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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 09/04/07 tl � S P � � � � � � C. � g! � -r-1 � � ��fY�:� Q � �p � � p €;�„� �� ,� CITY OF PALM DESERT � v� � � � ��� � °; � ����� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � � � � � � � � t'�r � ,+.�j- l� MINUTES ¢-� ;� �—�� �$ � "'-' - �� 2� ��`�� � U SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 � �' �" �`_� +� . -� '�� � k Q 3 � y a^-� � i' �..,� ', �� 'r"� � � � � I. CALL TO ORDER � .`'"� � � t-� .;� •o � �... - � r� � r; c.� � �f.� - � o Chair Rand Gu er convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. � � � Y Y � ,.�,� '� :� � �z w � U � � :� �E-� i-t ri � II. ROLLCALL � � � i � W j � ��, Present: Excused Absenc�e��� �� � � � � � Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Daniel Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Absent Commissioner Gerald Dawson Vice Chair Terry Schukart Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Councilmember Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JULY 3, 2007 Commissioner Barnes asked if these were the minutes that he contested at the previous meeting. Ms. Steele replied yes. He asked why the minutes are now corrected. Ms. Steele responded that they were corrected per his request. Commissioner Barnes commented that he first brought up the issue of the minutes being edited and asked why the correction was not originally in the minutes. Ms. Steele explained that when minutes are taken during City Council and commission meetings, all minutes are edited to a large degree; minutes are not taken verbatim. She continued to explain that when Ms. Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant, was listening to the tapes; she felt that Commissioner Barnes would not want to be represented in that way so she decided to leave it out (comment regarding dogs in the soccer field). 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MlNUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Commissioner Barnes asked who had taken his comment out of the minutes. Ms. Steele responded Ms. Angelica Chavez. He stated Ms. Chavez is a nice lady and was not present to defend herself at the last meeting or today. He commented that he just wanted to know where it came from. Chair Guyer explained that is one reason why they go over the minutes to find things, make changes, and correct them. Commissioner Barnes stated that the comment was an obvious deletion by what he calls censorship. He made the comment so it could go before the City Council since he believes they read the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes. Commissioner Dawson commented that he is abstaining since he did not read the minutes. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of July 3, 2007, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dash/Barnard and carried by a 5-0 vote with Commissioner Dawson abstaining and Commissioners Schukart and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 2007 Discussion and recommendation to cancel or change the location of the meeting due to Election Day. Ms. Steele indicated that November 6, 2007, is Election Day, and the Administrative Conference Room is utilized as a polling place. She asked the Commission if they would prefer to cancel the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting scheduled on November 6, or relocate the meeting to the North Wing Conference Room. She noted that the North Wing Conference Room is located in the Redevelopment and Finance building. 2 G:10evServicesVvlonica LoiedolWord DatalParksBReclMinute512007 Miwtes19-4-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Commissioner Dawson moved to relocate the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of November 6, 2007, to the North Wing Conference Room located at the Palm Desert Civic Center. Commissioner Barnard seconded the motion and carried by a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Schukart and Munson ABSENT (Munson on LOA). VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2008 LEGENDS FIELD (SENIOR GAMES) HONOREES Discussion and recommendation for the 2008 Honoree. Ms. Steele stated that Staff has brought back a short list of potential honorees that were mentioned at the previous meeting. She commented that Ms. Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), was present to give the Commission an update on Billy Jean King's living status, which she did not have at the time of the report. Ms. Steele also stated that she included in the agenda packet bios for pon Sutton and Tom Flores. She added that Don Sutton is highly recommended by Palm Desert Youth Sports. Ms. Steele disclosed that Don Sutton is in the Hall of Fame, lives in Palm Desert, and is active in the community. Commissioner Barnes commented that he called Mr. Steve Simon from the Tennis Gardens. Mr. Simon is the person that arranges the tournaments and knows all the players and where they are. Commissioner Barnes indicated that he and Mr. Simon kept missing each other's phone calls, but did talk to Mr. Simon's assistant. She stated that Ms. Billy Jean King does not have a place in the desert. Ms. Steele stated that she found out that Rosie Casals has a home in Palm Desert and not La Quinta. Ms. Adair affirmed that Rosie Casals has a home in Indian Ridge Country Club. She mentioned that Billy Jean King is building a town house complex on the border of Highway 111 and Gene Autry. She is also part owner of the Tennis Gardens and founder of World Team Tennis. Those are her connections to the community. Chair Guyer requested that the Commission list their favorite from one to five, and Mr. Tanner, Planning Commissioner, would collect the list and compile the votes. 3 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DalalParksBReclMinutes12007 Minutes19-4-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Mr. Tanner compiled the votes and handed the information to Chair Guyer. Chair Guyer communicated that Don Sutton received the most votes with Steve Garvey coming in second. Councilman Spiegel asked who would contact them. Ms. Steele responded that she would. Councilman Spiegel asked if the dates have been confirmed for the Senior Games. Ms. Adair announced that the Senior Games are scheduled for February 7-10, 2008. The dinner is scheduled for February 8, 2008, which will be held at Desert Willow. She added that she is working with Ms. Scully to change the location of the 5-mile run on EI Paseo. Ms. Steele stated that she is working with Mr. Art Contreras from Public works and would bring back additional information to the Commission as it is received. B. DATE GROVE FIELD DESIGN Discussion and approval of the revised design of the date grove field. Ms. Steele stated that the design was presented to the Commission at a previous meeting, and it was requested that the shelter be put in the middle of the courts and horseshoes, and the restrooms moved. The conceptual design in the agenda packet has the changes as requested. Commissioner Barnes communicated that there might be a little misunderstanding. He does not think the Commission decided to eliminate bocce ball. The Commission decided that there were too many bocce ball courts and should cut down on the number of bocce ball courts. Ms. Steele responded that she did look at the minutes, and it was decided to take them out, but Staff could add them back in if that is what the Commission wants. Commissioner Barnes also felt that they did not need many petanque courts either. Councilman Spiegel asked what is the difference befinreen bocce ball and petanque. Ms. Steele responded that petanque is played on decomposed granite and bocce ball is played on grass. She noted that there are some petanque players that currently play in the Civic Center Park. 4 G:1DevServicesVNonica Loredo�Wo�d DatalParksBRecUAinutes12007 Minutes19-4-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Chair Guyer commented that he has seen bocce ball played everywhere such as the beach, parks, and schoolyards. He commented that he is not certain that they need to specify bocce courts as long as they have a grassy area. Commissioner Barnes commented that Sun City has bocce ball courts, and understands that they are pretty popular. Commissioner Barnard mentioned that bocce ball is played on hard packed dirt and not grass. Chair Guyer request that Staff add a couple of bocce ball courts. Ms. Steele replied that they would. Chair Guyer asked for clarification on the location of the restrooms. Ms. Steele pointed to the design indicating where the restroom would be located (close to the sidewalk). Chair Guyer stated that the restrooms were also supposed to provide for the volleyball courts, tennis courts, and pavilion area. Ms. Steele responded that originally Staff had the restrooms higher, but the Commission requested that they be moved lower. Ms. Steele replied that Staff could move it in more. Commissioner Babcock asked if the design would help eliminate pressure from what the park receives on weekends. He noted that there is only one kiosk (shade structure). Chair Guyer responded that it would relieve some pressure. He asked Commissioner Babcock if he felt there should be more. He responded that it would not relieve a tremendous amount of pressure since the other pavilions are booked way in advance. Ms. Steele agreed that they are booked in advance. She noted that the main pavilions (next to the tot lot) are booked the quickest. She stated that Staff could do whatever the Commission would like. She reminded the Commission that Staff originally had two shade structures designed, but then Staff was directed to move it to the middle and make it one. Commissioner Babcock commented that at one time it was supposed to be a little higher closer to the path, and to the channel and the houses. He noted that the park gets very busy over the weekend. Chair Guyer stated that a buffer zone is needed between the homes and the park. 5 G:1DevServrcesV�fonrca LoredolWord DatalPark56ReclMinutes12007 Minutes19-4-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Ms. Steele added that the further east they go, the further the parking lots are to haul picnic items. Commissioner Babcock asked how close the restrooms to the tennis courts are. Ms. Steele replied that she did not know, but could have it measured. Mr. Croy reminded the Commission to keep in mind that there are planning rules in the City about distance from property and notification rights. Chair Guyer agreed that there has to be a buffer between the homes and the park. Commissioner Babcock asked where they could add additional kiosks for those people that could not get in to an existing one. Ms. Steele noted that all pavilions are not reserved. Three of them are reserved and the other two are kept open and are on a first-come, first- served basis. During the summer there are not a large amount of reservations. Commissioner Babcock stated that he would just like to see a few more small kiosks. Commissioner Dawson suggested Staff to do an overall review of the park to see where there is a good location for another smaller shade structure. Chair Guyer suggested Staff to make changes to the current design, and include it into the entire park plans. At that time, they could look at the whole park and determine if they feel they have enough or not. Commissioner Dawson asked if the Commission is going to move to have Staff prepare a preliminary analysis of possible locations for small shade structures. Chair Guyer responded that Staff could take a look at that as part of the full park plans. Commissioner Barnes commented that the restrooms are a lot closer to the tennis courts than any other restrooms, and for that reason restrooms were always needed in the date grove area. Chair Guyer stated that the restrooms in the date grove area would not be visible from the tennis courts. Commissioner Barnes recommended installing a flag or signs. 6 G�1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks8ReclMinutes12007 Minutesl9-4-07.min.dce PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 YIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. OVER-SEEDING SCHEDULE Chair Guyer commented that the schedule looks a little complicated. Ms Steele agreed. She indicated that the schedule was provided to give the Commission some idea of what is going on in case they get asked if they are in the park. She noted that Staff decided not to over-seed the fields at the sports complex on Cook Street since they are going to be demolished. The schools (Washington Charter, Ronald Reagan, and Oleson Field) would be over-seeded during the Thanksgiving break. Ms. Steele also noted that they would be over-seeding the amphitheater area last due to the Art of Food and Wine Festival. She indicated that signs would be installed at the dog parks showing when they would be closed. Staff will be providing dog park fliers so people would know where else to go. Chair Guyer asked if there are a couple of weeks where all the dog parks are not going to be open. Ms. Steele responded that Staff would make sure that at least one of the parks is open at all times. Chair Guyer added that Homme/Adams is always open. Commissioner Babcock commented that while he was at Freedom Park one day, he noticed that there was one small gate on the field at Ronald Reagan School that was open. He asked if there was a reason for that. Ms. Steele responded that Staff installed the gate and it is kept locked during the day when kids are in school. She stated that the area is a grassy field that would probably be used for sports team practices and organized activities. She noted that the gate is open when the park is open. B. TRAIL SIGNS Ms. Steele reported that the trail signs report was an informational item. She stated that the kiosks at Cahuilla and Homme Adams Park have trail maps, and are protected with plexi-glass and are constantly being vandalized. Mr. Niemczak has a request out for bids for signs that are not destructible. They would cost a little more, but the map could be installed on a material that is vandal proof or relatively vandal proof. Now that the trails are complete, the maps could be permanently installed. Ms. Steele indicated that they would then start working on changing the signs that have the rules and information. Staff is also looking at a couple of trailheads that are not marked very well north of Cahuilla Park. � G 1DevServicesVvlonica LoredolWord Data�Parks&RecVvfinutes�2007 M�nutes�&4-07.min doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Commissioner Dawson commented that it sounds great, and asked if the Planning Department was in charge of the trails. Ms. Steele replied yes. She explained that the Planning Department was in charge of completing the trails, and once they are completed they are turned over to the Parks and Recreation Department. Both departments continue to work closely together so that it is a smooth transition. Commissioner Dawson asked if the Planning Department is going to complete the signage along the trails. Ms. Steele responded that they were, but would check with them to make sure. Chair Guyer mentioned that he had an interesting conversation with Mr. Mike Schuler, trail builder. Mr. Schuler asked him what the City is going to do when he cannot build trails any more, who is going to maintain the trails. Chair Guyer asked Staff if there is anyone else that would be able to maintain the trails. Ms. Steele responded that Staff is looking into it. C. PARK UPDATES Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they had any questions on the park updates that were included in the agenda packet. She mentioned, not included in the report, the Freedom Park dog park was not designed with a shade structure. Staff is currently requesting bids to have one installed. Chair Guyer asked if the shade structure would have a misting system. Ms. Steele responded that if the Commission would want one installed, Staff could look at having one added. Councilman Spiegel commented that a major bus stop (transfer station) is being built at Westfield that is going to have a misting system. Commissioner Babcock asked if there were going to be tables over at the park on Portola (by Lincoln School). Ms. Steele responded that Staff will be requesting proposals to update the playground, and part of the proposal would be new tables. She suggested in the meantime, Staff could move some tables from the Civic Center to the park. Commissioner Dawson agreed with the suggestion to move some tables over. Ms. Steele answered that they would. Commissioner Dawson asked once the park is refurbished, are they still going to look at renaming the park. Ms. Steele replied that Staff would be bringing it back as an agenda item. 8 G:1DevServiceslMonica Loredo�Word Dafa�Parks&RecVvfinutes�2007 Minutesl�4-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 D. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT INFORMATION Ms. Steele reported that there is a CVRPD report attached to the agenda packet, and Ms. Adair was present to answer any questions or attempt to answer questions. Ms. Steele noted that the report is from Mr. Stan Ford. Commissioner Barnes asked for a status on the separation from the CVRPD. Ms. Steele replied that it would be discussed at the end of September. She will be scheduling a meeting with the City Manager to discuss the matter. Ms. Steele stated that she would bring back a report to the Commission after she meets with the City Manager. Commissioner Babcock asked where did CVRPD receive funds for programs that were not available in the past. He noted that the City of Palm Desert went through one summer without a kids program, and all of sudden there are all these new plans. He asked again, was there a sudden source of funds? Ms. Adair responded that she has been with the District for a little over a year now, and when she started there was no program. The District since then was committed to hiring additional staff to develop more programs. She stated that she could take the question concerning the source of funds back to Mr. Ford, and report back to the Commission. Councilman Spiegel asked Ms. Adair what is a North Star Team. Ms. Adair replied that she understands it is a marketing company that is going to come to work with Mr. Ford and staff to brand the CVRPD image. Ms. Steele added that she viewed the presentation at one of the Board meetings. She clarified that North Star Team is a company that does branding for different organizations. The company looks at how an organization could present their image so that they are recognizable by the people. Ms. Adair stated that the North Star Team is in this week. She indicated that Mr. Ford would receive a detail report on what direction they would be going. Chair Guyer asked Ms. Adair if the District feels that they have an identity problem, and for that reason they are having this company come in. She replied that with the valley growing so fast, the District feels the need to reinvent and market themselves. Chair Guyer requested Staff to return to the Commission with information from the District regarding the North Star Team report. s G:1DCvServiCeslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RecVvlinutes12007 Minutes19-4-07 min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Commissioner Barnes commented on the potential separation from the District, he is sorry that Mr. Ford is not present. He complimented the District at the last meeting on the brochure they distributed. They seem to have a lot of programs and activities. He voiced, with the Community Center at the back of his mind, is the District going to be able to fulfill their mission with all their programs in the building they currently have or do they need to expand their building. Councilman Spiegel stated that funds were approved this fiscal year to look at an indoor facility. He has asked Staff to look in Southern California for something that emulates the facility that was built in Missouri while Ms. Steele was there. If there is a consensus that this type of facility is needed in Palm Desert, the Parks and Recreation Commission along with Ms. Steele would come up with a design. He stated that he would not like to go through with what they went through with the pool. It was tough on the Commission and the City Council. He would like a consensus that they need a facility of this sort, and it would be up to the Commission to put it together and present it to the City Council. The next step would be for Ms. Steele to find four or five places in Southern California. He stated it might take a day or finro to visit these places in order to be on the same page. Ms. Steele interjected that she was waiting until after the City Council summer break to bring it forward. She indicated that she has found some facilities that might serve the City's needs, and would return to the Commission with additional information. Commissioner Barnes asked if it would include college or university facilities. Ms. Steele responded that they could look into it. Councilman Spiegel commented that college and university facilities are expensive. Chair Guyer added that they have a community that lives on campus. Commissioner Barnes mentioned that the College of the Desert is building a new gym, and asked if they have any ideas. Ms. Steele responded that the Commission should wait for Vice Chair Schukart to be present to comment on the gym. She understands that they are only building a gym not a gym with different components. Chair Guyer added that the gym is the last thing on their plan. 10 G:�DevServicesVvlonica Loredol Woro DataWarks&RecVvlinutes12007 Minutes19-4-07.min.dce PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 E. TREE INVENTORY Ms. Steele reported that the tree inventory report is an informational item, which is being done by the Landscape Services Division in Public Works Department in conjunction with the Redevelopment Agency and the Parks and Recreation Commission. She attached a copy of the request for proposals. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that Staff would be using GIS equipment to identify all City-owned trees, a value would be added in terms of aesthetics, and they will identify the condition of the trees. The list would be updated every five years. The trees would be treated as any other asset of the City. Commissioner Dawson asked how this program would define the trees water usage. Does it fit in anywhere? Mr. Croy replied that it would not. Staff is only looking at the inventory of the trees as Ms. Steele explained. Commissioner Dawson asked if they would name the trees. Mr. Croy responded yes; Staff would know the tree species name. Commissioner Dawson commented that as result of the inventory, the City could educate the public on what trees are acceptable for water usage and which trees are good for the desert. Mr. Croy indicated that is another project that is being worked on outside of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He noted that the Coachella Valley Water District is also involved. Commissioner Babcock commented that the City of Carmel also did an inventory of their trees, and suggested maybe having Staff look into how they do it. He feels that it is good to know what kind of trees the City has. Commissioner Barnes asked if the tree maintenance costs are taken into consideration. He commented that the trees in his development grow very fast, which is a huge factor in their assessment dues every year. Mr. Croy noted that the tree inventory is being done for only City trees and not private. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Councilman Spiegel asked for an update on boxing in Palm Desert. He noted that he received correspondence from Jim Battin, Bonnie Garcia, and John Benoit. They are endorsing the idea of boxing yet not offering any money. 11 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPaiks6ReclMinutes�2007 Minutes�&4-07.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Ms. Steele stated that she was given the direction to look at incorporating boxing into the new community center. The Joni Yard would take too much renovation and does not have good parking. Mr. Croy added that there is a misunderstanding. The City was only assisting the parties find a location. Councilman Spiegel remarked that he just wanted to know where it stood. The boy's death in the City's park is still in his mind, and feels that it would be a great idea. Chair Guyer asked if the school could be used after hours. Ms. Steele responded that the group is also looking for storage for equipment, which schools do not have room. Chair Guyer asked if the City could subsidize the group. Councilman Spiegel communicated that the group would maintain the facility if the City gives them a place to have boxing. Chair Guyer remarked that the City does not have a facility available. The next step would be to find a place that the City would pay for. Does the City want to make that step? Mr. Tanner asked if there are any vacant store fronts that could potentially be used and parking could be shared. Ms. Steele replied yes. She indicated that there is space, and that it is a matter of City priority. Councilman Spiegel asked how much space is needed. Ms. Steele answered that she does not recall, but that she could bring it back to the Commission. Mr. Tanner recalls that they could survive in 2000 feet. Chair Guyer noted that most of the boxing is not in the ring. Councilman Spiegel suggested taking a look if there is anything available on Cook Street. Mr. Tanner asked Councilman Spiegel if he was referring to the old Cook Street area or the new Cook Street area. He responded the old Cook Street area. Councilman Spiegel checking to see if there is something the City could lease for four or five years. 12 G:�DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data�Parks6ReclMinutes�2007 Minufesl9-4-07 min dce PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 Ms. Steele communicated that the Police Activity League offered their assistance on any upgrading. They have contractors that are willing to donate their time; the City may have to pay for materials. Commissioner Barnes asked how violence is going to be reduced in society today instead of increasing it. He commented that every channel he turns to on the television has some type of violence. Chair Guyer reminded him that he is asking that question to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and he is not qualified to answer that question (jokingly). Chair Guyer returned to the results of the Legends Field nominee. Councilman Spiegel thanked those that attended Mr. David Garcia's funeral services. It was very much appreciated. Mr. Tanner commented that maintenance at Freedom Park has turned around in the past two to three weeks. The park is definitely being used. Councilman Spiegel asked for an update on the community gardens. Ms. Steele responded that a bid has been awarded. They should be completed by the end of September minus the shade structure. She noted that the shade structures always take a little longer. Everything should be complete by no later than October, and in time for the Veteran's Day celebration. Councilman Spiegel asked if there are sign ups for the community garden. Ms. Steele responded that she knows that Staff has received calls. She noted that Ms. Frankie Riddle handles the community gardens. Commissioner Barnes commented that he is pleased that Don Sutton has been selected. He noted that he would be the fourth Hall of Famer to be honored in the City of Palm Desert. He suggested having a Hall of Fame Day celebration to honor the four baseball players. Chair Guyer referred to a letter that was received by the Commission regarding a seminar on the Brown Act. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Barnard, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 a.m. . �� � Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 13 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWoid DatalParks8ReclMinutes�2007 Minutes19-4-07.min.dce