. Commissioner Babcock asked if Animal Control has responded to the problems in the dog park. Mr. Niemczak indicated that Staff has called for them to do extra patrol. Commissioner Barnes asked if anything has been resolved at the Soccer Park. Ms. Steele responded that it is all under the same issue, which she is working on a plan. Chairman Guyer informed the Commission that he was happy to find out from Mr. Stendell that there will be a hiking/biking trail along the railroad tracks that will connect Freedom Park and the park that is going in at the end of Portola, which would be approximately six miles. There is a possibility of connecting the trail to Monterey Avenue and passed Washington. Commissioner Babcock asked if CVRPD is still going to have an office at Freedom Park. Chairman Guyer replied that they are not. Ms. Steele reported that a disc golf course was approved by the City Council and the group is very excited. She provided the Commission with maps of the City, the Civic Center Park, hiking trails, and bike trails that she did not know the City had. Ms. Steele indicated that they would do something similar to the maps for the parks in the City. She also mentioned that she had a DVD about the City available for anyone that was interested in watching. IX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Vice Chair Schukart, second by Commissioner Babcock, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:55 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 11 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DafaVParks&RecWinutes12006 Minutesl4-18-06.min. doc