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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks & Recreation Commission 11/21/06 L .,� O � N � � � � CITY OF PALM DESERT � �'� --� � � PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIO + � �+ w � U ' MINUTES A o , ' �, ' ' NOVEMBER 21, 2006 o i � Ma � � � w I. CALL TO ORDER .. H ' � �-+ � Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:32 a.rr� A � � Q � � � � H .. .. z � w-� II. ROLL CALL }, a W E., �n �„ W E.., ,..� tr F+ W U W W W cn t/) tY,'� Chairman Guyer stated that Commissioner Limont is�i G` ��c��� � � absence due to knee surgery and will return to the first mee ing in January. Commissioners Dawson and Garcia would be unable to make it to the meeting. Commissioner Babcock commented that he would not be able to attend the first meeting of December. Present: Excused Absent Chairman Randy Guyer Vice Chair Julie Munson Alternate Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Connor Limont Commissioner Michael Barnard (Limont on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Dan Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Absent Commissioner Gerald Dawson Alt. Commissioner David Garcia Staff Present: Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2006 Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission of November 7, 2006, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Babcock/Barnes and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners 1 PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Limont, Dawson, and Garcia Absent (Munson and Limont on leave of absence). Commissioner Barnes stated for the record concerning the minutes of October 3, 2006, (page 7, paragraph 4, second sentence of the minutes), he meant to say Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks District and not the YMCA. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), communicated that the concert series ended the previous Thursday. The CVRPD appreciates and thanks the City for the use of the amphitheater. There was a great response, although they did find in the course of the concerts that there were some electrical issues. CVRPD are making the repairs. He provided the Commission with CVRPD's Spring 2007 brochure and mentioned that it would be mailed out the first of December. Mr. DeWitt announced that they have two new tennis programs. One is called Split Method tennis and the other is called Grass Roots. The Grass Roots program will have 110 participants in the Civic Center Park. He added that the program will also include approximately 120 kids, which most are from Palm Desert schools that are part of the after school program. He noted that the Grass Roots group bring all the equipment, tennis balls and racquets, and provide shoes and equipment for children that cannot afford to buy for themselves. Chairman Guyer asked who sponsors the Grass Roots organization. Mr. DeWitt responded that the organization is a nonprofit group that raises their own money. He mentioned that a woman by the name Kate Butler is the principal of the group. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. SENIOR SOFTBALL REQUEST Discussion and recommendation to the City Council to grant the request to utilize four fields in the Civic Center Park at no charge. Ms. Steele stated that a request has come in from the same senior group that has used the Civic Center ball fields for the past several years for their Senior Softball League. She stated that if the Commission approves the request, she would take it to the City Council. 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica�oredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minufeslf f-27-O6.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Commissioner Barnes moved for City Staff recommend to the City Council to approve the Palm Desert Senior Softball League be allowed to utilize the ball fields at the Civic Center Park at no charge. Chairman Guyer seconded the motion and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners Limont, Dawson, and Garcia Absent (Munson and Limont on LOA). B. BOY SCOUT CAMPOREE REQUEST Discussion and recommendation to the City Council to approve the request for a boy scout camporee in the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele stated that she received a request from Mr. Bob Hargreaves for a boy scout camporee in the Civic Center Park. She indicated that she and Mr. Niemczak discussed the request and they felt that it could be managed. She commented that the boy scouts would like to have a camp out on the last weekend of March or first weekend of April. Mr. Hargreaves indicated that the group would be well supervised and looking at camping out next to the baseball diamonds. She commented that the only issue City Staff has are the campfires. Ms. Steele mentioned that they could offer the barbeque grills or discussing it with the Fire Department. She asked the Commission if she should ask Mr. Hargreaves to make a presentation if they would like to discuss it further. Commissioner Dash commented that on the staff report for the Senior Softball League's request, Staff made a recommendation for the Commission for approval. He asked why Staff did not make a recommendation for the camporee request, and asked Staff if they are being cautious or if Staff had a concern that the Commission should consider. Ms. Steele responded that Staff has never received this type of request before. Chairman Guyer added that the Senior Softball League has the same request every year. Chairman Guyer stated that he would like to hear Commissioner comments on the request. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he has a concern with the campfires. His other concern is how much of the park are they going to utilize, which the group may expand their operations. He stated that some areas do need to be left for the public to use during the weekend. Commissioner Babcock agreed with Alt. Vice Chair Schukart. It may be a nice weekend and the group would be using the kiosks. Mr. Niemczak responded that the group is only requesting Shelter No. 3 (small shelter by the ball fields and volleyball courts). 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoiedolWoM OatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutesl f 7-21-06.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Chairman Guyer reaffirmed that the group only requests the use of Shelter No. 3, the Date Grove, and part of the ball field. Staff agreed. Commissioner Barnes asked if Staff could check with other people in valley that have sponsored a camporee, and find out what the pros and cons are. It was mentioned that College of the Desert has had that type of event in the past. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart noted that the groups are well supervised. He mentioned that when he was in Oregon, they had approximately 800 young men all from the northwest that utilized one of their parks and noted again that they were all well supervised. Supervision is not a problem and they are well organized. He mentioned that his main concern is how much of the park is going to be left for the other folks of the City for that weekend. Commissioner Barnard asked if there would be any noise issues. Would the noise carry over to Monterey Country Club? Is there going to be a curfew and are the boys going to be up early in the morning? Chairman Guyer responded that is a question that needs to be answered by Mr. Hargreaves. Commissioner Barnard asked if there has ever been any overnight event in the park. The Commission and Staff responded no. Commissioner Barnard commented that it would be a precedent. Commissioner Babcock commented that the group should make a presentation. Ms. Steele replied that should not be a problem, and that she would invite Mr. Hargreaves to the next meeting. Mr. Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner, noted that Mr. Hargreaves is the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Palm Desert. He also noted that he is sure that Mr. Hargreaves has the City's best interest in heart and mind. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Dash if he had any comments. Commissioner Dash responded that he feels a little bias. He is for youth activities if well supervised he is for it. He would have to be persuaded to go the other direction, but is open to what others think. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Niemczak if he had any concerns. Mr. Niemczak responded that his only concerns were the fires and setting a precedent for camping in the park. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DetalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes111-21-O6.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Chairman Guyer commented that another questions to ask Mr. Hargreaves is what are the planned activities and what other parts of the park would they use for the activities. Mr. Tanner suggested requiring have controlled fires in Weber fire burners/pots opposed to having an open fire in the baseball fields. Ms. Steele stated that Police and Fire would be involved, if the Commission approves the request. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he likes the idea as long as they are only using a portion of the park. He knows that the supervision is good and that they do have curfews. � Commissioner Barnes asked if cub scouts are involved too. Ms. Steele replied it is only boy scouts. Commissioner Barnard asked if the group would reimburse the City for any costs and would there be in fees. Ms. Steele responded that it has not been discussed. Commissioner Barnes commented that if it sponsored, it should be gratis unless there is serious damage. Ms. Steele stated that she would invite Mr. Hargreaves for a presentation and address the Commission's concerns. She added that she would also get feedback from the Fire and Police Department. Chairman Guyer added that he would have a concern if there over six fires going on at the same time and the smoke would be blowing into his yard. Commissioner Barnes also added that it would be a good idea to check where it was held the year before. C. CIVIC CENTER PARK LIGHTING Discussion and recommendation for lighting in the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele mentioned that during the Turtles concert in the Civic Center Park, the Risk Manager, a Parks Maintenance Staff person, and herself noticed that there are some pockets in the park that are a little dark. She felt that they should look at some of those areas without impacting any of the City's dark sky ordinances. City Staff is looking at adding lighting under the large playground, seating areas surrounding the playgrounds, tree grove adjacent to the playgrounds, the Mother and Child area, and the two shelters in the park that are not lit. 5 C',:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes111-21-06.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked if the areas are wired for additional lighting. Mr. Niemczak responded that wire would need to be pulled from various spots, but is doable. Chairman Guyer noted that the footbridge is dark. Commissioner Barnes asked if the City has a lighting expert. Ms. Steele responded that the City has a contractor. Commissioner Barnes suggested having a lighting survey of the parks done. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they would like Staff to look at the footbridge as well. They replied yes. Mr. Niemczak added that the footbridge has three lights that are constantly being broken by vandals. He is working on putting some type if cage and/or plexi glass to prevent them from being broken. Commissioner Barnard asked if cameras were installed and if it was brought to the Commission. Ms. Steele responded that the cameras were a City project. The Risk Manager and Senior Management Analyst were working on upgrading the security in City Hall and installing cameras in the Civic Center parking lot. After the fire at the Civic Center playground, it was then discussed to add cameras at the playground and the dog park. Commissioner Barnes asked if a survey would cost a lot. Mr. Niemczak responded that it would cost more than just installation of the lights in the areas mentioned. He recommended installing the light and maybe doing a survey some time in the future. Chairman Guyer added that he feels that Staff could evaluate the lighting in the park. Commissioner Barnes asked if vandalism of the lights in the parks is a problem. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is in some areas for example, the footbridge. He mentioned that there have been some complaints of vandalism at Joe Mann Park, so Staff is installing motion detector lights around the playground and dog park areas. Commissioner Babcock asked if Staff is working with the camera installation staff to make sure cameras are being installed in the right areas. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Commissioner Barnes asked if there were any problems at the Cahuilla Hills tennis courts. Ms. Steele responded no. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatelPaiks&ReciMinutes12006 MinufesU 1-21-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Commissioner Barnes moved for City Staff to do a survey on the immediate needs of lighting and correct the needs of the lighting in the park. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart seconded the motion and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners Limont, Dawson, and Garcia Absent (Munson and Limont on LOA). VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. FREEDOM PARK KIOSKS Discussion and recommendations for the Freedom Park Kiosks. Chairman Guyer announced that Commissioner Dawson has been working on the information on the kiosks. Due to his illness and not able to attend the meeting, he is requesting that the item be continued to the next meeting. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that he had a question concerning Freedom Park. He asked if Staff anticipates any problems with neighbors concerning the lights at Freedom Park. Mr. Niemczak responded that they do not anticipate any problems. He mentioned that the light contractor is required to make sure there is "0" light bleed into the neighboring areas. Commissioner Dash stated that he would like to add a potential topic for the kiosk. He would like to add Section One of the 14th Amendment. Chairman Guyer is still interested in having an annual project done by the schools or the senior center. Ms. Steele commented that Commissioner Dawson has put a list together. She requested the Commission to take a look at the list because they need to be narrowed down to ten. Commissioner Barnes also wanted to add to the list "My Country Tis of Thee"and "America the Beautiful." Mr. Tanner asked when would the park be completed. Ms. Steele replied in May 2007. B. DOG PARK ISSUES Discussion and recommendation for fence separating the large and small dog parks. Ms. Steele stated that at the Commission's request, Staff has provided pictures of fencing that indicated the spacing between the bars to prevent � G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 MinutesN 1-21-06.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 dogs from putting their head through the fence. She stated Staff's recommendation is not do anything at this time. Commissioner Barnes voiced that it is not worth the money to change the fencing. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart agreed. Chairman Guyer and Commissioner Barnard commented that the dog owners have to take responsibility of their dogs. Chairman Guyer asked if there is signage at the Dog Park that they could take their dogs to Homme/Adams and Cahuilla Hills. Mr. Niemczak responded that there is not. Chairman Guyer felt there should be some type of information letting them know that those two locations are available. Mr. Niemczak commented that they could install a sign. Commissioner Barnes noted that it could be added to the Bright Side. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart noted that a picture could be added to The Desert Sun. Ms. Steele responded that she could mention it to K. Kaufmann. Ms. Steele commented that Staff is working on a brochure regarding dog parks. Staff is waiting for the other dog parks to be completed (Freedom Park and University Park) to add to the brochure. Chairman Guyer moved for City Staff not make any changes to the fence at the Civic Center pog Park at this time. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart seconded the motion and carried by a 6-0 vote with Vice Chair Munson, Commissioners Limont, Dawson, and Garcia Absent (Munson and Limont on LOA). VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. NORTH SIDE (NEW) PARK COMMITTEE UPDATE Commissioner Barnard reported that the north side park subcommittee met on Monday, November 20. He reported that representatives from youth football attended. The representatives gave the committee a list of what their needs are for the new park. The committee also discussed removable goal posts so that the fields could be multi-purpose. They had an in depth discussion on an indoor recreational facility. He stated that Ms. Steele provided a notebook on comparable facilities in the Midwest. It seems that a facility in the 60,000 to 70,000 square feet range would be needed to incorporate everything that was part of the survey. The committee is looking at a big gym area with basketball and volleyball courts, indoor track, weight room, fitness and dance rooms, indoor/therapy 8 G:IDevServicesVvfonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 MinutesN 1-21-06.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 pool, meeting rooms, and community events room. He stated that the indoor facility would probably take up six to eight acres. The sports fields would take another eight to nine acres with parking. There would be another five acres left for other activities. Ms. Steele added that they also discussed a disc golf course. Commissioner Barnard commented they also discussed having 500 to 1,000 parking spaces. He mentioned that Ms. Steele had a booklet that breaks down all the needs on what currently exists that shows a breakdown of the costs, where you get revenue from, and space of every individual room. He commented that the booklet was very detailed and has done a lot of the homework. Ms. Steele mentioned that the booklet is from a facility design school. The booklet has actual case studies with pictures on how facilities received funding, the size of the facility, architects, construction staff, and all equipment onsite (computers, weight equipment, etc.). It also has breakdowns of inemberships and rentals. She commented the booklet has very valuable information. If they decide to move forward with an indoor facility, she recommends a Commissioner and/or Staff person attend the school. Commissioner Babcock asked for the exact location of the north side park. Ms. Steele responded that it is on Portola to the freeway. Mr. Croy displayed a map indicating where the park would be. Chairman Guyer asked what were the needs from the Housing Department. Commissioner Barnard replied that Staff from the Housing Department did not attend the meeting. The Housing Department has stated that they would need ten acres. Ms. Steele interjected that the housing would probably be built along Gerald Ford away from the railroad tracks or on the east end of the property. It would make more sense to put the ball fields near the railroad tracks. It was also mentioned that the football would be installed end to end instead of side by side due to the noise. Commissioner Barnes commented that an indoor running track was not mentioned. Ms. Steele replied that Commissioner Barnard did mention it. He also mentioned that the City is working on two big projects, one being the aquatic center and the other being the north side park. He does not feel the indoor facility should be located in the north side of the City, and that it should be located in the Civic Center Park. He suggested the swamp area and taking out all the palm trees. 9 G:iDevServiceslMonica LoredolWorti OatalParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes111-21-O6.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes where he would install 750 parking spaces in the swamp area. Commissioner Barnes asked how many acres are in that area. Mr. Niemczak replied four acres. Chairman Guyer stated that Commissioner Barnes suggestion would be difficult to present to the City Council. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart stated that there is a balance. In the south is the Living Desert complex that offers programs, in the middle of town an aquatic center would be built, and in the north there would be a new facility where there is new housing being built. Commissioner Barnes asked if the separation from the City and the CVRPD occurs, what is going to happen with the building in the Civic Center Park. Commissioner Babcock asked what was happening with the YMCA building. Mr. Rob Ballew responded that the YMCA has a building in Rancho Mirage and they are expanding the facility at the Civic Center. Ms. Steele commented that there are enough people in town and new homes being built in the north side; the facilities at the Civic Center would still be used. The survey did not say to shut down facilities; the survey said there is a need for more. Mr. Croy noted that the land around the buildings in the Civic Center are bare because there are plans for expansion. Chairman Guyer commented that he had heard that 15,Q00 homes were going to be built in the north side, which would be roughly 30,000 people. He asked Mr. Croy if that was correct. Mr. Croy replied that was what they anticipate. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart asked Commissioner Barnard when is the next subcommittee meeting. He replied that they have not set a meeting date. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart noted that he would like to sit in at the next meeting and listen. Chairman Guyer asked if there are any potential names for the north side park. Ms. Steele replied no. He asked if the Commission should be thinking about it. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission to think of names and bring them to the next meeting. 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataWarksBReclMinutes12006 Minuteslf f-21-06.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Commissioner Babcock commented that more shade is needed at the soccer park, and asked if there is plan to add bleachers with shading. Mr. Niemczak responded that they are working on separating the fields with trees to provide more shading. He has not heard anything about bleachers. Chairman Guyer asked if maintenance costs would double due to the additional trees. Mr. Niemczak responded no. Trimming would be every two to three years. Commissioner Barnes communicated that the place for a new community center should be on the campus of the university. He mentioned that there are a lot of people in the valley that have made money and may want to give back to the community. He stated if one of the families could fund a gymnasium and have their name on the building, the City would have a good situation. Commissioner Barnes noted Mr. Bill Bone as a possible contributor. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart stated the university has a formal process for contributions and naming rights for anything that goes into their campus. He noted that the university would have to initiate the process not the City. Commissioner Dash mentioned that sharing a facility with a university would be a scheduling nightmare. Alt. Vice Chair Schukart added that sharing a facility could also become extremely involved. Commissioner Barnard commented that the new park is only a mile away from the university, why would the university be a better location. Commissioner Barnes responded that the City could get someone else to pay for it. Commissioner Babcock asked if there were apartments going to be built on Cook Street for students. Mr. Croy responded that land has been set aside for high-density housing. The City is not planning on building on the land. Commissioner Babcock asked if the buildings would be one or two story. Mr. Croy responded that there are no plans yet. Commissioner Babcock noted that he heard stores were going to be built with apartments above the stores. Mr. Croy replied that was a design consideration that someone has brought up. Commissioner Barnes suggested bringing up the subject of a community center/gymnasium at the university when Councilman Spiegel is present. 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12006 MinulesV t-21-O6.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Chairman Guyer noted that the new park could be a form of revenue, whether it is an ice skating rink or a gym that could be rented out. Ms. Steele added that at the subcommittee meeting they discussed revenue opportunities to support the building once it is built. Mr. Croy commented that there is always an initial cost to build something. It is the annual reoccurring costs the City wants to eliminate or minimize. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele about Mr. LeGrand Velez. She spoke with Mr. Velez and he wanted to meet with Staff first before making a presentation to the Commission. Ms. Steele mentioned that she is meeting with other City Staff to discuss trails and hope to move forward with other cities. Chairman Guyer asked how the City could get the people that use the Bump and Grind to use the Homme/Adams Park trail. It is going to be a huge impact once the street to the Bump and Grind in Rancho Mirage is closed. Ms. Steele responded that she would discuss the issue with the Planning Department and invite Mr. Stendell to give the Commission an update on the trails. Chairman Guyer asked if there still is an amphitheater committee. Ms. Steele replied yes and would schedule another meeting. Mr. Croy commented that the electrical elements need to be fixed and rewired, stage needs to be enlarged, shading and dressing rooms need to be added, and a new screen for movies. Chairman Guyer stated that the subcommittee has discussed all the items that Mr. Croy has mentioned. He recommended moving forward and bringing it to the Commission. Chairman Guyer asked if the money that was set aside for the amphitheater is still available. Mr. Croy responded that some of the money was used to purchase the north park land. Ms. Steele commented that she budgeted some additional money for the amphitheater. Mr. Croy commented that the City Council would support remodeling the amphitheater and the finances. He believes there is enough money in the budget to begin the design process. 12 G:IDevServicesVvlonica LoredolWord DafelParksBReclMinutes12006 Minutes111-21-O6.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2006 Commissioner Barnes asked if it is too early to start the inauguration ceremony for Freedom Park and if could be added to the next Commission agenda. 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 9:52 a.m. . Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 13 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWoro DatalParks&ReclMinutes12006 Minutes111-21-06.min.doc