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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 09/18/07 CITY OF PALM DESERT ��•'� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER � � Chairman Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. w w II. ROLL CALL � � Present: Excused Absence � � Chairman Randy Guyer Commissioner Julie Mu n °; Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Munson on Leave of A � Commissioner Phill Babcock o � Commissioner Michael Barnard H W -�+ Commissioner Daniel Barnes W � � J ,�; Commissioner Roger Dash Q o �, Commissioner Gerald Dawson ' � ' "�� z � 0 H (y Staff Present: � � Robert Spiegel, Councilmember � �- Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager H H � '' �; �, Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager � - ` Q �� � `' Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary � o � � „ H a ;� V E, �--t � � H H .. .. � � u� -�-f III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES H � � =� �-' r� ZY• w W cn tn x "� A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM AUGUST 21, 2b �a z � � � � MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of August 21, 2007, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Barnard and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of September 4, 2007, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dash/Dawson and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None V. PRESENTATIONS A. DESERT BICYCLE CLUB Mr. Gary Lueders, Director of Public Relations for the Desert Bicycle Club, introduced Mr. Jack Tino, founder of the club, and Mr. George Stork, a member of the club. Mr. Lueders presented a Power Point presentation to the Commission concerning bicycle lanes in the City of Palm Desert. He stated that their main concern is Cook Street, which is slated to expand to six lanes and eliminating the bike lane. Second, when Highway 74 is relinquished from the State, he requested for the City to look into installing a bike lane. He noted that the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) has funds available to install bike lanes. He concluded that bike lanes are the safest way for cyclists to travel. He thanked the Commission for their time, and hopes to work with the City concerning the bike lanes. Commissioner Dash asked what is the difference between Class I, Class II, and Class III lanes. Mr. Lueders responded that the information has been provided in the agenda packet. • Class I: Bike path with exclusive right-of-way and cross flows by motorists minimized. Two-way paved bike path is 8' minimum width with 2' graded area on each side of the pavement. • Class II: Bike lane for preferential use by bicycles established within the paved area of a road. Pavement markings are intended to promote an orderly flow of traffic and shall be one-way facilities. Minimum bike lane with no parking on roads is 4'. • Class III: Bike routes are intended to provide continuity to a bikeway system in areas where Class I and Class II are not possible and are established by placing bike route signs along the roadway. Commissioner Dash asked Mr. Lueders what is the City's reaction in regards to his suggestion to relocate a bike lane from Cook Street to Portola. He responded that he has talked to Mr. Phil Joy, Associate Transportation Planner. Mr. Joy did not have a response regarding Portola, and that there is also an intent to widen the road. He noted that Cook Street has access to the freeway, and eventually so would Portola. 2 G�DevServ�ceslMon�ca Lo�edoiWorO DataWarks&RecVU�nutes�2007 M�nufes�9-78-07 m�n doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Mr. Tino commented that he was told that the City wants to do away with all bike lanes, put them on the sidewalk and let the chips fall where they may. Councilman Spiegel asked who made this comment to him. Mr. Tino responded the City Engineers. Councilman Spiegel asked which engineer. He did not give a name. Mr. Lueders commented that he has had some dialogue with the Engineering Department. Mr. Joy has been very active in striping the area around the university. Commissioner Dawson asked for more information on the Bicycle League. Mr. Lueders responded that the League of American Bicycles was started in the 1800's as League of American Wheelman. They started promoting better roads before automobiles. Simply so they could have a better road to ride on. They have evolved to a national advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The League has had a lot of influence on several legislations related to bicycles. Mr. Steven Sims, President of Go Bike, introduced himself to the Commission. He commented that he is an advisor on bicycling with his group Go Bike. They are also representatives of the League of American Bicycles; they are on the board of directors of the California Bicycling Coalition, and on the CALTRANS Safe Streets for Kids Program. He communicated that he finds it unbelievable that the City of Palm Desert would consider eliminating bike lanes. His group worked many years ago to develop a bicycle friendly community. He stated that Palm Desert should be aiming at being bicycle friendly. He indicated that all communities in the valley are working with CVAG to develop safe routes for schools. Mr. Sims noted that there is the Safe Routes to School California Bill AB 57. He also suggested that the Commission look at the Complete Streets Act AB 1358. AB 1358 says, that all new development of streets in any California community would need to have safe bike lanes and safe pedestrian walkways. He stated that he was available for any questions. Mr. Sims noted that he just returned from the International Bike/Walk Conference in Davis, California. He hopes that the Commission takes into consideration that bicycling is not a novelty. It is very important in the weave of the Palm Desert community. He thanked the Commission for their time. Chairman Guyer thanked Mr. Lueders for the presentation. He commented that they are preaching to the choir, and that the Commission is on their side. He stated that a lot has to do with transportation issues. 3 G�DevServ�ceslMoroca LoredoiWord DatalParksBRecWlmutesi2007 M�nufes�378-07 mm.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Mr. Lueders reaffirmed that bicycle lanes are in the City's General Plan. He mentioned that he was told that the General Plan was going to be changed related to bicycling. Mr. Lueders commented the City would need public input, and their group would like to be part of that. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Lueders if they approached the Commission because the bike lanes are under the Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan, and they are not receiving a response from the Planning Department. Mr. Lueders replied yes. Chairman Guyer asked if most other cities have it in the Planning Department. Mr. Lueders responded that they usually have it under the Circulation Element. Chairman Guyer asked if the City could make that change to the General Plan. Councilman Spiegel responded that they could look at making that change. Councilman Spiegel asked the group if they have ever spoken to the Public Safety Committee at CVAG. Mr. Lueders replied no. Councilman Spiegel suggested that they do that. Councilman Spiegel commented that the Commission should make a recommendation to the City Council regarding bike lanes, but Ms. Steele should provide information on where the bike lanes are located. He stated that if there cannot be bike lanes on Cook Street then there should be lanes on Portola. He is not sure why Cook Street could not have bike lanes when the road is widened. He asked how many feet are needed. Mr. Lueders responded that 4' is the minimum. He also noted that Mr. Waggle from CVAG told him that there are funds available. Councilman Spiegel suggested that the Commission find out where the City currently stands concerning bike lanes and where we would like to go. Once the information is put together, make a recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Lueders stated that he appreciates the Commission's help. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Lueders for his business card so that he could make sure the Bicycle Club is added to the CVAG Public Safety Committee agenda. Councilman Spiegel suggested that the Commission recommend that Highway 74 have bike lanes only as far as the Art Smith Trail. 4 G.IDevServ�cesN-fon�ca Loredo�Word Data�Parks6RacVrl�nutes�2007 M�nures�9�18-07mm.0oc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Councilman Spiegel suggested also looking at Gerald Ford. Councilman Spiegel asked if Mr. Joy is working on a bike lane map. Ms. Steele responded she would check. He asked if the map could be brought to the Commission so that they could take a look at it. Ms. Steele stated that Staff would return with more information on bike trails. Chairman Guyer commented to Mr. Lueders that the City would be interested in their input on the trail by the railroad tracks. Mr. Lueders noted that he is on the board of the Coachella Valley Trails Alliance. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. DATE GROVE FIELD DESIGN Discussion and approval of the revised design of the date grove field. Mr. Niemczak stated that Staff took back the Commission's comments from the last meeting to the architect, and changes have been made to the design. He noted that the restrooms were moved closer to the tennis court sidewalk, and bocce ball courts were added. He explained that he had done some research on bocce ball and petanque courts. It seems that the courts might be interchangeable so that bocce ball could be combined with petanque, and eliminate the large court in the middle. Chairman Guyer suggested for Staff to receive feedback from the bocce ball and petanque users. Mr. Niemczak responded that he would get some feedback and return to the Commission with the information. Chairman Guyer suggested keeping both bocce ball courts and eliminating the petanque court. And move the horseshoe pit closer to the park and away from the date grove. Mr. Niemczak responded that the petanque players are fairly active, and they are the ones that requested that a court be installed. Chairman Guyer stated that if it is possible that bocce ball and petanque could be on the same court, he suggested moving the courts and the horseshoe pit closer to the park so that there is more activity. Commissioner Babcock commented that he had concerns that there are not enough shade structures. Ms Steele responded that there is a second 5 G�DevServ�cesi,Non�ca Loredo�Word DataWarksBReclM�nutesi2007 Mmutes�9 78 07 m�n tloc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 map in the agenda packets showing where there are currently shade structures, and to look where other pavilions could be added. Commissioner Babcock stated that he did not receive a copy of the map. A copy would be given to him. Mr. Niemczak stated that the Family YMCA and the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) utilize the area by the basketball courts quite a bit. He suggested having a shelter in that area. Chairman Guyer mentioned that there is a lot of activity that goes on in the area too. It would get rid of a lot of the grassy area. Commissioner Barnes commented that he is confused with the map on page 45 of the agenda packet. He asked if the map is authentic. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is an aerial photo with the amenities overlaid onto the photo. Commissioner Barnes asked if Staff is still looking at installing five petanque courts and ten bocce ball courts. Chairman Guyer responded yes. Commissioner Barnes inquired why so many courts are needed. Mr. Niemczak replied that is why he suggested scaling the courts down, and combining them so that they do not take so much space. Councilman Spiegel stated to Commissioner Barnes that Staff would be coming back to the Commission with fewer courts. Commissioner Barnes commented that the bocce ball courts in the middle of the field is not a good location because it would interfere with other activities, such as throwing ball. He asked what were the green things on the map. Staff replied that they are trees. Commissioner Barnes suggested taking out the trees from that area. He would like to see the field left open. Chairman Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes his opinion on how many courts he would like to see. He replied that he does not know much about petanque; maybe three is enough to get started. He suggested asking the people. Vice Chair Schukart asked Mr. Niemczak if the area would be graded and become a little more leveled. He responded that they could certainly do that. He explained that in the past there was an issue with irrigation but that problem has been repaired. Staff could start making that area more playable. 6 G�iDevServ�cesNAomca Loredo�Woid Data WarksBRecWlmutes�2007 M�nutes�37 8-07 m�n doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Vice Chair Schukart commented that if the area were to be leveled, it would probably be utilized more often. Chairman Guyer asked if the restrooms would be more visible from the volleyball courts. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Commissioner Dash indicated that at the last meeting it was mentioned that residents might contest the location of the courts if they were moved away from the center, and asked if that was resolved. Chairman Guyer responded that the residents might contest the whole project. Mr. Niemczak stated that he would return to Commission with changes to the design. Staff is putting them closer together so that problem does not occur again. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. SAN PABLO COMMUNITY GARDENS Mr. Niemczak reported that the gardens on San Pablo were built approximately eight or nine years ago, and the plots have started to deteriorate from heavy use and weight of soil. He indicated that funds were budgeted to rebuild the plots in FY 2007/2008 and in the five-year Capital Improvement Project Plan. Half of the plots will be built this fiscal year, and the other half during the next fiscal year, if approved. Mr. Niemczak explained that they are using recycled wood and composted soil from green waste to be environmentally friendly. Chairman Guyer commented that he has heard of concrete forms that are like a plasticize wood and would last forever. Mr. Niemczak replied that he has not heard of the material before. Chairman Guyer stated that it might be something to look into so that the plots do not have to be replaced all the time. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he had a friend that rebuilt his deck and used recycled plastics, which is suppose to have a 50-life expectancy. He described that from a distance it looked like redwood. Mr. Niemczak noted that the current supports were not close to each other and are now bowing. � G�DevServ�ces�Non�ca LoredoiWord DatalParks&ReclM�nutes�2007 M�nutes�378-07 m�n doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 B. AQUATIC CENTER (ORAL REPORT) Ms. Steele distributed a copy of the pool design. She reported that at the last City Council meeting, Staff was directed to add a current channel (lazy river). She noted that Councilman Spiegel was the advocate to add the recreational feature. Ms. Steele indicated that she is discussing the changes with the architects, and should be back to the City Council for the first meeting of October. Councilman Spiegel explained why he was an advocate for the recreational feature. He stated that he could not get what he really wanted, and everyone knows that the pool is going to be an expensive deal on an annual maintenance basis. He continued to explain that the design of the pool now is geared towards kids and competitive swimmers, and not for the mature groups (ages 20 to 30+). For that reason, he recommended the current channel, which might attract the mature groups. Chairman Guyer asked Vice Chair Schukart if the City would need to contact the College of the Desert (COD) concerning the changes to the pool design. Vice Chair Schukart replied no. Chairman Guyer asked Vice Chair Schukart if COD would have a problem with the location of the current channel. He foresees no problem, but that there may have to be a change to the contract. Councilman Spiegel commented that after talking to Ms. Steele, it was mentioned that COD has no plans of having a swim team because local community colleges do not have swim teams and COD would have to travel too far. Vice Chair Schukart confirmed that travel is an issue, and many of the community colleges do not have swim teams. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he would love to have a swim team at COD, but it would cost a decent amount of money that is not in the budget. Commissioner Barnard asked if the redesign of the pool would come back to the Commission before it goes to the City Council. Ms. Steele responded that due to time constraints, she would send out the design at the same time the City Council agenda packets are mailed out. Councilman Spiegel agreed. Commissioner Barnes asked for clarification of the pool design. He asked if it has a 50-yard pool and different diving board types. Ms. Steele responded that there are two one-meter and two three-meter boards. He 8 G�DevSernceslMoNca Loredo�Woitl DatalParks&ReclM�nute5�2007 Mmutes�9-18�07.m�n.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 asked if there was a diving board tower. Ms. Steele replied that there is with three levels. He asked if you need 30 feet of water when you have diving towers. Ms. Steele replied 16 feet. He asked if the pool was going to cost $9,777,077 (without the lazy river). Ms. Steele replied yes. He asked if the annual operating cost was expected to be $1,447,884. Ms. Steele responded that the operating cost was $1.1 million. She made the correction at the Council meeting. He asked how much does the City expect to get back. Ms. Steele responded if the pool is managed well, the City could expect a maximum of 35% ($350,000) cost recovery. Commissioner Barnes stated that in his 38 years in the military, 38 years in business, and 20 years on the Parks and Recreation Commission, the pool is the most ridiculous project he has ever seen. The City does not need an Olympic size swimming pool. If the City Council had done their homework and anyone else that asked for this design, would learn that an Olympic size swimming pool is not for municipalities in the State of California. All they had to do was go down to Palm Springs, Pasadena, and the Rose Bowl to do some investigating to find out that an Olympic size pool are not the big thing. The kids that are involved in swim teams here in the desert do not need that kind of pool. Why they need the diving boards in the design are way beyond him. Councilman Spiegel interjected to Commissioner Barnes that he is going down the wrong road. Commissioner Barnes interrupted that he would like to finish his comment. Councilman Spiegel voiced that he certainly could finish his comment and could do whatever he wants to on the Commission--but that everyone has already heard it and that he is going down the same road, and it would alienate members of the Council. Commissioner Barnes exclaimed that he does not give a damn about alienating the people on the Council, and that he thinks they are a bunch of idiots. Commissioner Barnes asked the Commission if they are thinking of bringing the Olympic games to Palm Desert in 2020. He asked why an Olympic size pool is needed. Chairman Guyer responded that there are tournaments that have to be in a 50-meter pool. Commissioner Barnes voiced that the City does not need a 50-meter pool. Commissioner Barnes asked how many acres is the pool going to take. Ms. Steele responded that the number of acres has not changed, which is approximately three acres. 9 G.�DevServlcesUdonlca L o�edoi Wo�d DafalParksBReclM�nutes�2007 M�nutes�g 78�07 mm tloc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Commissione� Barnes asked if the ridiculous design is going to fit into the three acres. Ms. Steele responded yes. Commissioner Barnes asked who is going to manage the pool. Ms. Steele remarked that Staff has not addressed it yet. It will be addressed once the design is decided upon. Commissioner Barnes asked who is sharing the cost and who is going to be the genius to figure that out. Ms. Steele interjected that COD is not going to participate in the operating costs; only the construction costs. Commissioner Barnes asked who is going to check which people are authorized to use the pool. Ms. Steele responded it would be the manager. She explained that the manager would be tasked with programming, scheduling, recommending fees, and hiring staff. She noted that it has not gotten that far yet. Commissioner Spiegel interrupted explaining that he has to leave the meeting, but wanted to make one last announcement. He indicated that Ms. Steele has put together a schedule to make a couple of trips for the City Cou�ci4, and �opefully, for some members of the Commission to look at community centers in California. Three are in the San Diego area, and three are in the Rancho Cucamonga/Cerritos area. He commented that all are not going to be on the same day, but it would be wonderful if it could be done. He said it would take two days, probably on a Thursday. It would take all day. Councilman Spiegel stated that Ms. Steele would be giving the Commission a handout with information on all the community centers. The Commission thanked Councilman Spiegel. Counci4ma� Spiege4 4eft tne meeting. Commissioner Babcock communicated that he agrees with Commissioner Barnes on what he said concerning the pool design. He stated that the pool does not represent anything that the people wanted from the survey that was completed. He voiced that the pool design is not what the people want. He asked what is the City doing for the people. Chairman Guyer responded that the Commission has recommended twice to the City Council what the citizens wanted. The City Council has decided that is not what they want to do, and the Council is going to do something different. Any comments that the Commission wants make concerning the aquatic center have to go the City Council. He stated that the Commission is no longer involved. The Parks and Recreation Commission have been told by the Council that they are no longer involved. 10 G��DevSarvlceslMomca Loredo�Woro DatalParksBReclM�nutes�200I Mmutes��78-07 mm doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Commissioner Barnes interjected that is very disgraceful. He stated that he would resign from the Commission before he would ever add his name on any endorsement of the aquatic center. He added that once he is finished taking the City Council to the soccer park and having them roll in the ground were the dogs have done their business, he is going to take the three City Council members that are promoting this design, and have them jump off the diving platform together. Chairman Guyer suggested to Commissioner Barnes that he set an appointment with the three Council members and let them know what should be done. Commissioner Barnes responded that the Commission has already told them what should be done and they ignore the Commission, which bothers him. Commissioner Barnes voiced that he was going to resign from the Commission and go before the City Council as a resident of this City, and tell them how stupid they are. Commissioner Dash asked Chairman Guyer if he meant that there are three City Council members that are thinking of changing the design. Chairman Guyer clarified that there are three members that do not agree with the Commission's recommendation, and have requested that it be changed to what they want. Commissioner Dash asked if the three members are very firm on their decision. Chairman Guyer replied yes. Commissioner Babcock asked when it would be going to the Council. Ms. Steele replied October 11, 2007. Chairman Guyer commented that the Commission does not have to wait for the next Council meeting. Anyone could make an appointment to talk to the three Council members. C. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele reminded the Commission to send in their park inspection sheets. She noted that she would be redoing the calendar to cover Commissioner Garcia's areas unless someone wants to volunteer to do it for September. Chairman Guyer stated that he would take his area over this month. 1X. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Steele announced that Mr. Don Sutton has accepted to be honored at the International Sports Festival (Senior Games). 11 G��DevServ�cesNAon�ca LoretloiWord DafaWarksBRecNA�nutes�2007 M�nuresi9�78-07.m�n.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 Ms. Steefe announced that the Coacheila Valley Recreation and Park District is having a concert in the Civic Center Park on Thursday, September 20, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Loverboy would be performing. She stated that Michoacana Dance Group would be performing in the amphitheater on Friday night. There is going to be a Recovery Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Day at the amphitheater on September 29. Ms. Steele commented that she had given the Commission a copy of the Parks Guide and Dog Park Brochure. If anyone wants more copies, she has more in her office. She noted that they have been distributed to the YMCA, CVRPD, Visitor Center, and City Hall. She commented that she had a meeting with the Animal Control Officer, and he has taken some brochures to pass out. He is also doing some spot checks at dog parks. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he has kindly given some brochures to people that have their dogs off leash at the soccer park. He noted that no one took a swing at him or called him names. Chairman Guyer suggested taking some of the dog brochures to Palm Desert pet stores. Ms. Steele responded that Staff could have that done. Commissioner Barnes reported that Steve Simon from Indian Wells Tennis Garden got back to him this week, and he confirmed that Billy Jean King does not live in the desert, and does not intend to live in the desert. It was also confirmed that Rosie Casals lives in Indian Ridge. Mr. Rob Ballew distributed the Fall/Winter 2007-08 Program Brochure. He also announced that there is an invitation for the YMCA's 25�h Anniversary Celebration in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Vice Chair Schukart, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G 1DevSernceslMonica Loredo�Word Datawa�ks&RecNdmutes�7007 Mmures�9-t8-07 min.doc