Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 05/01/07 CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'� PARKS � RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Babcock (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Daniel Barnes Absent Commissioner Roger Dash Vice Chairman Terry Schukart Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner David Garcia Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Councilmember 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 APRIL 3, 2007 AND MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM APRIL 17, 2007 Commissioner Dawson stated that he had a correction on page 9 of the April 3, 2007, minutes. His recommendation to Staff was to look into the option of adding parking and not movin parking. Amended minutes of the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting from April 3, 2007, were approved. Motion moved/seconded by Barnes/Dawson and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Schukart and Commissioner Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 Commissioner Dawson stated he had another correction on page 23 of the April 17, 2007, minutes. Comment given by Ms. Reyes, "without the increment they would be able to do it" should be changed to "without the increment they would not be able to do it." Amended minutes of the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting from April 17, 2007, were approved. Motion moved/seconded by Barnes/Dawson and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Schukart and Commissioner Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Kaufmann announced that The Desert Sun would be launching a redesigned and improved website, which would be interactive and get the community involved. She indicated that they are looking for bloggers and journalists to participate in some of the columns. If anyone is interested, please see her at the end of the meeting. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. BOXING PROGRAM Discussion and recommendation on the concept of a boxing program in the City of Palm Desert that will operate in conjunction with the Palm Desert Police Activity League. Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Sandy Yard, a finro-time world boxing champion, and Mr. Tom Lee, investigator for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. They are interested in having a boxing program in the City of Palm Desert. In the past, she had spoken with retired Planning Director, Phil Drell, regarding potential sites. Mr. Drell then directed Ms. Yard to the Parks and Recreation Department. In the meantime, Ms. Yard had done some research and then contacted the Palm Desert Activity League (PAL) for support, which brought Mr. Lee into the picture. Ms. Steele commented that she included in the agenda packet additional information on boxing. She stated that she would like a recommendation or direction from the Commission whether or not they would want City Staff to pursue the possibility of a boxing program in the City of Palm Desert. She added that Mr. Drell had suggested the Joni Yard, which is an old storage area. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff also looked at location where Action Gymnastics used to be, and thought it would be a perfect place. 2 G IDevServiceslMon�ca LoredolWord DatalPa�ksBReclMmutes12007 Minutes15�1-07 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 Ms. Steele stated that local kids are boxing. The only clubs available are located in the very far east or west of the valley. Ms. Yard commented that she had to travel everyday with three kids to Coachella in order to fight. She commented that the fact of the matter is that a tragic incident occurred in the park with the fourteen kids, which are all about her son's age. Ms. Yard stated that these kids are meeting at the back of someone's house and then going at it with only gloves. She commented that she does not see mothers of Palm Desert driving to Coachella. She made the drive for six years for good reason, but it was a huge effort. She believes that people would participate if there were a program in Palm Desert. She indicated that she is very involved with her son's high school sports activities, and is constantly asked by other students where they could go to fight her. She noted that it is very easy to keep boxing safe. Mr. Lee informed the Commission that he has known Ms. Yard for a long time, and has been administering the PAL program in Palm Desert for several years. Their most successful program has been wrestling, which goes hand-in-hand with boxing. He stated that PAL would like to support Ms. Yard as far as administering the program, insurance, registering kids, getting kids in the gym, helping with transportation for kids, and scholarships to defray any costs. He indicated that PAL has not been able to have a boxing program in the past due to not having a site. He noted that you could not put a boxing ring at a school and it will never happen. He feels that a boxing program would be very successful. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Yard if she could dance as good as Leila Ali. Ms. Yard responded that if they pay her as much as they do Ms. Ali, she would give it a shot. Commissioner Babcock asked if Staff looked at locations for a boxing program. Ms. Steele responded that they looked at the Joni Yard. If the Commission supports the idea, Staff would investigate finding a location. Commissioner Babcock asked Ms. Yard if she has an estimate of how many people would be interested. Ms. Yard replied that she could not give an estimate. She commented that there are groups that have shown interest in a boxing program and with word of mouth they will see some numbers. Chair Guyer asked Ms. Yard how much space they are looking for. She responded that they would like to combine boxing and wrestling so possibly an area that is 30 x 60. Chair Guyer asked if that area would include equipment. Ms. Yard replied that it would include ring, heavy bags, and mats. 3 G.IDevServiceslMon�ca Lo�edolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSl-07 mm.tloc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 Commissioner Garcia asked if there is anyway to quantify an injury. Mr. Lee responded that to prevent injury in boxing, there has to be supervision, trained personnel present, and use of protective gear. He noted that in boxing there tends to be fewer training injuries than wrestling. Ms. Yard indicated that she provided information to City Staff. Councilman Spiegel announced that the information is on page 37 of the agenda packet. Ms. Yard continued to communicate that there are less injuries in boxing than football, etc. She explained that with the incident that occurred in the park, the kid had fought in three separate fights in one day. Throughout the day he fought, rested, and brain swelled without headgear. When in a ring, they are supervised and in full gear, if he/she is taking too many shots, the fight is stopped. Ms. Yard stated that training is for working out not to just slug someone. Commissioner Dash asked Ms. Yard and Mr. Lee what type of commitment are they requesting from the City. Are they requesting for the City to maintain the facility, run the program, or use of a facility. Ms. Yard responded that she had spoken to Staff regarding receiving help with the setup and help to man the facility. She noted that in other gyms, the kids help clean the facility. Councilman Spiegel indicated that wrestling is offered at the middle school and the high school. He asked if additional wrestling is needed. Mr. Lee responded that the main wrestling program is at the high school. They are currently struggling to get time in the gym due to other programs. He added that the high school is going to start remodeling soon. Councilman Spiegel commented that the letter from Mr. Lee indicates that there is a boxing program available at the middle school. Mr. Lee replied that it is a very introductory boxing program. Their reward at the end of the year is that they get to spar once or twice with the kids. He explained that the boxing program is for the middle school police cadets, which is part of their self-defense curriculum. Chair Guyer asked if there is a government agency that regulates sanitation. Ms. Yard replied that everyone would be registered with USA Boxing. Mr. Lee interjected that the mats do get mopped everyday to prevent skin diseases. Chair Guyer asked if they are pretty much on their own. They responded yes. Mr. Lee added that in order to have a USA Boxing gym, one would have to go through the local representative that would provide guidelines and recommendations. 4 G 10evSernceslMornca LoredolWord DafalParksBReclMinute512007 MinuteslSl-07.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 Chair Guyer asked the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) if they have ever been involved in any boxing programs in the valley. Ms. McGalliard responded that they have sponsored the Coachella Valley Boxing Club. She commented that the District does not have enough space or a facility to offer boxing. Commissioner Babcock stated that he supports the idea since it would keep kids occupied. Commissioner Dawson moved to support a boxing program in Palm Desert, and request that City Staff investigate locations, costs, and anything else that may apply. Commissioner Babcock seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Schukart and Commissioner Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA). Ms. Steele added that she has met with CVRPD regarding a boxing program, and they are willing to work on this project with the City. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. CIVIC CENTER PARK CAMERAS Ms. Steele reported �that as part of the City's security project, cameras have been installed at the Dog Park and Skate Park. Staff is currently working on remote access, which Staff would be able to view. Commissioner Barnard asked if the cameras are recording. Ms. Steele replied they are recording to a DVR, and will soon be recording to a computer. B. CIVIC CENTER ARTWORK Ms. Steele informed the Commission that she provided pictures in the agenda packet of new artwork located at the corner of Fred Waring and San Pablo. The art piece was made of recycled materials. C. PALMA VILLAGE PARK PARKING Ms. Steele stated that there have been some issues with residents using the Palma Village Park parking lot for a parking garage. Since there are only seven parking spaces, Staff worked with the Code Enforcement and the Public Works Department to have "2-Hour Parking" signage installed. 5 G 1DevServ�ceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSl-07.min doc PARKS � RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 Code Enforcement has followed up with some of the cars that are being stored at the park. Ms. Steele stated that Staff wanted to make sure people that are using the park have parking available. D. FREEDOM PARK UPDATE Ms Steele reported that completion is scheduled for June 3, 2007, and should be finished in time for the grand opening on June 9. She listed items that are completed or would be completed soon. Councilman Spiegel asked about the Community Gardens. Ms. Steele responded that the Community Garden was a project that Ms. Riddle and Mr. Knight were working on, but Mr. Niemczak ended up requesting bids to complete the garden. The garden should be completed before grand opening day. Commissioner Barnard asked if there is going to be access from the school parking lot and Country Club Drive. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mr. Tanner, Planning Commissioner, asked if the concrete wall is going to go all the way down to Country Club. Ms. Steele responded what is there now is going to be there. Ms. Steele stated that Staff met with the Ronald Reagan Principal, Mr. Kim McLaughlin, regarding the grand opening celebration. He recommended a fourth grade student that plays the saxophone to play the National Anthem. She mentioned that she is going to work on coordinating another Freedom Park Grand Opening meeting soon. Commissioner Babcock asked what time the event is going to begin. Ms. Steele responded that it would begin at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Chair Guyer asked if shade covers are going to be added to the playground. Ms. Steele replied yes. Shade structures are also being added to the baseball dugouts and in the snack bar area. E. NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION AQUATIC CONFERENCE Chair Guyer commented that he was excited to hear about the conference. Ms. Steele communicated that the conference is large and moves annually. It is going to be in the Palm Springs area in March 2007. She commented that she has been on the Conference Planning Committee for 6 G.IDevSernceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks8ReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSl-07.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 several years. Representatives from Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Spcings, Palm Desert, and CVRPD will work together to provide an outstanding experience to recreation professionals. She commented that she would keep the Commission updated on the conference. Councilman Spiegel suggested that Staff let the Commission know if there is anything she would like them to participate in. Ms. Steele replied that she would. Chair Guyer commented that he thought it would be great time to receive input from outside the area. Commissioner Garcia asked what is the focus of the conference. Ms. Steele responded that the focus is on running aquatic facilities, programs, and events. There is also an aquatic management school and facility operator certification that is offered at the conference. Commissioner Garcia asked how many people attend the conference. Ms. Steele replied that approximately 1000. Commissioner Dawson asked where the conference was held in 2007. Ms. Steele responded that is was in Atlanta. Ms. Steele noted that there is also a state conference, which is going to be held in Palm Springs in 2008. Commissioner Dawson asked how and when is the City Council informed of the conferences. Ms. Steele responded that she would send them a memo. Commissioner Dawson asked Ms. Steele to make sure that she includes her involvement in the memo. F. PARK INSPECTIONS Chair Guyer asked Commissioner Dawson if he would need assistance with the park inspections. He answered that he would not. Commissioner Dawson commented that dirty restrooms have repeatedly come up on the inspection reports for the past several months. Ms. Steele responded that City Staff is working diligently with CVRPD to alleviate that issue. � G IDevServiceslMoroca LoredolWoid DafalParksdReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSf-07 mindoc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Steele informed the Commission that the Skate Park has been opened to the bike riders. The report from CVRPD is that there have been no incidents or damages to the park. Chair Guyer asked how the bikers were informed. Mr. DeWitt responded that word had gotten around, plus they let everyone know in the Community Center, and a sign was posted at the Skate Park. Commissioner Babcock asked about the hours of the park. He mentioned that he has seen people waiting for the park to open. Mr. DeWitt replied that there are times that the Community Center will post a sign that says, if an attendant is not present please visit the Community Center to have someone open the park. He added that usually during school hours there is no one using the park. Councilman Spiegel commented that he thought it was approved to have the hours changed. Ms. Steele affirmed that the hours were going to be implemented for the next school year since this year is almost over. Commissioner Babcock asked for an update on the trail by the railroad track. Ms. Steele responded that a staff member from the Public Works Department is working on the trail. Chair Guyer requested if that person could come to the Commission to give an update. Commissioner Barnes asked if the bikers are using both sides of the skate park. Ms. Steele replied that they are using both sides. He also asked if the bikers have to wear bicycle equipment. Mr. DeWitt responded that they have to wear the same equipment as the skate boarder's. Ms. Steele stated that she and Mr. Niemczak attended an Accessibility Guidelines workshop, and received fantastic information. She also mentioned that they are sending a couple of the Park Maintenance Staff Members to the same workshop in June. Commissioner Dawson asked if it is ADA related. Ms. Steele replied yes. Chair Guyer handed out information that Councilman Spiegel requested to share with the Commission regarding senior gambling. Commissioner Barnard explained a program that is being started and administered by the Desert Samaritans to treat gambling problems with 8 6 IDevServ�cesiMonica LoreUolWord DatalParks6ReciM�nutes12007 MinuteslS 1-07.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 seniors. He thanked K. Kaufmann, from The Desert Sun, for writing the article. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that Commissioner Barnard also participated in an event called Dancing With Our Stars. The event raised money for various charitable organizations. Commissioner Barnard commented that each participant danced to raise funds for their own charity. He noted that he was able to raise over $12,000 for Desert Samaritans, and that it was a very fun event. Councilman Spiegel thanked the Commission for attending the last City Council meeting. The direction from the City Council is to move forward with two pools (competition only). Commissioner Barnes asked who is going to maintain and finance the pool. Councifman Spiegel replied that it would be the City of Palm Desert. Commissioner Barnes stated that for the 20 years that he has been on the Commission, this has been the worst situation he has ever seen befinreen the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council. He faults the City Council for not doing their homework on the pool project, and for not having the decency to visit a facility such as the Vista facility before making a decision. He stated his disappointment with the City Council's decision. Councilman Spiegel asked Commissioner Barnes why he did not speak at the City Council meeting. Commissioner Barnes deferred Councilman Spiegel's question to Chair Guyer. Chair Guyer explained that he had made appointments to meet with three of the City Council Members before the Council meeting: Jean Benson, Cindy Finerty, and Jim Ferguson. He stated that he met with Councilwoman Benson on Thursday, and she basically told him that she was only interested in a lap pool. Councilwoman Finerty commented to Chair Guyer that she was interested in an aquatic center, but not the one that was presented. Councilman Ferguson was a no-show for his appointment with Chair Guyer. Chair Guyer continued to explain that he did not get up to speak at the meeting because Councilman Ferguson started the meeting by saying, "why are we looking at this again?" Chairman Guyer commented that he has written a letter to the editor of The Desert Sun. Commissioner Barnes asked Councilman Spiegel when is the next City Council election. Councilman Spiegel responded that the next election is a year from this November. He indicated that there would be three 9 G IDevServicesiMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 MinuteslS 1-07.min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 1, 2007 Councilmembers running: Mayor Kelly, Councilwoman Finerty, and himself. Two years after that, Mayor Pro Tem Benson and Councilman Ferguson would be up for election. Commissioner Dawson supported the idea that Chair Guyer did not speak at the City Council meeting. He believes that would have been more of an aggravation. Chair Guyer added that he thought it was interesting that the Council used the word "kill" the lazy river idea. Commissioner Dawson thanked Vice Chair Schukart for his comments at the meeting. Commissioner Barnes asked if the College of the Desert (COD) really wants a swimming pool. Ms. Steele replied that COD would need to answer that question. Councilman Spiegel commented that the residents of Palm Desert should have an outdoor swimming pool. Commissioner Barnes interjected that the residents should have pool that they want and not be forced into a pool that they do not want. There was a brief discussion on athletic classes offered at COD. Commissioner Barnard asked if City Staff would check with COD if they actually want a pool. Ms. Steele replied that Mr. Alvarez was going to give COD a call. Commissioner Barnard stated that the City should receive an official answer from COD before moving forward. Ms. Steele indicated that she would check with them. Commissioner Babcock voiced his concerns regarding relationships with schools that they never seem to work out. Councilman Spiegel noted that they have had successful relationships with Desert Sands Unified School District. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Barnard, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chair Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. ._ � , Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks8ReclMinutes12007 Miwtesl�l-07.min tloc