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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 05/15/07 CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'� PARKS � RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES MAY 15, 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 Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Babcock Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Daniel Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash 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 - None IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Ford, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), communicated that CVRPD is working with Riverside County on a regional trails plan for the Coachella Valley from the windmills to the Salton Sea. He indicated that the District is the leading agency, and he would keep the Commission updated as it evolves. Commissioner Dawson asked how the trails that CVRPD is working on are going to work in with Mr. LeGrand's group. Mr. Ford replied that Mr. LeGrand's group is part of the District's group. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Commissioner Dawson asked how the District would involve other cities. Mr. Ford responded that other cities would be invited to be involved. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2007. V. PRESENTATIONS A. FIRST TEE Mr. Ford introduced Mr. Henry Sandles, Mountain Region Manager for The First Tee. He announced that the District became a chapter of The First Tee. Mr. Sandles thanked the Commission for allowing him to make a presentation. He continued with a power point presentation followed by a DVD presentation on The First Tee program. Chair Guyer asked if CVRPD is a chapter, and asked if there is a separate school program. Mr. Sandles responded that CVRPD is a chapter. The school program is separate, and there is not one available at this time in the Coachella Valley but they are working on one. Chair Guyer asked for clarification on the scholarships given to the universities. Mr. Sandles explained that there are other scholarships besides the ones the universities have. He stated that there are individuals that provide scholarships on an annual basis. This year there were 75 scholarships with 40 given to students attending universities and colleges. Chair Guyer asked if the scholarships are for school or to play golf at the school. Mr. Sandles replied that the scholarship is not based on their golfing ability. The scholarship is not to create the next Tiger Woods or Anika Sorenstam but to create better citizens or kids in college. Vice Chair Schukart asked how a parent could get their children into The First Tee program. Mr. Sandles responded that it would be up to Mr. Ford's staff to set up. At this moment, people could contact the District to find out more information. Commissioner Babcock asked if there is currently a golf program. It was mentioned that there is a program at Desert Willow, and the high school also uses Desert Willow to practice. Councilman Spiegel asked if The First Tee is for beginners only. Mr. Sandles responded that it is up to the chapter to decide what age groups are included. Councilman Spiegel suggested getting Desert Sands Unified Schools District (DSUSD) on board. That would mean Mr. Ford and the School District would work together. Mr. Ford commented that they are also looking at other affiliates to operate The First Tee. 2 G-IDevSernce5lMomca LoredolWoid DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 Miwtesl515-07.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Commissioner Babcock asked how the program fits in with the Palm Desert Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Ford explained that the Commission does not necessarily fit in. The First Tee is going to be available to all residents within the District. He communicated that he wanted to share the program with the Commission as an informational item. Commissioner Dash asked if there is a fee to use the golf course or do they volunteer the golf course to the program. His second question was, does the participant pay a membership fee to participate in the program? Mr. Sandles responded that the fees are the chapter's decision. The First Tee recommends a $50 charge per year. If a child could not afford $50 a year, a scholarship is offered so no child is turned away. He noted that he has seen fees from $0 to $250 a year. He added that fees for the golf course depend on the club or the chapter. Commissioner Garcia asked when the program would start. Mr. Ford replied that they are looking at starting the program in the fall. The District is recruiting for an Executive Director and staff. Commissioner Garcia asked if they were going to be salaried positions. Mr. Ford replied yes. Commissioner Garcia asked who would be paying for the costs. Mr. Ford responded that CVRPD would be picking up a bulk of the cost. There is a small financial support by First Tee. Councilman Spiegel asked Vice Chair Schukart if they could tie into the driving range across the street. He replied that the driving range is leased to a private operator. He believes that they could be open to that conversation. Mr. Ford noted that their biggest challenge would be transportation. Commissioner Babcock asked where the program would be set up. Mr. Ford replied that it would be located at the facility on Cook Street. Commissioner Dawson commented that it sounds like a really great program. Mr. Sandles thanked the Commission for their time. 3 G IDevServiceslMonica LoretlolWord DatalParksBReclMmufes12007 Minutes1515-07.min dx PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 B. CORAL MOUNTIAN PROJECT Mr. Ford presented the Coral Mountain Project. He communicated that the District is partnering with the Bureau of Reclamation for an archeological park located at the southeast corner of 58th Street and Jefferson. Plans for the park are trails, picnic areas, and a staging area. Commissioner Dawson asked who owns the land. Mr. Ford responded the Bureau of Reclamation. Commissioner Barnard asked what the budget is for this project. Mr. Ford ceplied that phase I is going to be approximately $4 million, and approximately $1 million has been committed to this project. Vice Chair Schukart asked Mr. Ford if there is a link between trails around Lake Cahuillla to Coral Mountain. He responded that all the trails would be linked. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. AMPHITHEATER Discussion and recommendation to forward the conceptual design to the City Council for review. Ms. Steele stated that Staff has met with Chair Guyer and Commissioner Dawson to discuss the amphitheater renovation. She circulated a booklet with the shade design that was done by Shade Structures. Ms. Steele noted that the specifications given to the designer were the following: provide more shade, capability to attach an automatic screen, and lighting fixtures. Staff requested the Commission's recommendation. Vice Chair Schukart asked if the design includes any build up of the southern region behind the stage for a staging area. Ms. Steele responded that the area allows for room. Staff is still looking at other renovations, but wanted to request a general design for the shade structure first and then work from there. Ms. Steele commented that they did mention to the designer that they are looking at adding a staging/dressing area. She noted Staff had some concerns with some of the cables, and would address those concerns to the designer. 4 G-IDevServiceslMon�ca LoredolWord DafalParksBReclMinutes12007 Minutesl515-07.min cbc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Commissioner Babcock asked if the mountains were going to be shut out behind the stage. Ms. Steele responded that shade is being brought down. Commissioner Babcock inquired about the acoustics. Ms. Steele responded that the acoustics would be a little better because it is closed in. Councilman Spiegel asked why the material would not tear. Ms. Steele answered that Staff looked at a presentation, but she does not recall the type of material that is used. Mr. Niemczak added that the representative had a piece of the material and a knife. While Mr. Niemczak held onto the material the representative tried to cut it with a knife, and nothing happened to the material. Vice Chair Schukart asked if there is a coating on the material. Ms. Steele answered yes. Commissioner Babcock commented that he was once told that acoustics are very important. Ms. Steele indicated that eventually they would contact an acoustic engineer. Chair Guyer asked the Commission how they liked the look of the structure. Vice Chair Schukart commented that there might be an aesthetic or safety issue with the guy wires. Commissioner Garcia asked if the foundation remains the same. Ms. Steele replied yes. Chair Guyer interjected that there would be two new footings on each side. Councilman Spiegel made a comment regarding funds from the Parkview building. Staff responded that the funds are earning interest, but that the funds coming from the rent is not going into the park account. The funds that are there now must be spent in the Civic Center Park. Commissioner Garcia shared a story of a man that lost his leg due to a guy wire accident. He also commented that skateboarders continue to use the amphitheater as a skate park. He asked if a rail could be added to the existing platform to discourage skateboarding. Ms. Steele responded that there maybe some edging that Staff could take a look at. Commissioner Garcia asked if there has been any thought in building something similar to the Hollywood Bowl, which is a more permanent structure and made of a fixed material. 5 G�IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 MinuteslS75-07 min doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Commissioner Babcock commented that part of the original design, it was important to have a view of the mountains. Commissioner Barnard commented that it is important to look at the acoustics. Chair Guyer asked the Commission if they want to take the project much further or is the shade structure that is being proposed right now enough. Commissioner Dawson asked if Staff should have an acoustical engineer look at the design. Chair Guyer asked if anyone is opposed to the design. Commissioner Barnes commented that he had mentioned about a month ago that kids are skateboarding on the amphitheater, and nothing has been done about it. Ms. Steele responded that they have called park patrol and the Police Department every time Staff sees them. The kids will leave and come back. Commissioner Barnes asked if the kids are given tickets. Ms. Steele replied that only the Police could give tickets. Chair Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes what he thought of the design. Commissioner Barnes responded that he would be concerned that the shade structure would not be able to withstand the desert winds or an earthquake. Chair Guyer mentioned that this type of structure has been built at a facility in Las Vegas. Mr. Croy stated that the building codes that are adopted through the state require minimum requirements for design on any structures, including the shade structure for the amphitheater. There is no earthquake structure ever built that he is aware of that could withstand 125 mph winds or major earthquake. Therefore, building codes are designed to meet the minimum wind and earthquake requirements. Chair Guyer stated that as a part of the process, the shade structure would have to meet the standards. Commissioner Dawson moved to take the conceptual design to the City Council for their approval. If approved, move forward with the other amenities, such as the acoustics. Vice Chair Schukart seconded the motion and carried by a 7-1 vote with Commissioner 6 G:IDevServiceslMon�ca LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMmutes12007 MinuteslSlS-07.min.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Babcock voting no. Commissioner Munson was ABSENT (Munson on LOA). VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PALM DESERT MIDDLE SCHOOL RENOVATION Ms. Steele updated the Commission on the Palm Desert Middle School renovation. She referred to the map in the agenda packet. Area No. 1 is complete; Area No. 2 is scheduled to be complete by the end of the 2007/08 school year; Area No. 3 has new irrigation scheduled to begin the summer of 2007 and turf to be renovated; and Area 4 is the staging area that is scheduled to be complete in October 2007. Chair Guyer asked Ms. Steele if Staff has talked to the baseball people regarding the schedule. She replied yes. Ms. Steele noted that once the construction is done, the playground would be upgraded, if the pending budget is approved. Commissioner Babcock asked if once the construction is done, would the City still have use of the grounds. Ms Steele responded that it would be available at 4:00 p.m. daily, weekends, vacations, and holidays. The agreement with the school district has been signed. Chair Guyer asked if the City would be gaining back any of the park that was lost. Ms. Steele replied that it would not be exactly the same, but there would be field space and a track and football field. All the grassy areas in Areas No. 1, 2, and 4 would be gained back by the City. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dawson commented that he liked the shirts, and hopes everyone wears them to the Freedom Park Grand Opening. Chair Guyer commented that Councilman Spiegel wanted him to pass out information to the Commission regarding Commissioner Garcia. Councilman Spiegel announced that at the last City Council meeting, Commissioner Garcia was given an award from the City for the work he has done. The Commission congratulated Commissioner Garcia. Chair Guyer thanked Councilman Spiegel for keeping them informed. � G 1DevServ�ceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSlS-07.min.cbc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Commissioner Garcia thanked the Commission for their recognition. Vice Chair Schukart announced that once again the College of the Desert's (COD) tennis team won the state championship, and the golf team placed second in the state. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that he attended a wonderful program held at COD's auditorium. The singing was great and professional and would like seeing more of it at the school. Councilman Spiegel commented that is a type of event that could be held at the amphitheater. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Babcock joked that he would then withdraw his no vote. Ms. Steele reported that the basketball courts at the Civic Center and Joe Mann Park have been resurfaced. The tennis courts are currently being resurfaced and would be closed for a week. She added that Staff is requesting quotes for sand for the volleyball courts, and clay is being brought in for Legends Fields. Councilman Spiegel asked for an update on boxing. Ms. Steele responded that Staff has been looking at different sites. They have found a site that they really like, and would be scheduling a meeting with the City Manager to ask him how he would like Staff to proceed. She noted Staff is also looking at partners. She has talked with Ms. Peggy Reyes, CVRPD, and representatives from the Public Safety Academy. Councilman Spiegel asked where the space located is. Ms. Steele replied that it is the ofd Action Gymnastics building, which is next door the Palm Desert Athletic Club. Councilman Spiegel asked if the building is for sale. Ms. Steele answered yes. Chair Guyer asked Councilman Spiegel if the City Council would be interested in purchasing the building. He responded that they would need to know the price. Mr. Croy commented that is why it is a good idea to speak to the City Manager first. Chair Guyer asked if boxing should be added to the next agenda. Ms. Steele responded that probably not because she would not be able to meet with Carlos for a week or two. s G IDevSernceslMon�ca LoredolWord DafalParksBReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSlS-07 mindoc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Commissioner Barnard stated that he does not recall, and asked if the group was going to need a ring. Ms. Steele replied that they would like a ring. Most of the activity that would happen would be outside of a ring, but would like to have that progression available. Commissioner Barnard commented that the ring could be a bigger expense and would limit the use of the facility. Vice Chair Schukart asked for an update on the pool. Ms. Steele responded that she met with the architect. They are working on a redesign and requested that the architect move fast on the design. She hopes to have more information by June. Vice Chair Schukart requested a timeline for the pool for school purposes. Ms. Steele replied that she would work on one. Commissioner Barnes referred to an editorial from The Desert Sun regarding the survey and the pool. Ms. Steele interjected and reminded Commissioner Barnes that the article is an editorial. Commissioner Barnes asked where the lady came up with the information. Ms. Steete responded that a lot of things written are inaccurate. Mr. Croy added that people do not understand statistics. Commissioner Babcock asked what happened with CVRPD. Did they strike oil? They suddenly have some great ideas. Councilman Spiegel commented that they realized that the City was considering leaving the District so they are trying to be good neighbors. He noted that when their moratorium is up, which would be in September, City Council would look at it again. The Commission is going to be asked if they feel the District has done enough to keep them on. It will then go to Council, and they will decide. Commissioner Garcia asked about the boxing program that is being proposed, are the participants going to use protective gear. Ms. Steele replied yes. Chair Guyer commented that there is very little boxing. It is mostly training. He stated there many ways to look at boxing; he sees it as one way of fighting obesity in children. Commissioner Garcia agreed. He wants to make sure head gear is used if they are boxing. Commissioner Babcock noted that there are fewer injuries in boxing versus other sports. 9 G:IDevServiceslMon�ca LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMmufes12007 Minutesl5-15-07.min doc MINUTES MAY 15, 2007 Ms. Steele commented that they know people are boxing in parks, backyards, etc. What Ms. Yard is interested in doing is addressing obesity, provide a safe place for kids, and teach them the proper way to wear protective gear. Chair Guyer noted that there is going to be a lot of negativity towards the boxing program that the Commission is going to have to address, and the Commission is going to be ready for that. Councilman Spiegel stated that kids might get hurt in the skate park or on the streets; it is a fact of life. The question is, "Is the City providing adequate recreation for Palm Desert residents?" That is the job of the Parks and Recreation Commission. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Barnard, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chair Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:04 a.m. ��� � Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 10 G 1DevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 MinuteslSlS-07.min.cbc