Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - PARKS & REC CMSN - 02/06/07 ...., �.�..- ,��,.r ���:,�:.:�a��,. CITY OF PALM DESERT �"-'T'�'� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES '�� , . FEBRUARY 6, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Terry Schukart convened the meeting at 8:34 a.m. il. ROLL CALL � � -.� w Present: Excused Absence o Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Juli Mu n �, Commissioner Babcock (Munson on Leav �of A ;,� Commissioner Michael Barnard r � Commissioner Daniel Barnes Absent � Commissioner Roger Dash Chairman Randy uyer Commissioner Gerald Dawson : �' Commissioner David Garcia � x � � o � , .. � .� Staff Present: o , z Robert Spiegel, Council Member � Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager � - w Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant � � � � A III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES �� � � H .. .. z � w-� aw Hcn �nwHH � A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JANUARY 16, 2 � W W W � � a-�+ � � � � z � � � o Minutes of Parks & Recreation Commission from January 16, 2007, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Barnard/Barnes and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Guyer and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew presented the new program directory for the YMCA of the Desert for the Commission to review at their leisure. The new Program Brochure Winter-Spring 2007 includes a lot of new programs such as adult 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Flag Football on Friday nights for those who would like to attend. Mr. Ballew invited the Commission to enjoy the new programs. Mr. Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner, commented that last week Mr. Phil Drell had a retirement dinner. He is fully retired now but came back and got "roasted" pretty good. Mr. Tanner said that the City did an outstanding job with the retirement party at Desert Willow. Mr. Schukart mentioned that Mr. Drell is too young to retire. Ms. Janis Steele replied that he is young to retire, but he was with the City for 28 years. Mr. Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks District (CVRPD), reminded the Commission about the International Sports Festival dinner on Friday evening; he reminded them to reply to the Coachella Valley Parks District or to Ms. Steele within the next couple of days. Mr. DeWitt thanked Commissioner Dash for his work and Ms. Janis Steele for her support and help getting the games organized. He also thanked Vice Chair Schukart and College of the Desert (COD) for their help and allowing them to use the gymnasium for the games. Mr. DeWitt invited the Commissioners to the events over the weekend and hoped to see them there. Councilman Spiegel inquired if the invitations had been sent to City Council and if they had been received. Ms. Steefe replied the invitations had been received. She indicated that they had the award too. Ms. Steele added they had the plaque stand and the plaque. Ms. Steele showed the Commission the plaque with Mr. Willie May's picture that will be installed at the Legends Field. Mr. Niemczak indicated that the other plaques are already in place; Mr. May's plaque woufd be placed after the dinner. Commissioners expressed their approval for the plaque. Commissioner Barnard asked why was the name changed from Senior Games to International. Mr. DeWitt answered that he was not sure; Mr. Kevin Kalman would be the person to answer that question, but he was having surgery and could not be present. Mr. DeWitt would be happy to find out. Commissioner Barnard asked Ms. Steele if she knew about the name change. Ms. Steele responded that she did not really know about it, she knew they were looking at a couple of names. 2 ClDocuments and SettingsVnlo�edoLLocal SettingslTemporary Internef Files10LK2D812-6-07.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Mr. DeWitt commented that there were some names probably a little less (appropriate); a couple of names were thrown out, one of them "Geezer Games". Mr. DeWitt stated he knew that "International" is important because the games are drawing people from other countries and they wanted to make sure that was recognized in the name. Commissioner Barnard asked if the games are still senior games, even though the "senior" is not in the name. Mr. DeWitt responded that is correct. Councilman Spiegel asked how many people have signed up for the games this year. Ms. Barb Adair responded that approximately 909, and Mr. DeWitt stated close to 1,000 people. Councilman Spiegel said that was terrific. Mr. DeWitt mentioned that there would be a lot of activity at different locations. Mr. DeWitt added that the dinner on Friday was close to being sold out, and they would have about 350 people at the dinner and it would be a great night. Ms. Steele asked Mr. DeWitt if they had a finalized schedule of events and if she could get a copy. Mr. DeWitt responded that they would be glad to forward it to her. Ms. Steele inquired if the schedule was available on the internet or on their website so she could forward one to the Commission and take one to City Council. Mr. DeWitt replied the schedule was available online and he would be glad to provide the schedule of events to Ms. Steele. Vice Chair Schukart asked the audience for feedback or information to be shared off the agenda. There were no further comments. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. FREEDOM PARK GRAND OPENING Assign a committee for the park grand opening and state ideas. Vice Chair Schukart invited the Commissioners to be part of a small committee to help plan the grand opening of Freedom Park. Chairman Guyer has already agreed to be a member of the committee. Commissioner Barnes, Commissioner Dawson, Ms. Adair, Vice Chair Schukart, Ms. Steele and Ms. Monica Loredo will be part of the new Committee. 3 C.IDocuments antl SettingslmloredolLocal SettingalTemporary Infemef Fdes10LK2D812-6-01.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Ms. Steele asked Commissioners not part of this new committee for any ideas or suggestions and e-mail them, write them down or send them her way or to any of the other committee members as soon as possible. Commissioner Garcia asked when Freedom Park would be opened. Ms. Steele responded that they are looking for a May grand opening, but they still have some Water District issues to work out, and they are working on them. Ms. Steele is estimating May, because there are always delays and she wants the park landscape to be ready before the grand opening. Vice Chair Schukart asked if the date is still to be determined. Ms. Steele responded yes. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. FREEDOM PARK ARTWORK Ms. Steele reminded the Commission that Mr. Richard Twedt came to the January 16, 2007, Commission meeting, and spoke about the piece of art that was selected for Freedom Park; she presented a copy of a photo of the marquette that was done with Romo Studios winning the award. Ms. Steefe proceeded to describe the art piece as a mother, a wife or woman kneefing with her eyes closed remembering the little boy up in the distance with the boy casting a shadow appearing as a soldier. Commissioner Barnard asked where in the park would the statue be located. Ms. Steele provided details of the location to be right at the entrance of the park by the parking lot; there will be a big ground star and monuments to recognize all of the different branches of the armed services. Ms. Steele pointed out to the Commission that the little plaques will identify that and those will be laid out by the artist. Vice Chair Schukart asked what the height of the boy in the statue is. Ms. Steefe responded that they are still determining that. It was about life size. She added that the Art in Public Places Committee did a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for ideas and a marquette. The artists gave a presentation to the committee; one was selected and now they will formalize it. They are now going to identify the working area to determine how large it should be. If it were life size it probably would be too small, so it may be larger than life size. 4 C:IDocuments and SettingsMlo2tlolLocal SettingslTemporery Intemet Files10LK2D812-6-07.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Commissioner Dawson commented that the statue would not be installed until closer to November; Ms. Steele replied that is correct. The whole area will be done except for the centerpiece for the artwork. Commissioner Babcock commented that he had a thought about the artwork. It appeared to him it has a dual story, one that the artist came up with and the other with the military, which had another story behind it with the shadow. He expressed his concerns in that regard. Ms. Steele responded that it was a committee selection. Councilman Spiegel indicated that it was a done deal. Commissioner Barnard noted that the benches and the trash cans could qualify as public art too, because they are very nice. Commissioner Garcia asked if the woman is holding something. Ms. Steele responded that it might be flowers. She did not remember exactly. B. CITY COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS Ms. Steele noted that this item was just an update for the Commission because numerous items went to the City Council at the last Council meetings. The Joe Mann Park closing time was approved; closing time is now 10:00 p.m. rather than 11:00 p.m. The Freedom Park Kiosks were approved with a special thank you to the Commission for all the work that was done, specifically Commissioner Dawson because he did most of the research. The Boy Scout Camporee was also approved, and they provided Staff with the registration packet that they will hand out to the scouts. The bike times in the Skate Park were approved pending the information on the memorandum from Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager, to make sure the park is inspected. Staff is talking with CVRPD and with Mr. Jeff Ronci at the Community Center about having an initial thirty-day trial period where Staff can make sure that they are inspecting the park. One of the concerns of Councilman Ferguson was the damage that could be done from some of the pedals. Staff will inspect the first month or so, because if there is damage we will just cancel it. Ms. Steele commented that there was a large contingent of bike riders that showed up (about 25-30 kids) to the Council meeting. The need was there, and the following Sunday they were at the park ready to bike and they were told there are some things that needed to be worked out, and Staff is working on it. 5 C:IDocuments and Settingslmloiedo�Lxal SettingslTemporary Internef Files10LK2DB12-6-07.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 The naming of the "Mike Schuler Trail" was approved, as it honors the gentleman who has developed all the trails. The request from CVRPD to City Council for a six-month extension to implement some of the items that were presented to Council at the January 16, 2007, Council Meeting was not approved. The City Council requested more information and they did not approve the extension. Council asked the District to come back to the February 22, 2007, meeting with a report and some additional information. This item will be back on the Council agenda on February 22, 2007. Ms. Steele added that Staff is also planning to have the Aquatic Center on the February 22 agenda. Staff was waiting on the agreement with COD to take that forward. Commissioner Barnes expressed some confusion with Item No. 6 about the detachment. He wanted to know if Council denied the Commission's recommendation to give a six-month extension to CVRPD. He asked Staff if the City Council rejected the Commission's recommendation. Ms. Steele responded that they only denied it for thirty days; Council is requesting more information. Commissioner Barnes commented that the Commission gave them six months and Council is giving them thirty days to come up with their plans. Councilman Spiegel responded that the Commission gave CVRPD six months to see what they were going to do, and begin implementing it. But one person in the Council asked what they are going to do during the six months, and there was not a good answer. So this Council person asked this item to be continued and CVRPD to give Council a list of what they plan to do. Councilman Spiegel clarified that does not mean Council is not going to give CVRPD the six months. He added that the Commission's recommendation for Joe Mann Park and the kiosks for Freedom Park were approved; everything else was approved except that item. Commissioner Barnes stated that he was not against what Council decided; he just wanted some clarification. Councilman Spiegel responded that the Council wanted more information on what CVRPD is planning to do. Ms. Janis Steele added that Council is looking for more information on the report saying what they would do in six months, so that if Council approves it on February 22, they will have another six months from there. Vice Chair Schukart interjected that Council just wants a plan: what is CVRPD going to do in the next six months. 6 C:IDocuments and SettingsVn/oredolLocal SettingslTemporary Intemet Fi/es10LK2O812-6-07 doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Ms. Adair commented that the City Council wanted to see the report in writing, not just a Power Point presentation. They wanted to read and study and make their own decision ahead of time. They wanted to get the questions out of the way. Ms. Steele commented that Council had a lot of the information in the report, but is looking for a different format. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff and CVRPD had met a couple of weeks ago, and that the report is probably almost complete because it will be ready for the agenda packet. Ms. Adair replied that the information was already compiled and in a different format. Vice Chair Schukart clarified that when the six-month extension was agreed upon, there was no plan as to what was going to happen in those six months. It is just putting in paper what they are planning to do. It is fairly routine. C. PARK INSPECTION ASSIGNMENTS Ms. Steele indicated that without Commissioner Limont she had to redo the inspection schedule and took out Community Park until some of the construction is complete, as it may be a nightmare for the commissioners to inspect. There are a lot of issues with Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), which have been beyond Staff's control; therefore, the park has been taken off the schedule. Vice Chair Schukart mentioned that he heard that the baseball fields at the high school would be reconfigured and moved west. He inquired if some land was swapped or what happened. Ms. Steele responded that she is not certain if the School Board had voted on the renovation. Councilman Spiegel indicated that they had voted and they are going to redo the whole thing. Ms. Steele then proceeded to explain that they will start the construction where the ball fields are now, they will start with the buildings on that side, and then they will tear down the other buildings. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they would want the school representative to come and explain their plans to the Commission. Vice Chair Schukart expressed his concerns as to the people who used to go over there and use the City park aspect of that area, if it could be clear to them what is going to happen over there somehow, either by newspapers or N. Councilman Spiegel commented that was a good idea, and the information could be put in "Bright Side'; the City's newsletter. He also mentioned that Doris Wilson, DSUSD Superintendent, is going to speak specifically at the March Mayor's breakfast regarding the remodeling of the high school. Councilman Spiegel pointed out that � C:IDocumenfs and Settingslmlo�edolLocal SettingslTemporary Internet Fi/es10LK2OB12-6-01.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 someone could also come to the Commission meeting and review what the plans are; in the meantime, citizens should know when the high school ball fields are going to be closed down, so that little leagues and so on won't be using those facilities. Vice Chair Schukart said that clarification would be helpful for everybody. Ms. Steele said that only the three ball fields are used and nothing else. She mentioned that her understanding was that they will not start construction until January 2008, thus the fields will be available until the end of this year. Staff will ask for clarification on that information. Ms. Steele noted that in the park inspection schedules, rather than Washington Charter and Community Park being combined, now Washington Charter and Palma Village are combined as they are close in proximity and not too big. With one commissioner short, it seemed the logical thing to do. Vice Chair Schukart asked the Commissioners if they had questions with the schedule or the assignments, or if they had enough sheets at their disposal. He asked Ms. Steele if the sheets were available online. Ms. Steele offered to e-mail the forms. Commissioner Dash asked where Cook Street Sports Complex is, he did not recognize it; Ms. Steele responded that is the Palm Desert High School and the three ball fields. Commissioner Barnes commented that he inspects the dog and skate parks. It seems that every time he goes to inspect them, usually after the meeting, no one is using them. Last time he spoke to an attendant, and she said that there is no one using the skate park. He was told that there is hardly anyone who uses the park during the day. No one comes there until the afternoon. He thought the CVRPD would take in consideration about the lack of use during certain times of the week. It seems ridiculous to have someone sitting there and no one using the park. Ms. Steele responded that it has been the direction from the City to the District that the City requires someone there from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. They would love to not man the park from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily and maybe have a sign that indicates if someone wants to come in go inside and get someone. The CVRPD had wanted to bring this issue forward. Councilman Spiegel clarified that the City Council directed CVRPD some time ago to not man the skate park during school days, Monday through Friday until 2:00 p.m., but CVRPD said they would not hold any s C:IDocumenfs and SettingslmlaedoLLocal SettingslTemporary Intemet Files10LK2D812-6A7.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 responsibility for the skate park because they would not want the liability of anybody using the skate park between those hours. Councilman Spiegel said the Council did not suggest to have the park closed; people could just walk in. He then indicated that if the Commission feels the skate park could be closed until two o'clock during the schoof year that could be a recommendation to City Council. He agreed that it is a waste of money. Commissioner Barnes indicated that if the park is open someone has to be there. Commissioner Dawson asked if the item on the agenda covered this in the CVRPD's presentation. Ms. Janis Steele responded that it does not, but it could be brought to next Commission meeting. Commissioner Barnes added that the cleaning staff said that kids are skating at the Amphitheater, causing a nuisance. He wondered what could be done about that. Councilman Spiegel noted that the Commission could put a sign up indicating no skateboarding. Commissioner Barnes thought there was a sign but the kids ignore it. Ms. Steele confirmed that there is a sign and the Park Patrol does their best to make them leave; they have been on it because it has been a bigger problem recently. She added that she has called the police because the kids just ignore the requests to leave. Mr. DeWitt indicated that it has been difficult to handle this issue, because when the Park Ambassador or the authorities come the kids leave but they just wait around the area; this is a regular problem. Commissioner Barnes asked if they cause any damage or nuisance. Mr. DeWitt responded it is a nuisance. Ms. Steele expressed her concern that someone may get hurt. She also indicated that the Visitor Center is having some problems as well. Councilman Spiegel pointed out that one of the reasons that the skate park was built, was to keep the kids out of the parking lots such as in the supermarkets. They do not seem to be using them there so much but now the problems are at the Visitor Center and the Amphitheater. Commissioner Barnes ventured that the skate park is not enough of a challenge for the kids. Ms. Steele guessed that they do not want to wear the equipment they are required to wear in the skate park. Commissioner Barnes added that the Park Ambassador is at the Amphitheater quite often, and there is nothing that he can do about the kids skating at the park. Mr. DeWitt said that the Park Ambassador actually has a relationship with a couple of them but they still do not pay attention to what he asks them to do. 9 C:IDocuments and SeRingslmlorpdolLocal Settin9slTemporary Internet Files10LK2D812-6-07.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Commissioner Garcia asked if this is a violation of an ordinance and if they could bring the ticket to their parents. Ms. Steele responded that is a violation of an ordinance and that is why she called the police. She also indicated that she has talked with Staff at the Community Center and told them to call the police because there is nothing else they can do. She agreed that kids may need to get tickets. Councilman Spiegel said that this is something to bring to the Police Chief and tell him the problem that exists, and see if he could come up with a solution. Mr. DeWitt noted that another problem is the response time. For this type of infraction it takes a long time to have someone react, and by the time the police arrives, the problem is gone. Ms. Steele responded that Staff at the Community Center has suggested asking the kids to leave and then call the police, but kids will just wait right until the police arrive and then they leave. What she did last week is that she did not call Park Patrol, she called the police so when they arrived the kids were still there; sometimes that helps. Ms. Steele indicated that she would talk to Lieutenant Frank Taylor as well. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that the dog park inspection was a muddy mess last time he inspected and wondered what could be done about it. Mr. Jay Niemczak responded that he wanted to wait a little bit for the weather to warm up and sod the central area. This has been done year after year and when spring comes, the problem seems to take care of itself. In the wintertime, the dogs and people tear that area up. Commissioner Babcock commented that there are a bunch of layers of rotten soil out there, and that the problem that we have in the dog park is the drainage. Commissioner Barnes asked how long would the park be closed if Mr. Niemczak were to re-sod again. Mr. Niemczak responded he would just fence off that middle area for 30 days, and the rest of the park would be open. Ms. Steele noted that that was done last September and it looked beautiful. Once it was open for use, it lasted about for about 30 days. Mr. Niemczak indicated that the reseeding that is done toward the end of the spring should last all summer long; but the winter months reseeding does not last as long. A discussion ensued about grass, fields, lawns, and track areas. Vice Chair Schukart pointed out that the use of the dog park is a concentrated area with thousands of dog hours. Commissioner Garcia mentioned that during his Ironwood and Haystack Park inspections he has noted that deep in the center there is always 10 C.IDocuments and Settmgslm/oredolLocal SettingslTemporary Internef Ffes10LK2D812-6-07.doc PARKS 8 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 water standing. He does not know the source of the water, if it's a drainage unit, but it seems there is always water standing right around those concrete areas. With the advent of warmer weather and the whole West Nile Virus thing, which has been avoided thanks to the hard work of the Mosquito Vector District, he expressed his concerns that a little standing water like that can breed thousand mosquitoes. He asked if that is Coachella Valley Water District. Councilman Spiegel responded that the wash would be the Water District's, but that does not mean we cannot get involved with what is in our City. Commissioner Garcia added that the additional problem is tons of animal waste because people let their dogs loose to run. Mr. Niemczak responded that at Ironwood and Haystack Parks there is a drainage system along the whole length of the green belt that was installed five years ago, and began to collapse on itself a while ago. Mr. Niemczak indicated that he has it in the budget to begin to repair the whole length of the drain and hopefully that would take care of the problem. D. RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT UPDATE Ms. Steele indicated that this item was part of the recommendation to work on communications and provide more information to the Commission and Council with things going on in the District. This is something that Mr. Stan Ford supplies to his members and District employees, and she thought this would be a good thing to include for the Commission to see what is going in the District. She said this was just and informational item for the Commission. She noted that there were District representatives present who could answer any questions from the Commission. Ms. Laura McGalliard, CVRPD Board Member, mentioned that they get these updates weekly; so next meeting the Commission may get two of them. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes commented that eventually we are going to have a new community center, whether it is this year or next year, or the year after. The building we have now regardless of who operates it seems to be inadequate. He thought it was mentioned at one of the meetings that even if we had a new community center, we would continue to use the present one also. He thought that was not a very good idea; he stated he does not believe in underutilization of facilities and that would be in his opinion, a great underutilization of a facility if we had a state-of-the-art community center. He asked Mr. Ballew which building is bigger, the Community Center or the YMCA. Mr. Rob Ballew responded that the CVRPD building is much bigger. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Ballew if the Community 11 C'IDocuments and SettingslmloredoLLocal Setting5lTemporary/nternef Files10LK2DB12-6-07.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Center building would be a satisfactory building for the YMCA rather than having to expand the one they have. Commissioner Barnes said it would not make much sense to spend the money expanding the YMCA building if there is going to be a building right there that would be very good for the YMCA with relatively little money to fix it up to suit their needs. He expressed that in his opinion one of those buildings should be surplus. Commissioner Barnes stated that he also has some ideas for moving the facilities from the Portola Community Center somewhere and selling that building. He thought it might be a good idea for the YMCA to think about moving into that building, because whether we are going to have a new community center or not, whether we continue with CVRPD or not, he did not think the City is going to need two recreation buildings. Vice Chair Schukart asked Councilman Spiegel where does the plan development begin in terms of new facilities built; who is responsible for what happens to other City buildings: is it the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Building, Planning, or does it reside at the Council level or other authorized subcommittee that the City maintains for that purpose. Councilman Spiegel responded that it resides with City Council because it implies multimillion dollars. A recommendation could come from any place but the decision resides with the Council. He mentioned that Council is looking in the next couple of months at planning for major spending for the next five to ten years and will look at capital projects. Last year, the pool was one of the projects that were approved; we are now getting to the place to determine what it will look like, how much is going to cost, but it was approved. He also mentioned that Council will be looking at other major projects that will happen within the next five years; for example, the Highway 10 and Portola Avenue exchange, which he guessed is about $50 million dollars. He noted that some of these funds come from the State, CVAG, and the City will pay about ten percent (10%) of the total cost. He indicated that those are the type of things Council will be working on, and these need to be planned way in advance. Councilman Spiegel commented that whether it makes sense to give the CVRPD building to the YMCA, whether it makes sense to have a new CVRPD building somewhere else in the City, whether it makes sense to expand the current CVRPD building size, these are all things that are up in the air. The Commission may make recommendations regarding a community center for the City Council's consideration, because in the survey the citizens mentioned there are not adequate facilities for indoor recreation. 12 C IDocuments and Settingslm�oredolLxal SettingslTemporary Intemef Files10LK2OB12-6-07 doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Vice Chair Schukart asked if the Commission were to put an agenda item for next meeting to discuss feasibility of certain projects past the pool, Council might consider it as part of the five year plan at the Council level, and that is probably a good idea to start hammering out some of the possibilities. Vice Schukart asked for the Commission thoughts on this issue. Commissioner Dawson thought the Commission should start discussing the Palm Desert Sports Park, which could contain a recreation facility. And that is coming up next meeting. This automatically will initiate some discussion. Councilman Spiegel mentioned that money would be set aside for that project too, just like it was for Freedom Park. Vice Chair Schukart directed Staff to include this item on the next meeting in order for the Commission to look at future capital needs, and from the Commission's point of view, send some recommendations to City Council for the five year plan. Ms. Steele asked if they were talking about big items like the community center, because she has already sent five-year capital items to Finance. She offered to bring those too to the ne� discussion. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele when she thought it would be feasible to have such a project in place; he wanted to know what year it might be planned for. Ms. Steele responded that at least for now they are recommending putting in money for a design study of the center to find out where it would go, what it would hold, etc., in the upcoming next fiscal year. Once a consultant is hired for design, it could be a couple of years down the road. Commissioner Barnes wanted to know if it would happen in 2008. Ms. Steele responded that there are a lot of other priorities within the City that Council has to look at and prioritize. Staff will be looking to them during the budget process for direction. Commissioner Barnes ventured that if everything worked out well, could they look at a 2009 date. Ms. Steele responded that probably 2009 is more realistic. Vice Chair Schukart directed Staff to bring more information on capital projects for the Commission's review to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Dash asked if the Commission would sit as a group at the Friday night event or if they would sit on their own as they came in. Ms. Adair responded that the Commission would have a table reserved; Mr. DeWitt added the number of RSVPs received would determine the table seating. Councilman Spiegel asked CVRPD representatives to find out who would attend from the Commission and City Council and let him know 13 ClDocuments and SettingsVnloredolLocal SeftingslTempo�ary Intemet FilesIOLK2DB12-6-07 doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 by next day. Mr. DeWitt said they would. Ms. Steele offered to find out who of the Council Members have rep�ied. Commissioner Garcia asked for one clarification regarding the six-month extension with the District, he wanted to know if depending on the Council's decision, would the Commission need to re-authorize the extension or does the original recommendation stand. Councilman Spiegel responded that the recommendation stands. Commissioner Babcock inquired about the "new city" so to speak, 15,000 houses going up by Portola north sphere. He thought that it brings a lot of serious discussion, and wanted to know if the Commission could look at that now as they go along. Councilman Spiegel responded that they already have; there are quite a few smaller parks out there plus a major park where the land has already been set aside. There is a grade-middle school going in from Palm Springs, and there is land adjacent to that for a park, like Washington Charter School or at the new Freedom Park, the Ronald Reagan School. That is pretty well set in stone right now, as far as land is for parks. There are going to be dog parks, a regional park, and so on. Commissioner Babcock said that everything was fine, but he did not know the whereabouts of those parks are going to be. Councilman Spiegel responded that they do know. Staff has maps. Ms. Steele reminded that there had been presentations from the people who are developing University Park project; she offered to bring back the same maps for a reminder. Vice Chair Schukart asked Ms. Steele to bring an update as well for the next meeting. Commissioner Dawson asked for the status of the Amphitheater. Ms. Steele responded that it is on the Council agenda for February 22, 2007. A recommendation from the committee is included in the packet. This would be a good meeting to come to. Commissioner Barnes asked what is the status on the aquatic center. Ms. Steele responded that there is a packet going to City Council on February 22. Staff was waiting on the lease agreement with COD to come back and will be taking the design and lease agreement to the City Council. Ms. Steefe indicated that they were basically waiting for the lease agreement. She pointed out that the design has not changed since the Commission first approved it; just the height of the slides has gone down a little bit. She mentioned that the designers will bring booklets for Council, and that she would bring some for the Commissioners as well. 14 C:IDocumenfs and Setfingslm/oredolLocaf SettingslTemporary Internet FilesI0LK2D812-6-07.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 Commissioner Barnes asked what is the status of the swamp area with the picnic pavilions. Ms. Steele indicated that everything is in design, and Staff is looking at some other possibilities. Commissioner Babcock indicated that the Commission went through the handball court and the classics. Commissioner Barnes expressed his disappointment with the handball court because it has been at least ten years on the agenda since it was passed by this Commission, and the other thing is at least three years old now. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission what happened with the handball court; Staff went out to bid over a year ago, and they had no bidders. When Staff went through the budget process, Council asked Staff to look at the survey and see if the handball courts came up high, and prioritize; the handball courts did not come up high. At this point Staff has not gone out to bid again. Ms. Steele reiterated that Staff tried and took the project out to bid. As far as the area by the swamp is concerned, it is being designed. Ms. Steele informed the Commission about the first Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday. She believed they were about sixty people registered; probably forty to fifty percent (40%-50%) were from out of town, so the tournament brought people from out of town to play. Ms. Steele also shared that she received a call from the gentleman who wrote a letter to the Commission from Redlands, he and his sons came out to play and they really enjoyed what has been done. They think it is a great park, and they went to their own Park and Recreation Commission to ask for a disc golf course. Ms. Steele added that the people who originally designed the course were present; there were some professional players as well as people who never had piayed before. Mr. Niemczak also noted that there were four or five seniors playing at the event. Councilman Spiegel suggested including this event in the Senior Games next year. Commissioner Garcia asked if there are any other Disc Golf courses around the country. Ms. Steele pointed to the "Making Space for the Disc Jockey" that was provided to the Commission; she indicated that this article appeared in the Nationa/ Parks and Recreation Association Magazine; she explained that disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports. Vice Chair Schukart asked for last comments. Commissioner Babcock inquired when the signs for the trails were going to be installed. He wanted to know if Staff needed to wait for Fish and Game. Mr. Jay Niemczak responded that this week Staff would be meeting with Mr. Buford Crites to 15 C:1Documents and Settings�n�oredolLocal SettingslTemporary Intemet Files10LK2D812-6-07.doc PARKS � RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2007 identify the trailheads and put some sandstone markers. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff already met with Fish and Game two weeks ago. Commissioner Babcock said that the start of the trails are all right, but as they go up headed toward the Bump and Grind, there are trails going everywhere and people ask him which way they could go and how long the trails are. Ms. Steele responded that Ryan Stendell in the Planning Department has been working on those; she commented that the number one U.S. Fish and Wild Life asked Staff to get out there first and post "No Dogs Past This Point" signs because of the bighorn sheep. Ms. Steele added that Mr. Stendell has ordered signs and he is trying to get up there and install them. It is in progress. Ms. Steele said she would check with Mr. Stendell and bring more information to the Commission. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Barnard, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Vice Chair Schukart adjourned the meeting at 9:35 a.m. � ���� � _ Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 16 QlDocuments and SettingsVnloredolLocal SBtfingslTemporery Intemet Files10LK20812-6-07.doc