Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 07/03/07 CITY OF PALM DESERT �1•'� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES JULY 3, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Randy Guyer convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Julie Munson Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Daniel Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Absent Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner David Garcia Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Councilmember Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Maintenance Supervisor Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JUNE 5, 2007 Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of June 5, 2007, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Schukart and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Babcock and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - N�]�Ty COU�tC2;, ,���Id�;: APPROVED DENIED V. PRESENTATIONS - None RECFI�aL� E � �- OTHER --' VI. NEW BUSINESS M���'I��`' bA�� q- 3-_pr AY�S: �o15p� NfJ�S. ' , � s y . ��.� � �, � !V t,�l� AB�ENT s 1\1;��1�„ _'.-____.�_ . -- ABSTAIIv;��,� --- � VERIFIED By:r' — �rigir�al. �n Fi����:��GG.... . � � a�4' ��.�rk s Of:EicE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES J U LY 3, 2007 A. DOGS IN THE SOCCER PARK Ms. Janis Steele indicated that at the last Commission meeting a request was made to include the issue of the dogs in the soccer park at this Commission meeting. She noted that Staff looked at this extensively and took it to City Council. City Council then directed Staff to take all the measures that could be taken without being over-restrictive with dogs in parks. Ms. Steele indicated some of the things that Staff is doing such as installing additional signage and additional bag stations will be complete next week. Dog park flyers and educational items have been distributed but are not in full circulation just yet. She pointed out that the goal is to be educational rather than restrictive. Vice Chair Schukart commented that it would be interesting to see what happens when the soccer park reopens on August 1, 2007. He offered to go to the soccer park the first couple of weeks after it reopens and report back to the Commission. Councilman Spiegel asked if there is room for additional growth there. Ms. Steele answered that Staff could investigate that, and look into having a dog park in the soccer park if directed by the Commission. Vice Chair Schukart mentioned that in talking with park users what they like about the soccer park is that they can either run with their dog on a leash or they can turn their dogs loose and let their dogs run where they are in their line of sight and under voice command. He was not sure they would be interested in a dog park. Vice Chair Schukart noted that the problem is that people want to let their dogs loose in the park. Commissioner Dawson asked about the rules that are posted at the park and what do they say specifically about dogs and leashes. Ms. Steele responded that dogs must be on a leash per City Ordinance. He inquired if the signs said anything about where the dogs can be, like on the fields. Vice Chair Schukart noted that the signs only indicate picking up after the pets and keeping them on a leash. Commissioner Dawson guessed that a major problem is dogs defecating on the fields where the children play, so modifying the rules to say "No dogs on the fields" would not be adequate. 2 G:�DevServicesVvfonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes�2007 MinutesV-03-07 mm doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES J U LY 3, 2007 Vice Chair Schukart commented that since 95% of the park is a field, the key is to say it in such a reasonable way that enforcement does not have to be mandated. Commissioner Dawson offered that "on leash" is the key to success with this issue. Vice Chair Schukart agreed that "on leash" and "pick up after your pet" signs are posted; and it happens some of the time. He indicated these notices are pretty evident. Commissioner Dash asked about a portion of land by the south end that was identified at the last meeting that could be used for a dog park. Chair Guyer indicated that the identified area was the horse shoe area, but the problem is that users do not go to the dog park per se, but to let their dogs run loose. Commissioner Barnes commented that he has had dogs all his life, and that he is acquainted with many people who have dogs. He said that dog people are a lot like road-rage people that we see on the road. They are not very concerned with others. He further indicated that all the signs and al! the laws about keeping the dogs on a leash are not going to take care of the problem that he sees as a dog problem. Commissioner Barnes continued that the problem with the dogs either on a leash or off a leash is a health issue. He noted Councilmember Spiegel's mentioning it as a health issue, and as soon as a leashed or unleashed dog's urine or defecation hits the ground it becomes a health problem. Commissioner Barnes expressed his desire to have his 9-year old, 75- pound dalmatian dog, which is a pretty big dog at urinating and defecating, to go to the soccer field, and let him urinate and defecate while it is on a leash. He is going to mark, with sprinkler flags, the places where his dog defecates and urinates. He then would invite the members of the Council to bring themselves, their children, and grandchildren to play there. He further mentioned that soccer is a contact sport like football, lacrosse, and rugby where people roll on the ground. In a game like soccer, falling cannot be avoided. Players could not know where the dogs have defecated and urinated. He also noted that he would like to see the possibility of having the Health Department involved and find out whether or not this is a health issue. Chair Guyer indicated that the problem is irresponsible people, not the dogs. 3 G'iDevServicesVrtonica Loredo�Word Data�PaiksBReclMinutes'�007 MinutesV-03-07 min doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 3, 2007 Commissioner Barnes agreed, but indicated that there are people who do not care whether they have their dogs on a leash or not; the fact of the matter is that dogs are going in places where people are rolling on the ground, and they cannot know where the dogs have defecated or urinated after it is picked up. He further noted that soccer is a sport where players roll around on the ground all the time. Commissioner Dawson asked if the Health Department could give the Commission a reading on their view about the danger of feces on the ground at the soccer park. Chair Guyer noted that he understands the Health Department does not have a view on the issue. Ms. Steele noted that Staff did some research online and did not find anything in this regard. Commissioner Dawson noted that if the Commission finds out next year that it is indeed a health hazard, the Commission will take some steps, but if it found that it is a minimal health hazard from the experts, then this issue can be disregarded. Commissioner Barnard offered that if the problem was not having enough policing on the park, then perhaps a stronger enforcement would be helpful. Ms. Steele responded that this approach was followed, and that they had animal control people patrolling the park every day for a week, talked to people and did not see a lot of unleashed dogs. Vice Chair Schukart mentioned that the problem is that people go there early in the morning before they go to work, and so when animal control officials get there midmorning or late afternoon there is no one there. Ms. Steele responded that the animal control officers did that too. Ms. Steele offered that there are also people letting their dogs off leash in the Civic Center Park. She indicated that people can be irresponsible anywhere, regardless of what notices are posted. Mr. Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, indicated that another point to consider as well is that sprinklers go off twice a day, and the park is mowed twice a week. This is something that may reduce the health risks. Chair Guyer indicated that this is still a problem. Commissioner Barnes noted one could not pick up urine. He also added that if this were a football field, no dogs would be allowed. He asked Vice Chair Schukart if College of the Desert has any problems with dogs. The answer was that it is posted that no dogs are allowed on campus and that if any are present, 4 G:�DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks8ReclMinutes12007 Minutesl7-03-07.min.cbc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 3, 2007 security escorts them out. Commissioner Barnes summarized that at the College of the Desert no dogs are allowed anywhere on the campus. Commissioner Dawson asked why that is. Vice Chair Schukart indicated that this is a Board policy. Chair Guyer indicated that the Commission couldn't ban dogs. Commissioner Barnes interjected that if this were a football field, dogs would not be allowed. Commissioner Dawson interjected about the possibility of developing a public relations campaign to educate the public. He indicated that if it were found that this is indeed a health problem, then the campaign would really be effective. Chair Guyer reminded the Commission that a lady came in with a book that said that everything was okay. Commissioner Dawson reasoned that the Commission is on shaky ground to ascertain that there is a health problem unless there is some proof in writing from legitimate sources. Commissioner Garcia indicated that any animal feces would be a source of pollution. Vice Chair Schukart indicated that City Council made it very clear that they were not receptive to the idea of banning dogs from the soccer park. He noted that the Commission could consider other means and have a subcommittee to investigate it, or as Staff suggested, wait six months and see by January what the status of this issue is. Commissioner Dawson offered to revisit this issue when the park opens in August. It was noted that the people who are letting their dogs loose are still there right now. Mr. Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner, stated that he referees soccer in the Indio-Coachella area, La Quinta, Thousand Palms and the soccer park. He added that the three referees go out and they quadrant and walk the field. They tell the coaches if there are rodent mounds or feces on the ground that need to be cleaned up. Mr. Tanner added that the Thousand Palms field is the only field that he has ever had to pay attention to. The other fields do not have problems or feces worth mentioning. He also indicated that children do play in their own backyards with their dogs and cats. He further noted that the sandy part of the playground 5 G1DevServicesVVlomca LoredolWord DafalParks8ReclMinutes12007 MinutesV-03-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 3, 2007 equipment could be a place for the cats to bury their feces. He indicated that he does not see this as a huge issue or problem. Chair Guyer noted that the coaches he has talked to indicated that the real problem is during practice. Vice Chair Schukart motioned to support Staff s recommendation as stated on the agenda, and investigate health related aspects of the issue and emphasize early morning observations. Commissioner Garcia asked to get additional information on the health issue. Vice Chair Schukart added "health issues" to his motion. A brief discussion ensued. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff is making sure that dog bags are available at the soccer park. Vice Chair Schukart withdrew his motion. Chair Guyer moved to follow Staff s recommendation at this time, and directed Staff to research the health aspects of keeping the field clean of dog feces, and for the Commission to discuss how would the leash laws in the park be enforced. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Schukart, passed with a 6-1 vote with Commissioner Barnes opposing, and Commissioners Babcock and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. DATE GROVE FIELDS Mr. Jay Niemczak indicated that the agenda packet included a layout provided by Prest Vuksic Architects of the Date Grove fields, including shade structures, restrooms, bocce ball/petanque courts and horseshoe pits. He asked the Commission for comments. Chair Guyer commented that the location of the restrooms was supposed to be on the other side. Commissioner Barnes added that would serve more people. Chair Guyer also asked if a larger pavilion would be needed at that end, or if the one in the middle would suffice. Mr. Niemczak indicated that a large pavilion could be installed in the middle. Chair Guyer noted that larger pavilions are very popular. 6 GIDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWoid DatalParksBReclMinutesi2007 Minutes�7-03-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 3, 2007 Ms. Steele asked about the middle of the bocce ball/petanque area, if a shade area would be better to cover the benches. The Commission agreed. Chair Guyer asked if the area is going to have grass or sand. Mr. Niemczak indicated that half of it will be grass for bocce ball, and the other half will have decomposed granite (DG) for petanque. Commissioner Barnard asked if there is demand for bocce ball or was it just one instance brought with the Senior Olympics. He noted that at the Senior Center they advertised it and did not get much response. He was concerned about the demand for this amenity. Ms. Steele indicated that there is demand for petanque. She indicated that they receive calls for bocce ball and there is not a public place right now where anyone can play. Mr. Jay Niemczak indicated that the citizen who plays petanque is also supporting bocce ball. Commissioner Barnes indicated that although he does not understand bocce ball, he wondered if ten courts are needed. Mr. Niemczak responded that the layout as presented is only a representation, and could be changed as indicated. Commissioner Barnes indicated that we could start off with less and develop them as needed. Mr. Niemczak agreed and said that half of this area could be developed now as the petanque court, and as people call requesting bocce ball, then the other half could be developed for that. Chair Guyer reminded the Commission about the presentation from the petanque group, who play on a regular basis. Ms. Steele stated that these courts would be the easiest to maintain, and they are not hard to put in. Chair Guyer asked if at this point a public hearing would be needed for the residents in this area. Councilmember Spiegel indicated that probably a public hearing would be needed. Commissioner Dash asked about the handball court. Ms. Steele said that when the request went out, Staff did not receive any bids. Commissioner Barnes indicated that a handball court was to be put by the tennis courts. Mr. Niemczak noted that this could be added to the 7 G iDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DafalParksBRecU�finutes12007 MinutesV-03-07 min doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES J U LY 3, 2007 construction package. Ms. Steele added that the new landscape contractor might also be able to do it. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES - None IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dash commented about the Legends Fields nominees for next year; he read an article in the Desert Sun about Steve Garvey being here in the valley. He would suggest having him considered for the next nomination. Ms. Steele invited Ms. Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), to provide some information on this. Ms. Adair indicated that the local tennis association was recommending either Billie Jean (BJ) King or Rosie Casals as they are starting a World Team Tennis Program and BJ King is the founder. Chair Guyer asked Commissioner Barnes about setting up the columns for people in different sports. Councilman Spiegel noted that Anika Sorenstam lives in the desert. Ms. Barb Adair offered to investigate about other people as well. Chair Guyer summarized the candidate list to include Billie Jean King, Steve Garvey, Pat Hart, Anika Sorenstam, and Pete Sampras. Councilman Spiegel commented that the Citizens on Patrol are active again and could help with the soccer field. He indicated that he asked Ms. Steele to check if there are other community center facilities in Southern California similar to what the City is considering building in Palm Desert, and get Council to take a look at them. He would like to offer the Commission the opportunity to do the same thing when a location is identified. He noted that $50,000 was approved in the City's budget for this purpose. Chair Guyer reminded that the Commission's next meeting would be on the 3�d Tuesday of August. Commissioner Garcia asked about the Citizens on Patrol. Councilman Spiegel responded that they are bringing in new members, they have a facility on Joni Drive and they check homes and complaints from people. They wear uniforms, and take some pressure off the police. s G IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBRecVvlinutes12007 MinutesV-03-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES J U LY 3, 2007 Commissioner Barnes spoke about the City Counci{ not visiting aquatic facilities and looking at those options. Councilman Spiegel noted that the reason for City Council to take a look at community centers, and for the Commission to do the same, is for everybody to be on the same page. Chair Guyer directed Staff to bring information about those community centers to the Commission at a future meeting. Commissioner Barnes inquired what was the status of the Aquatic Center with College of the Desert. Ms. Steele responded that the site was approved, and the new design will be presented to Council. She indicated that the Commission would see the new design around the same time. Chair Guyer commented on Staff's good work at the Grand Opening of Freedom Park. Councilman Spiegel informed the Commission that Staff would be recognized at next Council meeting where they will receive a $100 gift certificate and be acknowledged in front of their peers. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Chair Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m. � n Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 9 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoiedolWoid DatalParks&ReclMinutes12007MinutesV-03-07.min.doc