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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 06/19/07 � CITY OF PALM DESERT ����� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � TES MINU . JUNE 19, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Terry Schukart convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. � .r., w 11. ROLL CALL o � Present: Excused Absence � Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Julie u s n � Commissioner Michael Barnard (Munson on Leave of s n e � Commissioner Daniel Barnes �` Commissioner Roger Dash Absent W a � Commissioner Gerald Dawson Chair Randy Guyer H x � Commissioner David Garcia Commissioner Phill �co k _ ,�, .. -� z `� '� Staff Present: � ' _ `� Robert Spiegel, Councilmember � � � Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager ,� �, w Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor a ,�, w �' � � Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary � i`�- � � � � __ ,. � �-� III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None � y � z ��r H H H �' .. .. r � a � Ncn �nw �+ H .�' IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS H a � � � �' �' `� � •" U � � � � � � � � � Mr. Gary Luders, President, Desert Bicycle Club, requested to be added to a future Parks and Recreation Commission meeting agenda to discuss cycling issues. He briefly communicated that bicycling is in the General Plan under Parks and Recreation. Mr. Luders commented that he has heard of the possibility of Cook Street being widened and that the bicycle lane may be eliminated. He also understands that the City will be taking over Highway 74, and that it would be good to have a bicycle lane stripe painted there. He explained that a stripe defines space and predictability for cyclists. It is safe for the cyclist as well for the motorists. Mr. Luders indicated that he would contact Staff regarding being added to a future meeting agenda. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, distributed the YMCA Program Brochure for Summer 2007. He also complimented the City on the grand opening of Freedom Park. He noted that it was well coordinated, lots of activities, and throughout the day around town he was hearing from parents on what a great activity it was. Mr. Ballew added that the shirts looked really sharp. V. PRESENTATIONS Ms. Steele presented a Power Point slide show on the Freedom Park Grand Opening ceremony and activities. She noted that Ms. Breindel put the slide show together. She thanked Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) and the Family YMCA for their work and support at the grand opening. The Commission thanked Ms. Breindel for the slide show. VI. NEW BUSINESS -None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PARK INSPECTION CHECKLIST Ms. Steele reported that she has updated park inspection assignments, which is included in the agenda packet. She stated that Freedom Park was added to the list; Cook Street Sports Complex has been added to Joe Mann Park; and Community Park will be added back once the construction is complete at Palm Desert Middle School. She noted that Ms. Loredo has extra blank checklists. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he receives comments from users when he is out inspecting the parks. He asked the Commission if they are also approached. Ms. Steele responded that she believes that Commissioner Babcock seeks out park users to get their comments. B. DOG PARK FLIER Ms. Steele noted that Ms. Breindel created the dog park flier. Staff concluded that it would be a good idea to create a flier that could be available at the Community Center, Family YMCA, and at the dog parks. The flier would have information on where they could take their dogs, rules, and the City ordinance in relation to City dog parks. She commented that the university dog park would be added once it is turned over to the 2 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinute512007 Minutes1619-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMM1SS10N MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 City. Ms. Steele noted that the flier was available at the Freedom Park Grand Opening. She asked the Commission if they had any suggestions or changes to let her know. Vice Chair Schukart commented that the flier is a step in the right direction. He mentioned that most of the veterinarians recommend to people to not use dog parks due to disease spread. He asked how often does Staff wash out the dog park to reduce the transmission efforts in the dog parks. Mr. Niemczak responded that they hose the dog park sidewalks and pavilion areas daily. They also close the dog park three days out of the week to clean up and sanitize. Ms. Steele stated that it is important that dogs get their shots. She indicated that Staff attempts to keep the parks clean, but that Cahuilla and Homme/Adams Park is a little more difficult. Commissioner Garcia communicated that the problem is that people do not pick up after their dogs. Vice Chair Schukart mentioned that he does not how to make dog owners understand the importance of cleaning up after their dogs. Ms. Steele stated to the Commission that if there is an area that they feel there should be a dog bag dispenser to please let Staff know. Mr. Niemczak added that Staff recently purchased six dispensers, and they are working on installing them at the entrances of parks. Commissioner Barnes asked Vice Chair Schukart if he has been to the soccer park, and if the situation continues to be the same. He responded that it has not improved or gotten worse. There are still people out in the early morning letting their dogs run loose with some people picking up after their dogs and some that do not. Commissioner Barnes asked if they should revisit the issue of banning dogs at the soccer park. Vice Chair Schukart responded that the City Council was pretty clear on not banning dogs from the soccer park. Commissioner Barnes voiced that he does not think the soccer park should be a dog park. Vice Chair Schukart responded that maybe it is something that needs to be added to the next agenda. Councilman Spiegel asked if there is room for a dog park at the soccer park. Ms. Steele responded that Staff could look into it. 3 G:�DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12007 Minutes1619-07.min doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 Commissioner Barnes interjected that adding a dog park is not going to help. Vice Chair Schukart voiced that disc golfers and soccer families feel the pinch, especially during season. Mr. Niemczak suggested looking at the empty space next to the parking lot. Councilman Spiegel commented that more housing would be built in that area, which means there is going to be more people and dogs. Commissioner Barnes stated that it is an issue that has to be revisited. Vice Chair Schukart agreed and requested that the item is added to the next agenda. C. PLAYGROUND SAFETY AUDIT Vice Chair Schukart commented that the audit was a lot of work and thanked Staff. Ms. Steele noted that Ms. Breindel assisted Staff in compiling the information. Mr. Niemczak reported that Staff would be working on Class I issues. Staff would then work on Class II and Class III items. Mr. Croy briefly explained the City's intern/student program. Ms. Breindel is part of that program. Commissioner Dawson asked how many students work for the City during the summer. Mr. Croy replied that the City has never had more than six students. Ms. Steele noted that the playground at the community park (by the middle school) is scheduled for an upgrade this upcoming year as part of the five-year capital plan. She mentioned that Staff is exploring making the park completely an accessible park. Once formalized, Staff would add this item to the agenda. Commissioner Dawson commented that possibly when the park is reopened, it could be renamed. Ms. Steele thought it would be a great idea. Vice Chair Schukart asked when it would be on the agenda. Ms. Steele responded that possibly for the ne� agenda or August. 4 G:1DevServicesVvlonica LoredolWord DatalParksBRecVvlinutes12007 Minutes1619-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 D. SUMMER COMMISSION MEETINGS Ms. Steele stated that in the agenda packet is a reminder of the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings scheduled during the summer. Vice Chair Schukart asked for those people that are not present, would they be notified? Ms. Steele responded that Ms. Loredo still sends out notices that the meeting has been cancelled. E. DATE GROVE FIELD UPDATE Mr. Niemczak reported that the architect would have a drawing done by the next meeting. Vice Chair Schukart asked what is Staff's direction to the architect. Mr. Niemczak responded that his direction to the architect is to provide a preliminary drawing that would include a restroom, small pavilion with misters, horseshoe pit, bocce ball court, and a petanque court. Commissioner Barnes commented that the Commission has discussed the possibility of building a community center in the date grove. He asked if there is a reason Staff would need to rush into this project, and asked for the status of the community center. Ms. Steele responded that if the budget is approved, there is a recommendation to study the possibility of a community center and identity where the best location would be. She indicated that Staff could put the project on hold if requested by the Commission. She noted that it was added to the agenda because the Commission asked questions about it at previous meetings. Councilman Spiegel noted that the budget is on the June 28 City Council agenda for approval. Vice Chair Schukart commented that the Commission could look at the drawing then put it on hold. He stated the drawing does not commit the Commission to anything. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Councilman Spiegel asked for an update on the pool. Ms. Steele responded that she has a redesign, and was waiting to receive direction from the City Manager. In the meantime, Councilman Ferguson requested to go over the design with the architect. She will wait to receive feedback from Councilman Ferguson then add it to the City Council agenda. 5 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecUNinutes12007 Minutesl&19-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 Councilman Spiegel asked if the Commission is going to be shown the design before it goes to the City Council. Ms. Steele replied that according to Council's direction, the design is supposed to go straight to City Council and the design would only go to the Commission as an informational item. Vice Chair Schukart commented that he has met with the College of the Desert (COD) concerning the new design, which will not have an affect on the college and they are fine with the change. Commissioner Barnes asked who would pay for the deficit. Councilman Spiegel replied that the City would. Commissioner Barnes clarified that the there would be no sharing of the deficit; the City is going to pay to build the pool and suffer the deficit. Councilman Spiegel replied yes. Councilman Spiegel commented that a couple of Council Members did not like the design of the shade structure for the amphitheater. He requested that those two people be liaisons' (Ferguson and Benson) between the Commission and the Council. Councilman Spiegel asked when the community garden would be built at Freedom Park. Mr. Niemczak responded that he believes Ms. Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Programs, has taken the project out to bid, but does not know when the bid is opening. Ms. Steele added that Staff is working on receiving additional details on the project. She commented that Staff could return to the Commission with more information for the next meeting. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Niemczak if he has talked to the Baptist Church. He responded yes, and that they would be meeting this week to discuss property lines concerning Homme/Adams Park. Commissioner Barnes asked Ms. Steele for a status on the ice skating rink in the Coachella Valley. She responded that the City of Indio has said the project is between the developer and the ice arena group. It seems that there might be some financial issues, and she would work on receiving additional information. Commissioner Barnes commented that University Park has several references. He asked which is the University Park. Ms. Steele indicated that the University Park project is the one that was brought to the Commission that has three neighborhood parks and one dog park. 6 G IDevServicesUNonica LoredolWord DatalPa�ks&RecVvlinutes12007 Minutes1619-07 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 Mr. Croy interjected that a developer is building homes with the four parks. The development is called University Park because it happens to be located by the university. Commissioner Barnes asked if each park would be individually named. Ms. Steele replied yes. It would be brought to the Commission fairly soon since one park would be turned over to the City the first of December and January first. Commissioner Dash asked if the four parks were going to be developed before they are turned over to the City. Ms. Steele responded that they would be completely developed with restrooms. Each park would have different amenities. Commissioner Barnes inquired about the large park in the north side of the City. Commissioner Barnard replied that the park was put on hold due to other discussions concerning the land. Ms. Steele added that the City Manager has asked to her hold off until he works out some details. Commissioner Dawson commented that he visited Freedom Park with his grandchildren, and they told him that was the best park that they have ever been to. When the kids were asked what could be improved to make it even better, the kids responded nothing. Vice Chair Schukart asked how old were the children. Commissioner Dawson responded 9 and 12 years old. Commissioner Dawson also commented that while they were at the park, there were three teenagers on skateboards coming down the sidewalks across the tennis courts to the skate park. He explained that they did not have any gear. There is signage with the rules, but the kids are not going to stop and read them. Ms. Steele responded that it is a dilemma, and has consulted with the City's Risk Manager on the best way to handle the skate park. Commissioner Dawson suggested adding signage to let skaters know what type of gear they need to wear. Ms. Steele replied that it is there. She added that park patrol is patrolling Freedom Park, and Staff is also looking at adding deterrent equipment in some areas of the park. Commissioner Barnes asked if the tennis courts are locked up at night. Ms. Steeled replied yes. Commissioner Barnes asked what are the hours of Freedom Park. Ms. Steele responded that all parks in the City are open until 11:00 p.m. and 7 GIDevServiceslMonica Loredol Word DaW�Pa�ksBReclMinute512007 MinuteslE 19-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 19, 2007 all lights are out at 10:00 p.m. due to the light ordinance other than emergency lighting for walkways. Commissioner Barnes commented that he was very impressed on the variety of different trees and how well they were placed at Freedom Park. He asked how long before they mature. Mr. Niemczak indicated that it would take approximately five years. Commissioner Garcia asked Staff if the television in the Administrative Conference Room is strapped down in case of an earthquake. Mr. Croy made a note of it to notify Building Maintenance. Ms. Steele noted that there is an invitation to the Commission for a Spanish Walk development opening. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Barnard, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, and unanimous vote of the Commission, Vice Chair Schukart adjourned the meeting at 9:35 a.m. ��- , ���� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary $ G:1DevServicesVvlonica LoredolWoro DatalParks8ReclMinutes12007 Minutesl�19-O�.min.doc