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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 12/05/06------------- __ _- ----- __ T CITY OF PALM DESERT �- �� � � PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION — MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 �. CALL TO ORDER Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart convened the meeting at 8:34 a.m. ��. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absent Chairman Randy Guyer (8:38 a.m.) Vice Chair Julie Munson Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Daniel Barnes � Limont on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Gerald Dawson Absent Alternate Commissioner David Garcia Commissioner Phill Babcock Staff Present: Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES q. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Commissioner Dash stated th nutes. Hedmeant to say Sec�t on One of the 4, second sentence of the m 14'h Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and not Section Six. The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the amended minutes from November 21, 2006. Motion movedlseconded by Barnes/Barnard and carried by a 6-0 vote with Chairman Guyer, Vice Chair Munson, EN��(�nson and Limont Commissioners Limont and�B Y COUNCBL AC on leave of absence). DENIED _________�. ppPROVSD � � '---- pTHER CSIVED �V, ORAL COMMUNICATIONS �one I�SB iv�z G ��°r� - , � / A�'E�: St� NOES: on 2- ABSENT: on �BSTAIN: �e- ERTFIED BY: Clerk' s Office priginal on File wit City PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 V. PRESENTATIONS A. TRAILS UPDATE — RYAN STENDELL Mr. Stendell circulated a copy of the trails master plan. He reported that the trails are making good progress. He stated that Mr. Schuler, the trail builder, has just completed the trail identified in pink/magenta on the master plan, which is the link to the Bump and Grind and the link from the Bump and Grind to behind Target adjacent to the Hobbytown track. Mr. Schuler is currently moving up on the trail identified in purple on the master plan that leads up to the cross, which borders Stone Eagle that connects to the Art Smith Trail. Mr. Stendell commented that the trails that have been completed are phenomenal. He mentioned that the Bump and Grind could now be reached from Homme/Adams Park, which is approximately a two-hour hike. He hopes that after the first of the year the trails for the most part would be constructed. Commissioner Dawson asked if the section colored in green is completed. Mr. Stendell responded that it is completed up to the middle of Bighorn. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked Mr. Stendell, if the City of Rancho Mirage were to close the access street that currently serves the head of the Bump and Grind, are there plans for parking in the areas between Desert Crossings to behind the church. He responded that there is parking along Painters Path. Currently there is one side that has a red stripe, but it is in the process of being removed. Mr. Stendell added that at Homme/Adams is a huge open space, if needed, a section could be cut out for parking on the north end. The parking at Homme/Adams could be discussed at a later time. He feels that people that are going to hike the Bump and Grind are going to use the parking behind Target. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked the Commission if they have discussed placing signage at either at the old Bump and Grind entrance, Desert Crossings, or somewhere at the Homme/Adams entrance letting people know about parking. Mr. Stendell stated that he has been working with the City's promotional/advertising consultant in creating a new map for trails. He added that the map would have a blow-up map on the far side indicating the location of the trailhead. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked if there are plans to have signage off of Highway 111 or 74 that would direct people to the trails. Mr. Stendell replied that the signage would be easy to accomplish. He commented that he could discuss signage with the Public Works Department. Ms. Steele interjected that there is also a Wayfinding Committee that Mr. Croy mentioned at the last Commission meeting. The Committee is working on G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-06.�.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 a new signage plan. She stated that she would look at the current signage, and would mention it to the Committee. Mr. Stendell commented that there is a sign on Highway 74 for Homme/Adams Park, but people are driving over 50 m.p.h. and do not see the sign. He suggested also letting people know through the City's monthly newsletter. Commissioner Dawson asked Mr. Stendell when starting from the Art Smith Trail and head around by Bighorn, when would people be able to walk through Bighorn clear to the Bump and Grind. Mr. Stendell replied that Mr. Schuler is currently working in that area, but is working from Homme/Adams and up. He noted that the Art Smith Trail is being re- routed due to Bighorn exposure in the wash (trail with the red x's shown on the map). Commissioner Dawson asked if there are plans for the trailheads to have markers. Mr. Stendell replied yes. He stated that he is working with Mr. Jim Foot, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM recommends that markers are kept standardized and uniform so that when people see the sign, they know it is a trail marker. Mr. Foot recommended to Mr. Stendell that the City make their markers similar to BLM's. Mr. Stendell stated that the next step would be to take the GPS to get the route of the trail and the mileage. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked if people could walk from Cahuilla Hills Park to connect to the Bump and Grind. Mr. Stendell responded it would be a vertical walk for approximately one mile to the Bump and Grind connection. He noted that it would take about 45 minutes to an hour to make the connection. Councilman Spiegel interjected that maybe the parking for the Bump and Grind could be written about in The Desert Sun. He suggested for Ms. Kaufmann talk to Mr. Stendell concerning parking in Pa�m Desert for those that want to hike to the Bump and Grind. Commissioner Barnard suggested that the City of Rancho Mirage could add signage at the Bump and Grind entrance directing people to Palm Desert. The Commission thanked Mr. Stendell for his presentation. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.mrn.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 A. BOY SCOUT CAMPOREE REQUEST Presentation by Mr. Bob Hargreaves followed by discussion and a recommendation concerning the request for a Boy Scout Camporee in the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Bob Hargreaves, Boy Scout Representative, to answer the Commission's questions. Mr. Hargreaves informed the Commission that he is the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 262 out of Palm Springs. He stated that they are holding the camporee the first weekend in April. He explained that they have the camporee every year and hold them in different places. For this year, they are looking at holding it in the open field by the palm trees in the Civic Center Park, which would be used for the camping area, and they would like to use a couple of ball fields for activities during the day. He stated that they would arrive Friday late afternoon to set up camp. On Saturday, they would be doing activities and competitions. He stated that their first concern is the safety of the kids, so they would not be doing anything like shooting arrows or shotguns. On Sunday, they would clean up and be gone by noon. Mr. Hargreaves added that the scouts would be asleep by 10:00 p.m. Chairman Guyer asked at what time would they start in the morning. Mr. Hargreaves responded that they would start getting the scouts up around 7:00 a.m. He explained that the scouts are well supervised. There would be at least one parent for every four kids. He asked if it were okay with the Commission, they would like permission to allow the kids to use the park for about an hour, if not, they could be contained into one area. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked if there is a desire to have bon fires. Mr. Hargreaves responded that if they work something out with the Fire Department, they would use the mobile fire pits. He made it clear that they would not do anything to harm the grass. He noted that the troop would be fine if they were not allowed to have fires. Commissioner Barnes asked how many people would be involved in the camporee. Mr. Hargreaves responded that there would be between 150 and 175 people (scouts and adults). Commissioner Barnes asked what they would do for restrooms. Mr. Hargreaves replied that they typically contract for portable potties and a green water disposal. Chairman Guyer mentioned that there maybe a concern with noise and smoke going into the nearby neighborhood. Councilman Spiegel also 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 commented that a notice should be sent to the adjacent neighborhoods so that they are aware of what is going on in the park. Chairman Guyer voiced his concern that it would open the park to people requesting to camp in the park on a regular basis. The Commission agreed that was something that they would not want to do. Commissioner Barnard commented that the Commission could look at it by a case-by-case basis. Councitman Spiegel asked Mr. Hargreaves if the camporee, legally, set precedent. He responded that the City is not allowed to discriminate in the use of the facilities. Chairman Guyer commented that there was a story he read of scouts using Balboa Park in San Diego, and the City ended up getting sued. He asked Mr. Hargreaves if he knew anything about that case. Mr. Hargreaves responded that about four or five years ago there was a case between the Supreme Court and the Boy Scouts. The case was that the boy scouts would not allow gay men in leadership positions. He noted that there is a problem with City's having strict policies of who is using the facilities and not discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. He was not exactly sure of what happened in the Balboa Park case. Commissioner Dawson asked how many boy scouts live in Palm Desert. Mr. Hargreaves replied that there are three troops (60-70 kids). He added that about a quarter of the kids that live in Palm Desert would participate in the camporee. Commissioner Barnes asked if parents get involved in the camporee. Mr. Hargreaves replied yes. Alt. Commissioner Garcia asked if the boy scouts are legally designated as a religious group or a lobbying group. Mr. Hargreaves responded that for tax purposes, they are a 501 c3 charitable organization. He stated that they are not a church and they do not lobby. He commented that there are some groups that are attached to churches. Commissioner Dawson asked if each troop or council are a legal entity or incorporated. Mr. Hargreaves responded that he believes each council is incorporated. He commented that they have a full insurance program and the City would be covered for an activity such as the camporee. 5 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 Commissioner Barnard commented that he still has concerns with setting a precedent, and asked if there should be any conditions set before approving the boy scouts request. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Hargreaves if there is any legal issues that they need to be concerned about. He responded that the Commission could try it once and see how it goes. If it becomes a problem, a policy could be adopted to restrict this type of event or activity. Ms. Steele stated that the request could be taken to the City Council with the Commission's concerns regarding a precedent, and request that the City Attorney take a look at it. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart moved to support the Boy Scout Camporee in the Civic Center Park for the first weekend in April with revisal that input from the City Attorney maybe needed to address precedent issues. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners Limont and Babcock ABSENT (Munson and Limont on LOA). B. FREEDOM PARK KIOSKS Discussion and a recommendation concerning the plaque information for the Freedom Park kiosks. Commissioner Dawson gave the Commissioners a list of 19 items with additions of potential topics for the kiosk plaques. He asked the Commission to write in after the No. 20, Amendment XIV; No. 21, My Country Tis of Thee; and No. 22, America the Beautiful. He explained that he would like to go through the list with his recommendations one-by-one, discuss the recommendations, and then have the Commission vote on ten topics. There are ten kiosks. Commissioner Dawson gave the following recommendations: 1. Dedication of the Park — recommends not including on a kiosk, but include it on some type of signage at the entrance of the park. 2. Declaration of Independence — recommends that it is included on a kiosk. It is vital to the freedom of the United States. 3. U.S. Constitution — recommends that it is included on a kiosk. It is an important document to maintain freedom. 4. Amendments to the Constitution — see No. 5. 5. Bill of Rights — recommends combining No. 4 and 5. Both are Amendments to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments. He recommends modifying the amendments for one kiosk. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 6. Individual Liberty — recommends eliminating. 7. Citizenship — see No. 8. 8. Naturalized Citizen — recommends combining No. 7 and No. 8. Modify so it is not too lengthy. He feels citizenship and naturalized citizenship is important in this area. 9. Voting — recommends eliminating. 10.The Flag of the United States of America - recommends that it is included on a kiosk. 11.The Service Flag — recommends eliminating. He would recommend the service flag if it were World War II times. Commissioner Barnes asked if the California flag should be included. Commissioner Dawson responded that it could part of the dedication of the park or at the entrance. Councilman Spiegel interjected that there would probably be three flagpoles. One for the State flag, second for the Unites States Flag, and the third for the City flag. 12.The Pledge of Allegiance — recommends. 13.The Star-Spangled Banner— recommends the first stanza. 14.Free Enterprise — recommends eliminating. He feels it is important, but not as important as the other topics. 15.The Statue of Liberty — recommends that it is included on a kiosk due to its context. 16.Franklin D. Roosevelt's Four Essential Human Freedoms — recommends. 17.Emancipation Proclamation — recommends eliminating. He explained that it gave freedom to slaves who were in non-union territory if the North won. It did not give freedom to slaves in the union territory, win or lose. 18.The Gettysburg Address — recommends eliminating. 19.The Liberty Bell — recommends. He noted that there maybe too much information to fit on a plaque. However, the City of Philadelphia owns the Liberty Bell, and the sole purpose was for the bell to clang for the City of Philadelphia. A mystique arose around the bell only after it toured the country for several years. 20.Amendment XIV (current interpretation) — recommended by Commissioner Dash. He commented that there were certain amendments that he considers vital to the development of the United States. He explained that slavery was outlawed under Amendment XIII. Amendment XIV provided citizen rights to all people in the United States. Many subsequent laws were based on the interpretation of Amendment XIV, which gave equal rights to all citizens. He noted that he recommends only the first section of the amendment. Chairman Guyer asked for the size of the plaque. Ms. Steele responded that there is a sample in the agenda packet (8" x 10"). Commissioner Barnard added that it is in the shape of a star. Plaque would be approximately three feet off the ground. Commissioner Dawson 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 commented that the four amendments (XIII, XIV, XV, & XIX) could be combined onto one kiosk with the appropriate title. The amendments mentioned are slavery abolishment, citizenship rights, race is not a bar to voting, and women suffrage. It does not include Amendment XVIII, which is the abolishment of liquor. 21.My Country Tis of Thee (song) — See No. 22. 22.America the Beautiful (song) — Commissioner Dawson commented that both are significant songs in America today. He asked the Commission if any other topics or comments should be added before the vote. Alt. Commissioner Garcia asked if Amendments XIII, XIV, XV, & XIX would be combined with the Amendments to the Constitution and Bill of Rights into one kiosk or would they be on two separate kiosks. Commissioner Dawson responded that he thought it would be two separate kiosks. He clarified that there would be one kiosk that talks about the U.S. Constitution, one kiosk that would talk about the Amendments to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and another kiosk that would talk about Amendments XIII, XIV, XV, & XIX. Commissioner Barnes announced that he would like to add a couple of more songs, God Bless America and Battle Hymn and the Republic. The following songs were added: 23.God Bless America 24.Battle Hymn and the Republic Chairman Guyer asked the Commission to vote for ten topics on a piece of paper and hand the papers to Mr. Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner, to count. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked if the recommendations would be going to the City Council for approval. Councilman Spiegel replied yes. Chairman Guyer commented that he is also going to recommend that the kiosks are made changeable so that other groups could get involved for projects such as students, boy scouts, etc. Plaque Information voting results: 1. The Declaration of Independence. 2. The United States Constitution. 3. Amendments of the Constitution and The Bill of Rights (combined). 4. Citizenship and Naturalized Citizen (combined). 5. The Flag of the United States of America. 8 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 6., The Pledge of Allegiance. 7. The Star-Spangled Banner. 8. The Statue of Liberty. 9. Franklin D. Roosevelt's four essential human freedoms. 10.Amendments XI II, XIV, XV, and XIX—first sections. Commissioner Dawson moved to recommend the ten above- mentioned topics to the City Council for the Freedom Park kiosks. Alt. Vice Chair seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners Limont and Babcock ABSENT (Munson and Limont on LOA). Commissioner Dawson indicated that he would meet with Ms. Steele to rewrite the wording for the plaques. The Commission thanked Commissioner Dawson for his work. C. AMPHITHEATER REHABILITATION Discussion and a recommendation concerning hiring a consultant to assist with the design specifications for this project. Ms. Steele reported that she has provided the Commission with a copy of the staff report from a Commission meeting in November 2005 concerning the amphitheater. She also provided in the agenda packet information on funds available for the rehabilitation. The total amount for rehabilitation is $314,574.00. If more funds were needed, City Staff would ask the City Council for approval of additional funds. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had a chance to read the staff report, and if there were any items that were left out that they need to consider for the rehabilitation. Chairman Guyer stated that Ms. Steele recommends hiring a consultant to assist with the design for the project. Commissioner Barnes asked if anyone has looked at the work that was originally done. Mr. Steele commented that the City Council voted no on the last design in June 2005. Councilman Spiegel interjected that the reason it was voted down was due to the tree. Commissioner Barnes stated that the design is done. Chairman Guyer responded that the design was built around the tree. Commissioner Barnes commented that he would not like to have the money spent if it is not necessary. 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 Chairman Guyer motioned for City Staff to go to the City Council with a proposal for a consultant to help design the Civic Center Park Amphitheater Update for their approval. Commissioner Barnard seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners Limont and Babcock ABSENT (Munson and Limont on LOA). Chairman Guyer commented that the Commission would let the City Council decide if they would like to spend the money or not for the project. Chairman Guyer returned to Item 8 concerning the Freedom Park Kiosks for the final voting counf on the topics for the plaques. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT (CVRPD) UPDATE Ms. Steele reported that the staff report in their agenda packet is only an informational item. Councilman Spiegel informed the Commission that at the City Council meeting of November 16, 2006, Mr. Stan Ford, CVRPD, requested that the City Council continue the item (initiation of the detachment process with CVRPD). He explained that generally when someone requests to continue an item, the City Council usually does. The item was continued to the second City Council meeting in January. Mr. Kevin Kalman, CVRPD, announced that the district has prepared a letter for the Commission and the City Council. The letter was circulated. Ms. McGalliard, CVRPD, apologized for not distributing the letter earlier, but that they just received the Commission's agenda packet the day before. She highlighted some points in the letter. She read from the letter: "we do not intend to respond to it point- by-point. Instead, we want to do two things. First is to express our concern for failing to work with the Commission in a manner which is effective for you. Our goal is to serve our customers with the best recreation and park services possib/e. The Commission, as the representative of the City of Palm Desert, is one of our customers. For whatever reason, through whatever misunderstanding, we have failed to be responsive to your requests. That will not happen again. 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 The second, and more important point is to make this discussion positive and proactive, rather fhan accusatory and negative. P/ease consider the following: • The City and CVRPD have a long history of working together successfully. • Somehow, this relationship has gone down the wrong track. We are willing to step up and take responsibility for that. • We are working to resolve our communication prob/ems so that the Commission and the City Council receive complete information regarding our positions and services as well as the actual cost of detachmenf. • We ask that you hear what we have been doing for you and can do for you in the future before you proceed without complete information. The City Manager has told us that "we do not know what you do." We want you to understand the many things we do for you that benefit parks and recreation wifhin the City. • Pa/m Desert residents use and value CVRPD programs. We have been responding to those residents with our programs. • We have not been given an opportunity to work with staff to resolve issues between us. • We are prepared to move forward to address fhe major funding items identified by the City Manager as critical to Palm Desert: a community center and pool. • We can point to the following specific positive actions: o The tennis pro who retired has been replaced and the program has resumed with even greater participation. o The renovation of Washington Charter School has been completed and the after school program has resumed with steadily increasing participation. o The weight room equipment purchase has been scheduled. o CVRPD has added additional staff inembers who serve Palm Desert. On beha/f of the Board and staff, we invite and request that the Commission meet with us during one of your next three meetings to see and hear our presentation of what we do now for Palm Desert and how we can work together in the future. Because of the upcoming holidays, we are not sure of the Commission's schedu/e. We are availab/e December 18, January 2, and January 16. We ask that you agendize a 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 Commission meeting at a CVRPD facility to show we can work together. Alternatively, we ask that the Chair appoint a subcommittee of the Commission to ho/d such a meeting. Thank you for your consideration." Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any questions or comments. Commissioner Barnes commented that in view of the history that the City has had with CVRPD and all that they have done in the past, they deserve whatever attention the Commission could give to them. Councilman Spiegel asked if there is going to be a second meeting in December and/or a first meeting in January. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if anyone is going to miss the meeting on January 2. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart responded that he might not be present. Councilman Spiegel asked CVRPD Staff if they are going to do a presentation and if December 19 would be too soon for them to meet with the Commission. Mr. Kalman responded they could do a presentation, and mentioned that their other thought was to have a subcommittee to show them what the district is doing. The subcommittee could then report back to the Commission. Councilman Spiegel commented that the City Council has made it very clear that the district needs to sway the Commission in a different direction. Councilman Spiegel voiced to Mr. Kalman that they received a copy of the survey results that was given to Palm Desert residents and their concerns. He stated that the City is trying to address those concerns. Councilman Spiegel commented that the districYs participation in the areas that residents feel are important are the big questions. Mr. Kalman responded that it is the direction the district wants to go. He stated that they would like to sit down with City Staff, and look at the results of the survey to look at how they could provide those services and move forward. Commissioner Dawson recommends that the CVRPD make a presentation at the next Commission meeting so everyone receives the same information, and staff that represents the CVRPD includes Mr. Stan Ford. Chairman Guyer stated that one of the Commission's main issues is if five to eight years down the road, is the City going to be in the same 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 situation? He would like to know from the CVRPD, what direction they are going to take to serve the residents of Palm Desert. He stated that he would not want to hear from the CVRPD of what happened, he wants to hear what the CVRPD is going to do for the residents of Palm Desert years down the road. The Commission would then make a decision that is best for the residents. Commissioner Barnard agreed with Chairman Guyer. Chairman Guyer made clear to the CVRPD staff that they need to address the future relationship. Commissioner Dawson commented that history is the best indicator of the future. If history moves forward, that is not going to be satisfactory to the Commission. He also agreed with Chairman Guyer, and asked what are the changes that the CVRPD is going to make to fulfill the requirements that the City of Palm Desert has. Chairman Guyer informed the CVRPD that they could make a presentation at the December 19, 2006, or January 2, 2007, meeting. Mr. Kalman responded that they would plan on giving a presentation on January 2. Ms. Steele indicated to Mr. Kalman that if they needed any clarification on the survey she would be available. She noted that she would be gone a couple days after Christmas. Chairman Guyer commented that after reading the information in the agenda packet, there was a lot of he said, she said. He was not sure what they were trying to accomplish. Mr. Kalman agreed with the Chairman, and feels that much what has been done has not been very productive. Commissioner Barnes commented that the information was disturbing to him, and would take a lot to resolve and provide clarification. B. SECURITY CONCERNS AT JOE MANN PARK Mr. Niemczak stated a resident that lives near Joe Mann Park has called Staff to complain that there are late night activities in the playground area and in the dog park. He indicated that Staff has agreed to light up areas where there was concern, and also install fencing along California Street from the playground entrance to the parking lot. Staff is also considering making some changes to dark areas in the Civic Center Park and Palma Village Park. � 13 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 Commissioner Barnes asked if it was gang activity or individuals. Ms. Steele responded that there is no evidence that it is gang activity. Alt. Commissioner Garcia stated for the record, while in the process of completing a park inspection at Joe Mann Park, he had a rather vulgar confrontation with a young man. He recounted that the young man was with a young woman, and they had a small dog inside the Rose Garden Memorial area. There is a sign that no animals are allowed in the garden. The couple's dog looked like a pit bull with no collar and no leash. He communicated to the couple that no animals are allowed in the Rose Garden. The young man then immediately became very combative and vulgar and asked him with authority he had to challenge him. He told the young man that he is a Commissioner and they inspect the City's parks. The young man remarked to him that it is a pity that old people have nothing better to do than going out and bothering everyone. He stated that the young man then threatened to beat him up. Alt. Commissioner Garcia and the young man then were saying words to each other and eventually the couple left and he continued to do his inspection. But as he was returning to his car across the parking lot, the young man raced his truck straight at him and stopped inches from hitting him. He threatened the young man that he was going to call the police and took down his license plate number. The young man then teft in a blaze of squealing tires saying that he would look him up on the streets and take him down. Alt. Commissioner Garcia stated that he has received those types of threats in Los Angeles, but never thought that he would get those threats in Palm Desert. Commissioner Barnes commented that he used to have that problem at the tennis courts, but that the abuse was not as bad. Councilman Spiegel suggested that Ms. Steele take the license information and share it with the police department. Ms. Steele stated Lt. Frank Taylor was contacted and that he would like to improve the situation at the park. The information would be helpful to him. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Kalman, CVRPD, how often Joe Mann gets patrolled. He replied that the staff opens the park and closes at night. During the day there is no patrol. Alt. Commissioner Garcia commented that the park has a tired look. He noted that the shade structure has a tear, animal waste everywhere, litter on the ground, and graffiti. 14 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 Mr. Kalman asked Alt. Commissioner Garcia what time he was at Joe Mann Park doing the inspection. He replied at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Chairman Guyer stated that a report would be done and Staff would work on the lighting. Mr. Niemczak interjected that the lighting has been started, and they have ordered a new shade structure. Chairman Guyer noted that there is a police substation around the corner, and asked maybe they could drive by the park more often. Ms. Steele responded that she has talked to Lt. Frank Taylor and they would be increasing patrol. Mr. Niemczak noted the motion lights would be installed at the entrance of the dog park plus under the playground. Alt. Vice Chair asked if the same would be happening at Palma Village Park. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes asked who would manage the aquatic center or if it has been discussed. Ms. Steele responded that it has not been discussed. She noted that she has a meeting with the City Manager to discuss the lease agreement plus some other issues. Commissioner Barnes commented that he is confused with the numbers involved with the new community center. Specifically, how much it would cost for the City versus the CVRPD to provide recreation services. He asked if the figures have been looked at by the City's Finance Department. Ms. Steele clarified that the figures Commissioner Barnes is referring to, are the figures that were done by the business plan consultant. She indicated that she could sit down with him and explain the figures. Commissioner Barnes asked if the Finance Department has taken a look at the figures. Ms. Steele responded that Mr. Paul Gibson, Director of Finance has been part of the process; Mr. Luis Espinoza, Assistant Finance Director has looked at the figures; and his wife, Mrs. Jenni Barnes, Management Analyst, is also looking at the figures. 15 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2006 X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Alt. Vice Chair Schukart, seconded by Commissioner Barnard, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:06 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 16 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks8ReclMinutes12006 Minutes112-5-O6.min.doc