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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 09/19/06CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Alternate Vice Chair Schukart convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL IV. Present: Chairman Randy Guyer (8:35 a.m.) Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) Commissioner Connor Limont Excused Absent Vice Chair Julie Munson (LOA) Absent Commissioner Roger Dash Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Stan Ford, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), announced that their classic rock concerts are set. The Turtles will be playing in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park on November 2; Foghat on November 9, at the Indio Municipal Golf Course; and the Grassroots on November 16 in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. He also announced that the CVRPD is hosting the Disney Institute on Friday, September 9. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 V. PRESENTATIONS A. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT MASTER PLAN Janis introduced Mr. Kevin Kalman, CVRPD, who presented the District's master plan to the Commission. Mr. Kalman introduced Mr. Stan Ford, Mr. Craig DeWitt, Ms. Barb Adair, and Ms. Laura McGalliard. Mr. Kalman stated that the master plan process took place between July and October of 2005. He explained that the District is organized into five divisions. Division 1 is the far eastern portion of the valley (Mecca), Division 2 is the city of Coachella and surrounding areas, Division 3 is the city of Indio, Division 4 is La Quinta, Indian Wells and Bermuda Dunes, and Division 5 is Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Thousand Palms. He stated that the District derives revenues from various sources. 32% comes from taxes, 34% from fees and charges for services, 21 % is from other revenue (grants), and 13% comes from assessment districts. Mr. Kalman indicated that 33% of expenditures go to programs, 22% goes to the operation of community centers, 11 % towards maintenance, 29% goes to administration and overhead, and 2% towards capital projects. He stated that the District is a fairly good size valley employer. They have 110 full time employees and approximately 150-200 part time employees during the summer season. Mr. Kalman indicated that the demographic information was collected by several different data sources. Sources used were the U.S. Census and the California Departmental Finance Demographic Unit. For the community input, they met with several focus groups, made field observations, held field interviews (formal/informal), reviewed evaluation forms from participants in activities, interviews with staff, board members, city and county staff, an online elected and appointed officials survey, and reviewed planning documents from agencies. Mr. Kalman presented the observations that span across the board District -wide. Observations made were that middle school and teenage programs need to be increased, add skate parks within existing parks (more on the eastern end of the valley), financial and emotional needs of users should be considered when the District plans new programs and services, a large scale aquatic center is needed in the valley and that the district should be the primary provider, a large scale indoor facility is 2 G OevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data1Parks&Rec Minu1es12006 Mmutes19-19-06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 needed to accommodate multiple individuals and group activities, sports fields are needed, more senior citizen programs, security and theft protection, and after school programs. He listed observations for Division 5 (Palm Desert), which were parks and recreation services are critical for youth as schools move away from physical education requirements, the District should be helping the valley by providing a clearinghouse of information about programs and services, and new facilities should be large-scale destination -based that provide a multitude of user options. New facilities needed include a swimming pool, expanded indoor facilities and sport -based fields. He stated new complexes should be placed at east and west side locations, and major venues should be located along the I- 10 corridor. Mr. Kalman stated the recommendations made District -wide were a major sports field complex located in Division 1 or 2, a large-scale indoor recreation center located in Division 3 or 4, and an aquatic center located in Division 5. He indicated with the District's resources, they could make the biggest impact in their programming. He mentioned that the master plan is available on the District's website. He asked the Commission if they had any questions. Commissioner Dawson asked who prepared the survey. Mr. Ford responded PlaySafe, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dr. Craig Kelsey was the lead principal. He noted that he shared with Ms. Steele a book on the process for a master plan written by Dr. Kelsey. Commissioner Babcock asked how long ago was the master plan completed. Mr. Ford responded that the process took approximately a year and was adopted by their board a couple of months ago. Commissioner Limont asked who compiled the findings from the master plan. Mr. Kalman responded that PlaySafe compiled the findings. She commented that she participated in one of the focus groups, and one of the problems with the discussion was that all the cities see themselves as individuals. She noted the concept of being division -wide is great, but is a huge hurdle. In her focus group, they felt there was a big identity with each town. Commissioner Limont asked if that issue was mentioned. Mr. Kalman replied that it was mentioned being sensitive to the needs of each community. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart noted that pottery, art, computer, and language is mentioned in the master plan as community activities, but could be extremely expensive to setup and operate. He asked, as a district, how would each division share the cost and how it would be 3 GADevServicesWonica Loredofford Date1Perks6ReclMinutes12006 Minutesl9-19-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 funded? Mr. Kalman responded that the District is in the process of putting a strategic plan together on how to implement the recommendations. He noted that they are looking at partnerships with schools, and not building a place for the community activities. Commissioner Barnes complemented the District for the master plan, which he found enlightening. He also complemented the District on the great job that they have done for the City through the years. He voiced his concern with the demographics. He asked if the District has any statistics showing how many people from Palm Desert are involved in sports activities, primarily baseball and soccer programs. He would also like to know how many Palm Desert residents are using the facilities in Palm Desert and how many non-residents are using the facilities. Mr. Kalman responded that he does not have that information at the moment, but could get the information. Commissioner Barnes stated that he would like to know the percentages of people that are involved in programs that are from Palm Desert. The District will provide the information requested by Commissioner Barnes. Councilman Spiegel commented that he was happy to see that the pool in Division 5 was a recommendation. He asked the District if they are willing to participate in the funding of the pool. Mr. Ford responded that he had discussions with the City Manager about a year ago. The City Manager did mention to him that he would be approaching the District to participate in the funding. Chairman Guyer mentioned that it was stated that 1/3 of revenues was generated from programs. He asked if the revenues are designated for those specific programs only. He noted that on the assessment survey that was recently completed by the City, the results show that there is a lack of programs and there were comments that residents do not know what programs are being offered. He did note that for the programs that are being offered were good. He asked if the District could enhance how they are letting people know of programs being offered. Mr. Kalman responded that they heard the same response with the their master plan. He stated that sometimes the services are hard to identify. Some people do not know if the City or the District is providing the service. They are working on a campaign so people could identify their services and be able to distinguish them from other agencies. Commissioner Babcock commented that the master plan is inaccurate in many places, specifically in Division 5. The tennis courts in Cahuilla Park and hiking trails in the mountains were left out. He also noted that the 4 GADevServiceslMonica Loredol Word 0ata1 Parks&RBCIMmutes12006 Minutes19-19-06 min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 schools are used in the evenings and on weekends, and that was not in the master plan. When he sees a mistake like missing information, he stated that he has to question how accurate is the plan. He asked if there has been any other feedback. Mr. Ford responded that if they were new parks or new things that became available, they might not have been captured. He stated that the plan was given to staff, including Ms. Steele to check for accuracy. He noted that the plan was circulated many times for corrections. Mr. Kalman communicated that the process for a needs assessment survey is a different to the process of a master plan. The survey asks very specific questions and the master plan is more open-ended in soliciting open feedback from the community. Mr. Ford explained that paper pencil surveys are very good at receiving statistically valid data, but bad at receiving quality information and why people respond that way. He indicated the District was interested in receiving quality versus the quantity. Chairman Guyer commented to Commissioner Babcock, that in Mr. Ford's defense, the District's recommendation for Division 5 is an aquatic center and more programs. That leads him to believe that there are probably enough facilities in Palm Desert even with what the District missed putting in their master plan. Commissioner Barnes stated that Mr. Kalman mentioned that the District is one of the biggest employers in the valley. He asked if there is much of a problem with employee turnover. Mr. Kalman replied that they are a fairly large employer in the valley. He indicated that the District has had issues with turnover. He said that a lot had to do with the salary schedule, which was revised and approved at their last board meeting. Mr. Kalman stated that the part time salaries have substantially increased hoping to retain those employees. Commissioner Barnard asked the District if they looked at programs of other agencies to see if there were any gaps or duplications during the process. He mentioned the Boys and Girls Club and the Family YMCA have after school programs. Mr. Ford responded that it was part of the inventory facilities list and programs were also considered. B. AQUATIC CENTER DESIGN Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Roger Clark from Ruhnau Ruhnau Clark and Mr. Ken Moeller from Arch Pac Design. 5 G:0evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatelParks&Rec MlnutesW06 Minutesl9-19-06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 She reported that the Aquatic Center Committee met on Friday, September 8. The Committee looked at the design, use of space, aquatic features, and the building. Ms. Steele and Staff would like the Commission to look at what is included in the design and make a recommendation to present the design to the City Council. Chairman Guyer asked who was at the Committee meeting. Ms. Steele responded Commissioners Barnard, Barnes, Dawson, Schukart, and Dash. She noted that the meeting lasted about two and half hours. A lot of questions were asked and a lot of things were worked out. Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst. He has been working on the project before she started with the City. They have been working on many details together. Mr. Clark presented the site plan for the aquatic complex. It will be located across the street from City Hall and will be developed on almost three acres. The features included would be a competition swimming pool, lazy river, slides planned for now and future, a flow rider, and a building that supports the aquatic complex. The building will have a concession area, locker rooms, showers, and office space. The pool would be L-shaped to have a number of uses. It would include a competition pool with ten lanes, there would be an area to swim laps, an area for aerobics, area to teach swimming and/or scuba diving. The pool would be multi -functional for various programs to go on at the same time. Mr. Moeller noted that the pool is 25 yards by 25 meters, which could accommodate a water polo program to a diving program and competitive swimming. The pool would have a shallow end, which could be used to teach kids how to swim. Councilman Spiegel asked how deep is the shallow end. Mr. Moeller responded it is 3 to 3'/2 feet. Mr. Moeller indicated that they are proposing that the pool have a rim flow gutter. He presented a picture of the play feature that is similar to the one they are proposing for the kiddie pool. They are proposing a feature that would include a dumping water bucket on the top. He noted that the feature would attract many families. The area would be very non- threatening. It typically has a beach entry and it is very easy for parents to keep an eye on their children while they are playing. The water is no more than a foot and a half deep. It was asked if the play feature would have any type of liability issue. Mr. Clark replied no. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Deta1Parks&Rec M%nutes12006 Minutesl9-19-06.mn doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked if the play feature is modular and could be adjusted. Mr. Moeller responded that it is modular. The little buckets and squirters could be changed. The only feature that the state of California does not allow is the tire on chains. The slides could be circular, open, closed, or translucent. They could also be any color or any shape. He commented that there are some play features that are expandable. Mr. Clark presented the lazy river. He stated the river could be used for aerobics, jogging against the flow of the river, or just floating. He also presented a picture of a flow rider in the city of Vista. Mr. Moeller noted that a flow rider is a way for someone to surf. He also noted that a flow rider is a very popular feature. Chairman Guyer asked if a flow rider is often an extra revenue generator or just part of the package. Mr. Moeller responded that it enhances the attractiveness of the park. Chairman Guyer asked if people charge extra to use the flow rider. Mr. Moeller replied that typically there is no extra charge, but people do rent the body boards as an extra revenue generator. But since the boards could only be used for that ride, they are usually just handed out before you get on. He explained that the extra revenue comes when surf clubs want to come in and have a competition. Councilman Spiegel asked where the surfer ends up once they have come down the ride. Mr. Moeller responded that there are three areas where they could end up. They could come out the back or to the sides. Mr. Clark presented where the slide feature would be located. It would be combined with the lazy river. There are two slides proposed with another proposed in the future. Councilman Spiegel asked if inner tubes could be used in the lazy river. Mr. Moeller responded that they could be used in the lazy river, and there are a lot of people that just like to float. The Commission asked if the tubes could be rented out. Mr. Moeller responded that could be rented out separately because they present revenue opportunities. Mr. Clark described what would be in the building. There will be a lobby, showers and lockers, concession stand, family changing rooms, lifeguard station, pool storage for equipment, and administrative space to support the facility operation. 7 G:0evServicesMonica LoredolWord DaWParks&Rec MinutesW06 MinutesO-19-06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Clark what he meant by a lifeguard station. Mr. Clark responded that it would be a lifeguard office. It is an area where lifeguards could change or have lunch. It would be close to the deck in case of an emergency. Councilman Spiegel asked how many lifeguards would be needed for this facility. Ms. Steele responded that it would depend on what portions of the facility is open. She estimates 12 lifeguards during full operation. Mr. Moeller added that if there are swim lessons being done, you would probably only need half the lifeguards. The same would happen if there were swim meets because coaches are present and kids are only in the pool under managed events. Commissioner Barnes asked what hours are usually recommended for an aquatic center. Ms. Steele replied that the standard is opening early in the morning either 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. for lap swimming. Between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. for lessons and water exercises. And the evenings could be used by swim teams or for corporate events. She indicated that first the features for the park have to be decided so the hours could be decided later based on the features. Commissioner Barnes asked if lights would be turned off by 10:00 p.m., and depending what time they off, it would determine what the costs would be. Ms. Steele does not recommend having lights on past the City's ordinance. Commissioner Barnes noted that it would be a lot of hours to run the facility from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ms. McGalliard, CVRPD, asked if the concession stand would be accessible without paying admission. She commented that skate boarders might want to buy something from the concession. Mr. Clarke stated that is something that they could look at and reconfigure the fence. Commissioner Garcia asked if solar panels have been considered for this project. Mr. Moeller replied that solar panels have been discussed. He commented solar panels might not be cost effective due to the amount of panels that would be needed and the maintenance. Commissioner Limont suggested that solar panels are taken into consideration. Councilman Spiegel also agreed with Commissioner Limont. Ms. Steele added that solar panels have not been discarded from the building. It might not be cost effective for the water of the pools. s G.IDevServiceslMonice LomdolWord DetelPerks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutesl9-19-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 Mr. Ford, CVRPD, asked how the water would be kept cool during the summer. Mr. Moeller responded that heating the water during the winter is easy, but keeping the water cool during the summer is an issue. He indicated that a gas -fired absorption condenser could be installed that would keep water cool by running water in reverse. He noted that the technology exists. Commissioner Barnes commented that a leisure pool came up in the needs assessment survey. He asked where the leisure pool is located within the aquatic center design. Mr. Moeller explained it all depends on the definition of a leisure pool. He could define "leisure" to leisurely swimming laps during lunchtime or leisurely bouncing around in the pool. He indicated that depending on how the pool is configured, the pool could be accessible to many programs from baby aerobics on one side of the pool to teaching lessons on the opposite side. Mr. Moeller defines a leisure pool as one that has number of different uses. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart commented that he visited Terra Lago with some friends. He mentioned that they have a large pool with a small version of a lazy river, and that were approximately five people in the pool and about 50 in the lazy river. He said if you were to ask the people that were lounging in the lazy river, he believes that the people would call it a leisure water experience. Mr. Ford, CVRPD, asked if the County/State code allow for a salt water system. Mr. Moeller responded that it is allowed, but difficult to do. He explained that it would be difficult to find a salt generator to cover 13,000 to 14,000 square feet of water surface area (over a million gallons of water). He noted that it could be done, but would require a lot of infrastructure and energy. Mr. Ford commented that salt water is a lot more pleasant. The Commission asked how many people could fit on the site at one time. Mr. Moeller replied that for a three -acre park, it should accommodate approximately 1200 or less people at one time. Chairman Guyer asked if there is enough storage. Mr. Moeller replied that there is never enough. He indicated that he met with Mr. Clark concerning storage space. They would be working on a list and/or plan of what will be stored, for example, pool covers, starting blocks, kick boards, fins, etc. He noted that essentially the pool storage area, as its drawn, should accommodate 90% of the items he envisions. 9 G IDevServicesWonics LoredolWord DsWParks&RecMinutesk2006 Minutes19-19-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 Mr. Clark added that they also discussed storing the tubes underneath the slides. Chairman Guyer asked if the area underneath the slide would be wind proof. Mr. Moeller replied that the State requires that a fence be installed so kids cannot not run around the bottom of the slide and hit their heads. Commissioner Barnes asked if there would bleachers for swim meets. Mr. Moeller proposes several of tip and rolls. He noted that the College of the Desert could also use the bleachers for softball games. Ms. Steele added that the bleachers could be stored at the Parks Maintenance yard. Commissioner Barnes asked how many people turn out for swim meets that would use the bleachers. Mr. Moeller responded that a major regional meet could have up to 250 people. The tip and rolls would be available to accommodate the people. Councilman Spiegel directed the Commission to go to page 2 of the agenda packet to the aquatic center presentation staff report. He read that Staff is asking the Commission to support the design, if supported, Staff will prepare a staff report and presentation for the City Council. He noted that all the items that are being discussed, such as the bleachers, cabanas, etc., would all come back to the Commission. Commissioner Barnes asked Councilman Spiegel if the Commission needed to be concerned about the funding. He replied no. Commissioner Babcock moved to accept the design concept as presented and present the design to the City Council. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart seconded the motion and carried by a 7-1 vote with Commissioner Limont voting no. Commissioner Dash and Vice Chair Munson were ABSENT (Munson on leave of absence) VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. SURVEY PRIORITIES Discussion, review, and identify the top three to four survey priorities. Ms. Steele stated that due to the time constraints, she asked the Commission if they could continue the Survey Priorities item to the next Commission meeting. The Commission agreed. 10 G:10evServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec Minutes12006 Minutesl9-19-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 Chairman Guyer requested that the Commission write down the their top areas of emphasis. The priorities will then be compiled and be added to the next agenda. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that she provided them with a copy of the Power Point presentation given by Mr. Ron Vine. She also announced that there would be a study session with the City Council concerning the needs assessment survey. Chairman Guyer asked that the Commission leave their list with the secretary. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PREST VUKSIC ARCHITECTS Mr. Niemczak reported that he met with Architect, Mr. John Reed. He stated that the Legends columns and Date Grove informational sign would take two weeks to design. The Parks Staff work area and Date Grove improvements would take two months to design. Councilman Spiegel asked if the Date Grove improvements included picnic shelters, bocce ball, horseshoe pits, and restrooms. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Commissioner Babcock asked if the improvements include the handball courts. Mr. Niemczak responded that he has been directed to hold off on the handball courts. Ms. Steele stated that she was waiting to see if the handball courts were a priority item as a result from the survey. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission that Staff went out to bid for handball courts in October of 2005, and there was no response. Councilman Spiegel commented that if the handball courts are built in conjunction with the other items (bocce ball and restrooms), someone might be able to build them. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Steele commented that in the last three months she has not received a call on a Monday morning concerning the dog park. She recalls receiving at least five or six complaints every Monday and throughout the week. She shared a thank you card from the people that use Joe Mann Dog Park. 11 G IDevServicesWonics LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutesl9-19-06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 The Commission expressed that that was great news. Ms. Steele provided the Commission with a disc for disc golf, which will be given away at the grand opening. The grand opening for the Disc Golf Course is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m. There will be snacks, refreshments, and contests. Councilman Spiegel asked if all the discs have Palm Desert on them. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Babcock commented that he was not impressed and was insulted with the CVRPD master plan being incorrect, and they should have not been presented incorrect information to the Commission. Ms. Steele reported that she was directed by the City Council to hire a consultant to do a business recreation business plan. A study session with the City Council is scheduled for October 26, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. to present the results of the plan. She invited the Commission to attend the study session and will send them a reminder. Commissioner Limont asked if City Staff had a chance to look at the CVRPD master plan before it was put together for accuracy. Ms. Steele responded that she did not get a copy until after it was adopted. Commissioner Limont reaffirmed that Staff did not receive the master plan to make corrections. X. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:55 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G'1DevServiceslMonice LoredolWord Data V3arks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutesl9-19-06.min doc