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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 09/06/06CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:33 a.m. II. ROLL CALL IV. Present: Chairman Randy Guyer Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner David Garcia (Alternate) Commissioner Connor Limont Excused Absent Vice Chair Julie Munson (LOA) Staff Present: Richard Kelly, Council Member Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING JULY 5, 2006 Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission of July 5, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by BarneslBabcock and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on a Leave of Absence). ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), introduced other staff members that were present from CVRPD. Brenda c� 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 Nutcher and Timm Eaton, Palm Desert Community Center Staff; and Barb Adair, Recreation Superintendent. Mr. Dallas Williams, Program Director of the Family YMCA, introduced himself and Alisa Rutherford, Program Committee Chair for the YMCA. Mr. Van Tanner asked how Ms. Munson was doing. Ms. Steele responded that she spoke with her recently and that she is in very good spirits. She mentioned that Ms. Munson had surgery and is recovering nicely. Ms. Steele also mentioned that she would love to hear from anyone on the Commission. V. PRESENTATIONS A. PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Ron Vine, ETC Institute, for a formal presentation of the Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey. Mr. Vine stated that the survey was developed based upon information that was gathered during conversations that he had with the Commission, City Council, City Staff, and other groups. He stated that 641 surveys were completed. Mr. Vine also stated that the results would show a 95% confidence with a margin of +/- 3.9%. He explained the demographics and benchmarking. He continued to present the findings from the survey. Findings show that the usage of parks is slightly above average with high satisfaction. 76% of households responded that they have visited at least one park over the past 12 months. The Civic Center Park was the most frequently visited park, the City's hiking trails came in second, and Palm Desert Soccer Park was third. 53% of households rated the condition of the parks as excellent. Mr. Vine commented that the rating was one of the best they have ever had throughout the United States. He suggested maintaining the condition and continually improving the system. A list of 25 various parks and recreation indoor/outdoor facilities were listed in the survey. Households were asked what types of facilities are needed and what their highest priority is. 59% of households indicated that they had a need for walking and biking trails, 46% outdoor amphitheater theater, nature trails, small neighborhood parks, and performing arts center. Mr. Vine commented that the need for a performing arts center is higher in the Palm Desert community than they typically would see nationally. He also commented that although the walking and biking trails 2 G:IDevServiceslMomca CoredolWord Dafe1Parks6ReclM(nufes12006 Mmu1es19-6-06.m n.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 came in first place, it is slightly lower than what they see in other communities. He feels that a lot has to do with the climate in the desert. The findings also indicated that there was a need for dog parks and an indoor swimming pool. Walking and biking trails was ranked most important to almost every demographic group. The small neighborhood parks were ranked No. 1 with households that have small children under the age of 10. The performing arts center was ranked second or third in many different demographic groups. Households were asked what features would they use in an aquatic center. Households responded what they would want most is a lazy river, water slides, leisure pool, and 25-yard lanes for exercise swimming. Two-thirds of households know that the CVRPD provide recreation programs and manage recreation facilities in Palm Desert. Only 16% participate in a program at a CVRPD facility. Mr. Vine commented that the national benchmark is 29%. For adults that are 55 and older, only 10% have participated in a CVRPD program. Mr. Vine commented the Palm Desert community is aging and as it ages, this may become a concern. For those that do participate in CVRPD programs, 40% say that the programs are good. Findings also show that there is a need for adult fitness and wellness programs. Mr. Vine commented that wellness programs are a national trend. The top program needs were adult fitness, youth sport programs, water fitness, nature programs, and citywide events. Respondents were asked what indoor programming spaces would they prefer in a facility. An indoor walking and jogging track was number one by a large margin with aerobics, weight room, leisure pool and warm water area for therapeutic purposes, and lanes for lap swimming. Mr. Vine mentioned that one of the reasons that are preventing people from using facilities is that they do not know what programs are being offered. He suggested upgrading marketing. Respondents were also asked about the fees charged by the CVRPD. 6% responded that fees were too high. Fees do not seem to be a problem. Generally, people do not want cheap programs, but really want good programs. 3 G.1DevServjcesLVonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Mtnules�9-6-06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 Respondents were asked for their level of satisfaction for current parks and recreation services offered. The quality of outdoor swimming pools was the lowest rated with the maintenance of the parks being the highest rated. Also, programs offered were rated very low. Respondents were asked to select what they feel should the City pay the most attention to over the next two years. The results show the top three being walking/biking trails, maintenance of parks, and availability of information about programs and facilities. Respondents were asked their level of satisfaction with the overall value their household receives from parks and recreation services in Palm Desert. 27% responded very satisfied, 28% somewhat satisfied, 23% do not know, 18% were neutral, 3% somewhat dissatisfied, and 1 % very dissatisfied. Respondents were asked how they would allocate $100 among six categories of funding for City of Palm Desert parks and facilities. They responded $22 for maintenance of parks, $18 development of new indoor recreation facilities, $18 development of new outdoor aquatic facilities, $17 acquisition and development of walking and biking trails, $7 construction of new sports facilities, and $5 for other. Mr. Vine summarized that the usage of the parks is very high. There is a need for a wide range of facilities, e.g., walking/biking trails, performing arts center, and small neighborhood parks are the most needed. The lazy river, water slides, leisure pool, and lap lanes are features that would be used the most in an aquatic facility. Knowledge of the CVRPD programs and facilities is high, but participation is low with high satisfaction. Important programs to develop are adult fitness, special events, and water fitness. The usage of the most important programs by CVRPD is low with a lot of market share to gain. The usage of the Palm Desert Community Center and Portola Community Center is low. 55% of respondents are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the overall value they receive from parks and recreation services in Palm Desert. Mr. Vine asked if the Commission had any questions pertaining to the survey. Commissioner Dash asked what is the distinction between a walking and nature trail. Mr. Vine responded that plantings, wildlife, a stream generally surround a nature trail, and sometimes attached to a nature center. A walking trail is usually open area and could be anywhere. 4 G:0evServiceslMonica Coredolftrd Da1a1Parks&R9clMinutes12006 Minutesi9-6-06 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 A question was asked on how the survey was divided by ages. Mr. Vine responded and displayed the demographic graph for Palm Desert. He explained when a random sampling survey is done, you have to make sure that the respondents responding to the survey are fairly similar to the demographics of the community. Some of the checks are the age group and how many are men and women. ETC Institute has found with park and recreation services surveys that household types are a big factor. Some examples include households with small children, households with teenagers, households with young adults (ages 22-25), and households with adults (ages 55+). Councilman Kelly asked how they count people that use the youth programs that come from the other cities and should the City be concentrating more on Palm Desert citizens or continue welcoming everyone to the City's facilities. Mr. Vine responded that continuing to welcome other cities is the City's decision, but that there is a tremendous number of unmet needs for the City's citizens. Commissioner Barnard commented that there are many gated communities that provide their own programs. He asked if that impacts the survey results. Mr. Vine responded that they broke down the results based upon if respondents lived in a gated community. He stated that 45% responded that they live in a gated community. He indicated that those numbers might have an impact, but that those numbers are shown in the survey and that information has been captured pretty well. Commissioner Barnes commented that the ETC Institute did an excellent job on the survey. He wanted to respond to the comment on nature trails. He stated that this is the desert and residents are not going to find nature trails unless they travel to Idyllwild or someplace farther. Commissioner Barnes asked what is a performing arts center. He mentioned that the desert has the Bob Hope Cultural Center, which he feels is one of the best in California. He commented that he did not understand why people feel there is a need for a performing arts center. Councilman Kelly voiced that people might not want to pay $75 at the Bob Hope Cultural Center. Mr. Vine responded that when there is an existing facility and programs are low, there are opportunities to partner. It was also commented that nature trails are different depending where you are. In Palm Desert, there are desert natural environment trails. Commissioner Barnes asked what are citywide special events. Are they referring to things such as the golf cart parade or golf tournaments? Mr. Vine responded that people define "special events" to something that is held over the weekend. Ms. Steele added samples of special events are 5 G DevServ,cesWonica LoredolWord DatmParks&ReciMlnules12006 MinutesI9-6-06.mm doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 4`" of July, concert series, Easter Egg hunt, etc. Mr. Vine suggested having a fitness and wellness day. Commissioner Barnes stated he has seen the term neutral used many times in the survey. He asked Mr. Vine to define neutral. Mr. Vine responded the neutral means that the respondent does not have a strong opinion one way or the other; does not make a difference; or does not care. Commissioner Barnes stated that the term neutral is used considerably in the report, specifically, page 35 of Section 6. Mr. Vine responded that the percentage on page 35 represents everyone that responded to question no. 23 that dealt with satisfaction and the overall value and responded neutral. A question was asked regarding what time of the year the survey was done. Mr. Vine responded that the survey was done in May. The survey did ask if people were full or part-time residents. Commissioner Dash asked to explain the random selection. Mr. Vine responded that they went through street addresses and that it was computer driven. Commissioner Garcia referred to the national benchmark, and asked Mr. Vine what is the most effective outreach to let people know about parks and recreation services and location of parks. Mr. Vine responded that the most effective marketing is brochures mailed directly to the resident homes. The other method is through word of mouth from those that use the programs is a big factor. Commissioner Babcock asked Mr. Vine if they follow up with cities several years after the survey was done to see how things worked out. Mr. Vine replied that they just started following up. Their company have been doing national work for approximately seven years, and now just started going back to the communities. He added that their company does complete customer satisfaction surveys every year or every other year for communities. Commissioner Babcock asked Mr. Vine if parks in East, West, and Midwest are different than the averages. Mr. Vine replied that they are. He indicated that the East Coast has the worst recreation facilities, and the best facilities are located in the Midwest. California and Florida do not have good systems. California was devastated twenty years ago with property taxes. He commented that best park systems are in Illinois. 6 G 1DevSeMcesiMonica LOredolWOrd DatalParks&Rec'MioutesQO06 Msnutes19-6.06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 Commissioner Barnes asked how big is the city of Winnetka. Mr. Vine replied that population is about 35,000 to 40,000. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele how many swim teams have come to the City asking when the City is going to build a swimming center. Ms. Steele replied that originally it was two, but that there now is three. Commissioner Barnes noted that the swim teams are going to dominate the use of the swimming pools. Commissioner Barnes commented that the City is very limited on what the City could provide as far as the walking and bike trails. Councilman Kelly announced that Spanish Walk is having their grand opening. He indicated that the development is adjacent to the railroad tracks, and along with that project the developer has a condition to provide a walking and biking trail. Chairman Guyer commented that the City Council is committed to adding more sidewalks. Councilman Kelly responded that sidewalks are installed every year and that they are conditioning developers to do their part along new developments. It was commented that sidewalks along Desert Willow and Fred Waring are nice trails. There is also the trail that is going to be installed from Freedom Park down to the Walmart area. The Commission thanked Mr. Vine for his presentation. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. SKATE PARK REQUEST Discussion and recommendation on the request to allow bicycles in the Skate Park during designated hours. Chairman Guyer stated that the representatives for the Skate Park request could not attend the meeting. He asked the Commission if they should continue the request to the next meeting. Commissioner Limont asked Ms. Steele if the Risk Manager's concerns could be met. Ms. Steele replies that they could meet his concerns and that he is in favor of the request. She indicated that the Palm Desert Community Center receive requests everyday from bikers. Commissioner Limont noted that she thought it was a great idea. Chairman Guyer communicated that the request was addressed when the park was built, and at that time there was not enough interest. He G 1DevSerwcesWonica Loredoftotd Deta ParksdReclMInutes12006 Minules19-6-06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 recommended that they move forward with the request if there is no conflict with the City or the Community Center. Commissioner Barnard asked if a notice has been given to the skaters. Ms. Steele responded that they have not. Alternate Vice Chair Schukart moved to recommend to the City Council to allow a scheduled structure use access for bikers to utilize the Skate Park at slow peak times. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (LOA). VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETINGS Discussion and recommendation on the second Commission meeting of the month. Ms. Steele stated that the Commission meetings were brought up at the meeting in July. Since there were several Commissioners absent the item was continued. She explained that when she first started with the City the meeting room for the first and third Wednesday was not available, so the first Wednesday and third Tuesday were chosen. Ms. Steele communicated that the meeting room is now available on the first and third Wednesday, and asked if they would like to consider meeting during that time. Commissioner Limont stated that she has no conflicts with the change. Commissioner Barnard indicated that he has a conflict on the third Wednesday. Commissioner Barnes asked if anyone has a conflict for the first and third Tuesday. Commissioner Dawson asked if there is still a need to meet twice a month. Chairman Guyer responded that he feels that they do. Chairman Guyer announced that the meeting room is available the first and third Tuesday of the month and asked the Commission if there were any conflicts. Commissioner Dawson moved for the Parks and Recreation Commission to meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. Alternate Vice 8 G DevServiceslMomca Loredo%Word DaWParks&RecMnu1&sQ006 Minutes19-6.06 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 Chair Schukart seconded the motion and carried by a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA). VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. AQUACTIC CENTER COMMITTEE Ms. Steele announced that she is trying to schedule a meeting with the Aquatic Center Committee before the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to review designs. She asked if members of the Committee were available on Friday, September 8. Members responded that they are available in the afternoon. Ms. Steele stated that she would contact everyone with the place and time. Ms. Steele stated that once the Committee meets she would present the information at the next Commission meeting. She commented that the City Manager and City Council are interested in moving the project forward. Ms. Steele also stated that Staff has been working on a lease agreement. B. DISC GOLF UPDATE Ms. Steele reported that the baskets are in for disc golf. A grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There will be activities, giveaways, and instructional clinics. Chairman Guyer pointed out a letter that was in the agenda packet from a gentleman in Redlands that played at the disc golf course and thought it was great. Ms. Steele stated that the representatives that proposed the disc golf course have been very useful. They have provided information, the layout drawings, measured the pars, and cad drawings. She noted that City Staff installed the baskets. Commissioner Barnes suggested having a special events commission. Ms. Steele responded that there is a Promotions Committee, and they help with the press releases. C. LEGENDS FIELDS HONOREE Commissioner Dash announced that Mr. Mays accepted the honor of the Legends Fields award for 2007. He commented that Janis and he are going through his record to develop the plaque. Commissioner Dash stated that the final plaque would be shown to the Commission for final approval. 9 G:',DevServicesWonica LOredolWOrd DatelParksBRec Mmurest2006 Mmutesi"-06.mm.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 Commissioner Limont volunteered to help gather the information for the plaque. Commissioner Barnes asked for the status of refurbishing the columns at Legends Fields. Mr. Niemczak responded he would schedule a pressure wash to clean the columns. Commissioner Babcock asked for the status of the kiosks. Mr. Niemczak responded that the architects have only designed the restrooms for the Date Grove area. He would be meeting with the architect to discuss the rest of the area, which includes bocce ball, horseshoe pits, pavilions, and re -landscaping. Commissioner Babcock asked Mr. Niemczak if there is a date when work would begin. Ms. Steele responded that Staff would have a timeline by the next meeting. D. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT GOLF CENTER PROPERTY Ms. Steele mentioned that she included a copy of the resolution from CVRPD that the Golf Center is no longer for sale in the agenda packet. Ms. McGalliard, CVRPD representative, commented that the property was never for sale. The District declared it surplus. She commented that the District is going to come up with a new plan for the property. Councilman Kelly asked Ms. McGalliard if they have golf tournaments on Saturdays. Mr. DeWitt, CVRPD, responded that they have golf lessons. Councilman Kelly asked Mr. DeWitt why they do not have tournaments for kids. Mr. DeWitt indicated that they could look into it, and would not be sure what the participation would be. Commissioner Dawson asked CVRPD if they knew the status of the piece of land that is on the right hand side of the driving range. Ms. McGalliard responded that they did not know. Ms. Steele asked Mr. DeWitt if First Tee was still coming to the Golf Center. Mr. DeWitt replied that they are and that details are still being worked out. Councilman Kelly asked if they had an approximate date of when First Tee would come to the Golf Center. Mr. DeWitt replied that he is not directly involved and did not know the answer. Councilman Kelly asked who is involved. Mr. DeWitt responded that Mr. Ford is involved with First Tee. 10 G 1DevServicesMomca Loredolftrd Det81Pe/k58RecWjnu?es12006 Minutes19-6-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 E. PARK INSPECTIONS Commissioner Barnard requested a new schedule for park inspections. He lost his copy. Ms. Steele indicated that she would e-mail him a copy. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dawson commented the findings from the survey were very important and does not want to lose those findings. He suggested that the Commission and City Staff convert the results into areas of concentration and possible measurable objectives. He noted not having action steps but areas of concentration so the Commission does not lose the impact the survey has given them. Councilman Kelly commented that he feels it is important that the Commission go to the City Council with priorities the Parks and Recreation have established. Alternate Vice Chair stated that the priorities should be brought to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Babcock stated that at first he was against the survey until reading the results. He noted that he was very impressed. Chairman Guyer suggested that each Commissioner return to the next meeting with three priorities for concentration as a result from the survey to recommend to the City Council. Commissioner Babcock asked if the Commission had a copy of the Power Point presentation. Mr. Vine replied that he would give Ms. Steele a copy. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele for the status with the ice arena. She replied that the Commission recommended waiting until they received the results from the survey to find out if the ice arena was a priority. If it were a priority or a need for the community, Staff would send out a request for proposals and identify the scope of services/facilities. Commissioner Barnes asked for the status of the Dog Park fees and if it was a dead issue. Ms. Steele responded that the City Council voted no on the recommendation from the Commission. She stated that the Council directed Staff to work on less restrictive ways to deal with the dog park issues. 11 G'1DevServiceskMonica LoredolWoro DatalParks&ReclM/nute512006 Minutes19.6-06.min. doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 Councilman Kelly commented that the Council felt it was a bit of an over- kill. The Council felt that is was not that big of a problem, and felt that the problem could be easily solved without charging people. Commissioner Barnes asked for the status concerning dogs at the Soccer Park. Ms. Steele replied that it was part of the same issue. Councilman Kelly mentioned that there were no signs up at the Soccer Park. Ms. Steele commented that they are up now. Commissioner Barnes communicated that signs do not make a difference. People are still going to walk their dogs in the field. He commented that people might pick up after their dogs, but that the germs still stays in the grass. Commissioner Barnes asked Alternate Vice Chair Schukart if he still goes to the Soccer Park. He responded that it has gotten better. There are fewer dogs off leash, and people that have their dogs on leash have been walking on the perimeter. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that there was an invitation in front of them for the Spanish Walk development grand opening. Although the date for the RSVP has passed, they are still taking the RSVP's. Ms. Steele also mentioned that along with the invitation there was a copy of article from the California Parks & Recreation monthly magazine. The article/ad had a picture of Palma Village Park. Ms. Steele shared that she received a couple of letters from people thanking the City how nice the Civic Center and Joe Mann dog parks look and the good maintenance. Commissioner Limont asked how long has been since City Staff took over the maintenance. Ms. Steele replied that is has been approximately eight months. Commissioner Limont asked who maintains the natural area on Haystack. Mr. Niemczak replied that the City does. She indicated that there is a lot of dog poop that needs to be cleaned up. 12 GiDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPar*s&Rec1MinutesQ006 Minutesl9-6.06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Alternate Vice Chair Schukart, second by Commissioner Dawson, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:46 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording te6reQy 13 G IDevServicesWonica LoredoiWord Data%Parks&RecVdinutest2006 Minutesk9-6-06 min.doc