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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS & REC CMSN - 03/20/07 .._,_. � _...,. ..__ CITY OF PALM DESERT ���'"� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES �� . MARCH 20, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Chairman Randy Guyer Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Phil Babcock (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Daniel Barnes Absent Commissioner Roger Dash Vice Chair 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 - None IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Rachelle Klassen, City Clerk, reminded the Commission that the annual Economic of Interest forms are due April 2, 2007. Mr. Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services, announced that Ms. Lauri Aylaian is the new Director of Planning; Mr. Martin Alvarez, will be the new Redevelopment Manager; and Mr. Stephen Aryan, will move to Development Services. 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 V. PRESENTATIONS A. COACHELLA VALLEY COMMUNITY TRAILS ALLIANCE Mr. LeGrand Velez, Director of the Coachella Valley Trails Alliance, a non- profit organization whose mission is to marshal private and public resources for the development of urban trails presented a Power Point presentation that included pictures of a trail system in Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona. The Community Trails Alliance is hoping to create a world-class, linear parkway and trail system that will become one of the Coachella Valley's top amenities. An urban trails network will be achieved through cooperative planning, obtaining public access to existing right-of-ways, and working with private land developers and local jurisdictions. Mr. Velez indicated that their initial focus is in the eastern Coachella Valley with the ultimate vision being linking the entire valley. He displayed the Riverside County Regional trails plan for the western Coachella Valley. He also displayed a picture of Tahquitz Creek, which could possibly be the beginning point of a trail. He indicated that in some areas they would like to have a divided urban pathway with paved and graded trails to serve a broad array of users. Mr. Velez mentioned that the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) is seeking funding to update their transportation plan. Riverside County is partnering with the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) to conduct a feasibility study of the regional trail system. The City of La Quinta Community Services Department recently completed a resident's survey, and trails were a popular amenity. The City of Palm Springs is looking into improving the north bank of the Tahquitz Creek Park. He commented that the trail planning began over a year ago, and that their organization recently opened an office in Coachella. He invited the Commission to their office grand opening on Wednesday, March 21, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. He stated that there are still positions available for the Board of Directors. They would like to have a broad representation of the Coachella Valley and bring everyone together to make it all happen. He hopes to have Palm Desert's support and the community at large. Mr. Velez asked the Commission if they had any questions. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Velez if he had anyone from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is on the Board. He replied no, but has met with Mr. Steve Robbins. He indicated that they have received a support letter from CVWD, and they would like to work as partners. Chairman Guyer asked if that includes the Indian Wells, Palm Desert, and the Rancho Mirage area of the white water channel. Mr. Velez responded yes. 2 G�IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPaiksBReclMinutes12007 Minutesl3-20-07.mm.doc PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Velez if he is familiar with the facility in Sacramento along the Sacramento River. He responded that he has not seen it, but that he has heard about it. Commissioner Barnes commented that it is an amazing place that is approximately 20 miles long. Commissioner Barnes commented that in on of the pictures displayed in the presentation there were trees shown as part of the trail, he asked Mr. Velez if trees and shrubs are part of the trail. Mr. Velez responded that it all depends on the amount of right-of-way that will be available. If there is enough space, trees and shrubs would be planted. Commissioner Babcock referred to the whitewater channel in La Quinta and the gated communities along the channel, and he asked if those communities have a problem with a trail going through their community. Mr. Velez responded that they are working with the City of La Quinta, and that it is going to be a challenge to work with those communities. Commissioner Babcock added that if anyone is interested, there is a new bicycle that is automatic and changes gears automatically. The idea is to get more people on bicycles. Commissioner Garcia asked in terms of law, who prevails in terms of ownership. For example, on beaches, people walk up and down the beach past people's homes. Mr. Velez responded that he is not very familiar with the law, but as far as trails, there would have to be a right-of-way. Commissioner Barnes asked Mr. Velez if it is feasible to have a trail from Mecca to Palm Springs within the next 20 to 30 years. He replied yes. Commissioner Barnes asked if money was an issue. Mr. Velez responded that money is always an issue. He explained that operational expenses are tough in order to keep the offices open. Currently, their staff needs more volunteers and more staff is needed to get the project done. They are looking at the communities from all jurisdictions and developers to help with some of the operational costs. As far as building the trails, there are funds from Cal-Trans, County fees, Quimby fees, National Trail Transportation funds, etc. He feels confident that there would be funds to build the trails. The difficult part is the funding for operational costs and obtaining the right-of-way. Ms. Steele asked how one could become a board member. Mr. Velez responded that there are still two seats available, and anyone interested could start the process by contacting him. 3 GIDevServiceslMomca LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinufes12007 Minutesl3-20-07.min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 Commissioner Babcock asked how the trail along the I-10 is coming along. Councilman Spiegel responded that it is coming along pretty well. Chairman Guyer expressed to Mr. Vetez that it would be important to have someone from CVWD on the board. Mr. Velez thanked the Commission for the opportunity to give his presentation. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. PARK FEE Discussion and recommendation to the City Council requesting to look into the feasibility of amending the state law for park fees collected from developers. Ms. Steele stated that Chairman Guyer requested for Staff to look into amending the California law regarding the Quimby Act. She contracted Ms. Pat Scully, Senior Management Analyst, who serves as the City's Local and State Legislative liaison. Ms. Scully suggested to Ms. Steele for the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a formal request to go to the City Council to begin the process. Chairman Guyer stated that the City receives funds to develop parks, but the City does not receive funds to maintain the parks. Funds for maintenance is taken from the General Fund. He added that as the City matures, less money is needed to develop parks, but more money is needed to maintain the parks. Therefore he recommends looking at changing the law. Commissioner Barnard commented that he feels it is a great idea. It would also be an opportunity to see what other cities are doing or get other cities involved. Chairman Guyer moved to recommend to the City Council to look into the feasibility of amending the current state law to allow mature cities to use part of the development fees to maintain parks rather than develop more parks. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Vice Chair Schuka�t and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) 4 G iDevServiceslMonica LoredolWoid DatalParks&ReclMinutes12007 Minutesl3-20-07 min doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. AQUATIC CENTER Staff recommends continuing this item to the first meeting of April to allow Staff time to compile information collected from other agencies and the architect. Ms. Steele apologized for not having all the information for this meeting, and requested that the item is continued to the first meeting of April. She noted that she included in the agenda packet a copy of the Aquatic Center Master Plan Study, provided by Aquatic Design Group, as an informational item. Commissioner Barnes stated that he had three motions, but would delay them to the next meeting. He also asked if there is land anywhere in the City that would accommodate an aquatic center nicely and satisfy the residents. Mr. Ortega, City Manager, responded that there is land available by the interstate. He noted that there is enough land at City Hall. Commissioner Barnes indicated that an aquatic center in the park would not be accepted, specifically, residents that live in Monterey Country Club and those residents that live across the wash. Councilman Spiegel commented to Commissioner Barnes that the location was not denied. Chairman Guyer interjected that he would like to read the City Council minutes, especially for those that could not be at the meeting. He noted that three council members voted no on the Commission's recommendation. Mayor Pro Tem Benson stated, "She didn't think the City was starting a water park concept, which she believed this was. She was in favor of a pool with amenities but not in favor of what was being proposed at that location." Councilmember Ferguson stated, "He was supportive of the project but didn't think the City currenf/y needed a children's pool, f/ow rider, or a cabana. He was in favor of moving forward with a competition swimming poo/ and necessary amenities, but nothing further." Councilmember Finerty stated, "She didn't believe the government should compete with the private sector, which she believed this was." 5 G:IDevSernceslMon�ca LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinute512007 Minutesl3-20-07.min.cbc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 Chairman Guyer clarified that no one was opposed to the location of the aquatic center. Commissioner Barnes commented that the City should build the College of the Desert (COD) a pool, but let them maintain the pool and pay the costs. Chairman Guyer stated the City Council is requesting that the Commission look at only a competition pool at the COD location. Chairman Guyer read the motion from the City Council. "Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Approve moving forward at this time with a competition- sized pool only, as outlined in the staff report diagram, reserving the right to consider the other proposed features af some point in the future; 2) request the Parks & Recreation Commission make a recommendation back to the City Council on the amenities necessary to serve the competition-sized pool. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried on a 4-1 vote, with Spiegel voting NO." Commissioner Barnes voiced that dual management with COD would not work. Chairman Guyer interjected that the City is going to manage the pool. Commissioner Barnes expressed his concerns, and he would like clarification on how COD is going to handle the management of the pool and paying for the maintenance costs. Commissioner Dawson recommended to continue this item to the first meeting in April or until Staff has a report prepared for the Commission. The Commission agreed with Commissioner Dawson. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT (CVRPD) INFORMATION Ms. Steele reported that she has included information in the agenda packet that is provided to the CVRPD Board of Directors from Mr. Ford. On page 37 and 38 of the agenda packet are pictures of the new weight equipment at the Palm Desert Community Center. She recommended that the Commission visit the facility because it looks a lot better than in the pictures. 6 GiDevServiceslMon�ca LoredolWoid DatalParks6ReclMinutes12007 Mmutesl3-20-07 min.doc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 Councilman Spiegel asked CVRPD staff if the weight equipment is getting a lot of usage. Mr. DeWitt responded that usage has doubled since it has been installed. Councilman Spiegel suggested to City Staff to add a note about the equipment in the Bright Side. Ms. Steele replied that she would. Ms. Steele reported that also included in the packet is information on Kaboom! Playground equipment that was provided to the CVRPD Board of Directors. Ms. Adair, CVRPD, explained that they are working with KaBoom! which builds playground equipment. The Mecca community would be getting together to build the playground equipment. Chairman Guyer asked if the equipment is ADA approved. Mr. DeWitt replied yes. Mr. DeWitt handed out a booklet on the results of the International Sports Festival. Ms. Steele noted that there were 1,044 participants. Councilman Spiegel asked CVRPD if they knew where the participants are from. Ms. Adair responded that it is not included in the booklet, but they could provide that information. Councilman Spiegel commented that would be good information for the City to have. Ms. Steele commented that Ms. Adair is working on offering pickleball classes. Several Commissioners asked what is pickleball. Ms. Adair responded that she understands it is played on a tennis court and is played with paddles. Commissioner Dash asked CVRPD if there has been any reaction from the participants concerning the name change. Mr. DeWitt responded nothing good or bad. Ms. Adair added that CVRPD is doing an online event survey for the 2007 International Sports Festival, and there is a question on the name change. Once they receive the responses, she said that the District would share it with the Commission. Commissioner Dash commented that he would be interested in seeing the responses. 6. PALM DESERT TRAIL SYSTEM UPDATE Mr. Niemczak reported that in early February, Mr. Stendell, Mr. Crites, and himself inet at Homme/Adams Park to discuss how to better identify the trails. He noted that items they would be working on are: improving signage and marking of the trails, identifying trails where dogs are allowed, identifying trailheads on the roadways, adding "You Are Here" on the map, and improving the map holder so it is vandal proof. � G iDevServiceslMoniw LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 Minutesl3-20-07.min.doc PARKS 8 RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 Chairman Guyer asked how do they get the word out where the trailheads are located. Ms. Steele responded that the City is working on a new trail map. She noted that the current maps are very outdated. She said that she would find out when the maps would be completed. Chairman Guyer asked where the maps would be available. Ms. Steele responded that they would be located at the Palm Desert Visitor Center, City Hall, CVRPD, hotels, etc. Commissioner Babcock commented that he is always on the trails, and never has seen bighorn sheep or their droppings. He asked if the agency really believes that there are sheep on the trails. Ms. Steele responded that Mr. Stendell and herself inet with representatives of the U.S Fish and Wildlife, and they very much believe that there are sheep. She indicated that there is a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the City of Palm Desert; the City is complying with the memorandum in honoring their requests in the areas that are not City- owned. Commissioner Babcock stated that he has concerns with dogs being on trails where they are not allowed. Mr. Niemczak responded that Mr. Stendell is in the process of installing signs, which indicate where dogs are not allowed. He added that BLM Management is also patrolling. Commissioner Babcock commented that people are walking up the trails, and finding the "No Dog" signs when they are almost to the top. He communicated that the signs should be installed at the start of the trail. Mr. Niemczak responded that the sign on the kiosk is going to have a blowup of the trail to show which trails are dog friendly. Mr. Niemczak stated that trails located at Cahuilla Park and Homme/Adams would be marked. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Barnes commented that an ex-Commissioner made an issue of the water slides for the aquatic center. He asked if she did not like them at all or did not like the height of them. He also asked if the slides are still an issue. Ms. Steele responded that it is an issue with the City Council since they are only looking for a competition pool. Chairman Guyer interjected that ex-Commissioner Limont did not like the height of the slides. Ms. Steele added that COD also had issues with the height of the slides, but Staff has worked closely with them to lower and screen the slides to their satisfaction and requirements. 8 G-IDevServiceslMonrca LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 Minutesl3-20-07 mindoc PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 20, 2007 Commissioner Babcock asked for the status of the swamp area and the handball court in the park. Mr. Niemczak responded that he would contact the architect to get a status on the design. Commissioner Garcia apologized for disrupting the meeting with his cell phone. Commissioner Barnes commented that the swamp area is a good location fo� a new community center. He feels that area should be held back on any development. Councilman Spiegel suggested that Staff bring it forward to the City Council in a study session to see if there is enough interest. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Dash, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Chairman Guyer adjourned the meeting at 9:50 a.m. , ��_��� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 9 G 1DevSernceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12007 Minutesl3-20-07 min cbc