HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 06-03-2008 CITY OF PALM DESERT
��'�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
� �
MINUTES
. J U N E 3, 2008
�. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Excused Absence•
Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Terry Schukart
Vice Chair Michael Barnard CITY COU�'�T��C�:A)
Commissioner Phill Babcock APPROVED DENIED
Commissioner Roger Dash RECEIVED r OTHER �`
Commissioner Randy Guyer
Commissioner Deborah Hall ����Tr °G r��,��
Commissioner Kim Housken A�ES:
Commissioner Julie Munson �oE�:
ABSENTt_�)
Staff Present: TAIN: =iiir�
-
VERIFIED BY:
Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Te�iginal on File with t�y�C],erk's Office
Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager
Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager
Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM MAY 6, 2008
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of May 6,
2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by
Guyer/Barnard and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner
Schukart ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA)
B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM MAY 20, 2008
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of May 20,
2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by
1
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMiSSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Hall/Munson and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart
ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA)
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
V. PRESENTATIONS
A. FIRST TEE PROGRAM
Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Jan Hagan, Executive Director of the First Tee.
Mr. Hagan thanked the Commission for letting him speak. He stated that
The First Tee has been in operation since January 2008, and they are
delighted to be part of the Palm Desert family. He noted that the Palm
Desert Golf Center is centrally located for First Tee's mission. Mr. Hagan
informed the Commission that First Tee is a national organization that
started approximately 10 years ago. The whole idea of The First Tee was
to increase participation in golf. It has the backing of the PGA, LPGA,
USGA, and the Augusta National Golf Club. Mr. Hagan communicated
that The First Tee was initiated by the World Golf Foundation. As the
program began, the national office found that it is more than just bringing
kids into the game. They found that through golf they can do much more
than just teach the game of golf. By learning golf etiquette and life skills
that one needs to play the game of golf; kids are learning important
values. Those values include: honesty, integrity, perseverance,
sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, courtesy, and
judgment. These are values everyone needs in order to be successful in
life. So not only are the kids learning golf skills, they are also learning the
core values and life lessons.
Mr. Hagan stated that he came to the program as a retired high school
principal from San Diego. What interested him after coming to the
Coachella Valley was to learn how to play golf. He was not a golfer, but
wanted to learn and went to the Palm Desert Golf Center. He then learned
of the program and wanted to be a part of it.
Mr. Hagan showed a DVD with a piece on the grand opening of The First
Tee program. He had Ms. Teal Guion hand out materials that give more
background information on the program. He noted that the SCGA has
been very supportive of the program in the Coachella Valley, and donated
a $10,000 sponsorship and fellowship grant. He briefly went over some of
the materials. He stated that their intent is not producing the next Tiger
Woods, but to produce the next successful person in life.
2
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes163-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Mr. Hagan commented that half the kids in the program are from Palm
Desert. He mentioned that they serve kids throughout the valley, but by
being centrally located in Palm Desert, they have been able to bring kids
in from Desert Hot Springs, Indio, and beyond. He continued to show
another clip from the DVD. Mr. Hagan introduced Ms. Teal Guion,
Assistant Director of Programming.
Ms. Guion communicated that she is from Palm Springs, born and raised.
She has lived in the desert her whole life, but went away for college on a
golf scholarship. She played on the boys' team at Palm Springs High
School. Ms. Guion went to BYU on a scholarship. She played golf at BYU,
and also played golf at Long Beach State and on a couple of mini tours.
Ms. Guion came back to the Coachella Valley and got a job working as an
assistant pro at Mission Hills Country Club. She then heard of The First
Tee, and was very interested in working with the kids. She explained that
they make the program fun and interesting for the kids, and try not to over
teach them.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked what happens when a kid does not have
$100. Ms. Guion responded that they try to make accommodations so that
all kids can participate. She noted that the only reason that they have the
$100 fee is so that there is some accountability from the parents.
Mr. Ford, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), asked
Ms. Guion to explain what the $100 includes. She communicated that the
$100 fee includes a membership to the facility. The kids are able to play at
the facility at any time. The kids are also able to use clubs that they have
available. In addition, they have balls donated that they can use if needed.
Mr. Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner, asked Ms. Guion how many
members they currently have. She answered that they have 110.
Mr. Tanner asked how many members they are set up for. Ms. Guion
replied that they are set up for 500 more. They would like to be the biggest
and the best.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired if there is a problem with a lack of
transportation. Ms. Guion responded that there is. She noted that they
have two vans that were donated. They are currently picking up kids from
Lincoln Elementary School and driving them to the facility.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired about the kids in Coachella and Indio.
Ms. Guion replied that they need to move toward the east end of the
3
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes163-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
valley. They are presently picking up kids from Indio Middle School. She
stated that they need to mushroom a little.
Mr. Hagan mentioned that kids from the program participated in an event
that occurred at Sun City. They had a little bit of a challenge getting the
kids there, but managed to get everyone there. He noted that as they
grow, one thing they will be looking into is transportation.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they have planned any fundraisers. Mr.
Hagan replied yes. He stated that they have an advisory board that
recently formed, which has a good representation of people throughout
the valley. They not only represent the world of golf, but they also have
three bank presidents that are on the board. They are there to help figure
out how to sustain The First Tee program. Mr. Hagan noted that they have
an outreach program planned through the local schools.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that he spoke to the people at Desert
Willow, and they are interested in getting involved. Mr. Hagan thanked
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel for the contact information.
Mr. Hagan stated that they have been trying to build relationships to
spread the word about The First Tee. He mentioned that they have a
partnership with KMIR, who has been helping to promote the program.
Through their sales department, they have arranged for a public service
announcement sponsored by Desert European, specifically Desert
Maserati. He showed another clip (commercial) about The First Tee
program sponsored by Desert Maserati. Mr. Hagan ended his presentation
by saying that their goal is to have one of the nicest chapters of The First
Tee in Palm Desert. He thanked Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel, Mr. Ford, Mr.
DeWitt, and everybody in Palm Desert that helped bring this program
about, and thanked the Commission for their time.
Ms. Guion handed out First Tee hats. The Commission thanked Mr.
Hagan and Ms. Guion.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Hagan if they are working directly with
the school districts. He replied that they are, and mentioned that the
National School Program is a component of The First Tee. The intent is to
bring The First Tee experience into the classroom. With Coachella Valley
School District, they have agreed to have 14 of their elementary schools
include First Tee programming. He noted that the equipment is on the way
there, and the teachers and staff have been trained. They hope to have
the program under way by fall. He stated that at Desert Sands Unified
School District they had two schools with pilot programs. At Indio Middle
4
G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 MinuteslG3-08_min_docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
School and Lincoln Elementary School, they have an after school program
that is being provided by two instructors that are trained with First Tee.
They are looking to expand the program to ten schools in the fall. He
mentioned that they have an application in with the State of California
through the ACES after school program to provide funding to be able to
bring the kids into The First Tee program.
Commissioner Munson asked Mr. Hagan if they have talked to the golf
coach at Palm Desert High School. He responded no, only because they
are new and have not made all the connections yet.
B. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT
SUMMER CAMP
Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Nicky Pitman, Camp Services Director from
CVRPD, to present the summer camp provided by the district.
Ms. Pitman stated that she started with CVRPD in December 2007, with
the Camp Services Director position opening in January. She has been
very busy putting programs together. She stated that the district has a new
camp called," Yeahiwannagothere!" that will be held at Christian School of
the Desert (CSOD) in Bermuda Dunes. Ms. Pitman disclosed that her
background is camps. She was born and raised in day camps and at
overnight camps. Her first job was as a camp counselor through a
community center in Los Angeles. From there she moved on to an acting
career and a teaching career. She stated that she loves kids, creativity,
and anything that has to do with the outdoors. Ms. Pitman stated that she
is very excited and fortunate to have the position with the district. She
handed out the camp brochure to the Commission. She noted that the
summer camp runs for three, three-week sessions for the whole summer
(June 16 through August 15). Each session has an overall theme. For
example, first session is "Star & Stripes," which will include activities that
have to do with movies. She mentioned that they are also going to have
other specialists coming to camp such as archery, calligraphy, improv, art
specialists, sports specialists, and a multi-cultural sports specialist with
lots of programming. She stated that they chose CSOD, because besides
being centrally located, the campus offers a facility that can provide a day
camp community feel. It has two outdoor fields, an air conditioned gym, a
pool on campus, and five classroom spaces that they can utilize. Since it
gets very hot in the desert, they hope to do most of the physical
programming in the morning, and in the afternoons have programming in
the gym. Ms. Pitman communicated that camp is very much like The First
Tee. They are trying to give kids a life enriching experience that they can
use in camp and outside of camp. She also mentioned that they are also
5
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl6-3-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
going to work on giving back. They are going to have some activities that
will give back to a charity. She commented that the district is going to
continue to offer programming at the Palm Desert Community Center.
They will also be providing transportation between the community center
and camp Yeahiwannagothere! in Bermuda Dunes. Ms. Pitman mentioned
again that it will be a pilot year for the camp, and they hope to build up and
offer transportation services from all around the valley. She noted that
currently 30% of participants are from Palm Desert. She mentioned that
they have seven programs that can be applied to the California Children's
Outdoor Bill of Rights. Camp is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and extended
care is provided from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for
working parents. Since the camp is a pilot program, they are going to offer
extended care for free. Ms. Pitman mentioned that if anyone from the
Commission is interested in visiting the camp to please let her know in
advance.
Commissioner Babcock clarified if the cost per child is $300. Ms. Pitman
responded that the cost is $300 per child, per session with each session
being three weeks long. They also provide a snack in the morning, mid-
morning, and for the kids that are staying for extended care. The kids are
also provided with swim lessons, well trained staff, and specialists.
Commissioner Babcock inquired if there is another facility for those kids
that do not have the money. Ms. Pitman responded that there is not, and
explained that the camp is a new program. She mentioned that the district
does have a not-for profit program that she may be able to work with next
year. She noted that they did provide a $25 discount for parents that
signed up before May 23.
Commissioner Housken asked how many kids can be accommodated.
Ms. Pitman replied that with more rental of classroom space they can
accommodate 150 kids. They are shooting for 50 to 75 kids this summer.
Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they knew how much the YMCA charges
for their camp. Ms. Pitman responded that it depends on the program.
There are programs that run from $150 to $450.
Commissioner Guyer asked if they could subsidize Palm Desert residents
similar to Desert Willow. Mayor Pro Spiegel interjected that the camp is
not a City program, but a district program.
Ms. Pitman noted that with the district, everyone is their resident. She
mentioned that they will have a blog to open communication with the
community. It helps parents know what their kids did for the day in camp.
6
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes163-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
The Commission thanked Ms. Pitman for her presentation and for getting
the program up and running.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. SUMMER 2008 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETINGS
Discussion and recommendation concerning the summer 2008
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting schedule.
Chairman Dawson stated that Staff's recommendation is to have a
meeting July 1 and August 20, and not meet for July 15 and August 6. He
asked the Commission if they had any comments.
Commissioner Dash asked if the schedule is consistent with the City
Council meetings. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel answered yes.
Commissioner Guyer moved to accept Staff's summer meetings
recommendation. Vice Chair Barnard seconded the motion and
carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart ABSENT
(Schukart on LOA)
B. GUS MACKER 3-ON-3 NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Discussion and recommendation for the Commission's support of
the basketball tournament.
Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Craig DeWitt, CVRPD, to present the 3-on-3
National Basketball tournament, and to request that the Parks and
Recreation Commission support the City's participation.
Mr. DeWitt informed the Commission that the agenda includes a brief
description of what the Gus Macker is all about. He explained that the Gus
Macker is the original 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the United States. It
was founded in 1974 by two brothers, Scott and Mitch McNeal, in a little
town in Michigan. Gus Macker is the nickname for Scott McNeil. He stated
that the Gus Macker organization is in Michigan, and mostly active in the
Midwest and east coast with some activity west of the Mississippi but they
hope to build that. Mr. DeWitt mentioned that he ran a Gus Macker
tournament in Illinois for 13 years. Their first year in Sterling, Illinois, a
town of approximately 20,000 to 25,000 people, they had 175 teams
(smaller event). As they grew and built over the next thirteen years, they
had tournaments of 1,600 teams with four players per team. He calculated
over 6,000 players in a town of 25,000 people, and a spectatorship of
30,000 people for the weekend. He stated that this event has great
�
6:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes16-3-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
potential for a lot of draw from a lot of different places of the country. Mr.
DeWitt stated that the district would like to hold the Gus Macker National
Championship event in Palm Desert. Gus Macker has 50 local
tournaments throughout the country, with most being east of the
Mississippi. He noted that the tournament is set up for ages 10 to
whatever age; men and women. They hope to have two events. One is the
National Championship event, and the other being a local tournament.
That would mean two tournaments going on in the same place. He
anticipates the national tournament would bring 175-200 teams and 175
teams for the local tournament for total of 375-400 teams, which would be
approximately 1,600 players. He mentioned that they have been able to
get great rates from hotels (Holiday Inn, Best Western, and Embassy
Suites). He stated that one reason that Gus Macker is interested in
coming to the desert is because of his history with the Gus Macker
Tournament that he ran in Sterling. They are excited to have the Gus
Macker in California. He mentioned that he and the Gus Macker
representatives toured the EI Paseo location, and their jaws dropped when
they saw the location. Mr. DeWitt stated that he is requesting that the
Commission write a letter in support of the Macker with a contribution from
the City in the amount of $30,000 to help the district with the event, and
also assist the District with City services such as police and street
services. The event is scheduled for the weekend of October 11 and 12,
which is the same weekend of the Suns and Nuggets game. They are also
having a concert with the band War the same weekend. He mentioned
that they anticipate the crowd to be 4,000 to 6,000 people here for that
weekend, if they have the 400 teams. Mr. DeWitt stated that they
presented the Gus Macker to the EI Paseo Retail Group, and they were
thrilled and passed the event unanimously through their Board. The EI
Paseo Group will also be writing a letter in support of the event.
Commissioner Hall asked where the event will be held on EI Paseo. Mr.
DeWitt responded that the space needed would be from Portola to San
Pablo, but not necessarily need to be at that spot. That is the amount of
space that would be needed.
Commissioner Hall inquired if the event would be on the street. Mr. DeWitt
replied yes. He explained that the Gus Macker ships all the equipment that
would be used and they use duct tape to tape off the dimensions of the
court on the streets. The street is a very typical location for the Macker,
but EI Paseo is not. They is why they are excited about having the
tournament in a place where flowers are blooming, palm trees are
swaying, and the mountains in the background.
8
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl6-3-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Commissioner Guyer asked how many courts have to be set up for that
many teams. Mr. Dewitt responded that approximately 32 depending on
how the brackets turn out.
Commissioner Guyer asked if the street is level enough for the event. Mr.
DeWitt replied that one side of the street is and the other is not.
Commissioner Guyer inquired if both sides of the street need to be closed.
Mr. DeWitt responded that they do not know that yet. It depends on what
the City decides.
Ms. Steele interjected that they have also met with Pat Scully, Senior
Management Analyst/Special Events Coordinator, and she recommended
closing the whole street for emergency services that might have to get
through, and it would also make things easier for the tournament.
Commissioner Guyer voiced his concern that there would not be enough
room. Mr. DeWitt replied that there is enough room, especially if both
sides are closed.
Commissioner Guyer asked if that would include the 4,000 spectators
sitting in chairs along that block. Mr. DeWitt answered that the four blocks
should be enough.
Commissioner Guyer asked if the City could somehow get involved in
transporting people to the tournament. Mr. DeWitt responded that the
hotels are not too far, but they can work on the details.
Commissioner Housken inquired if the game is played on a full court or
half court. Mr. DeWitt replied that they are half courts, which would be 32
half courts.
Commissioner Housken asked if the teams from the local tournament go
on to the national tournament simultaneously. Mr. DeWitt responded that it
is two separate tournaments this year only because it is the first to be held
here in the desert.
Commissioner Babcock asked where the Commission fits in. Mr. DeWitt
replied that the Commission fits in by supporting the concept and agreeing
to write a letter to the Marketing Committee supporting that the Gus
Macker be held on EI Paseo with the contribution that was suggested.
9
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes163-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
J U N E 3, 2008
Ms. Steele interjected that the district would need volunteers to assist
them throughout the weekend. Mr. DeWitt added that the district would
coordinate the volunteers.
Commissioner Hall commented that she lived in Belding, Michigan, at one
time. If they have this type of tournament in Belding, it could definitely be
held in Palm Desert.
Mr. DeWitt commented that Belding only has a population of 2,500 and
home for the Gus Macker with their largest tournament having 5,000
teams there.
Vice Chair Barnard stated that he is surprised that the EI Paseo
merchants would support the tournament especially since they complain
about the golf cart parade. Mr. DeWitt admitted that they were surprised
too.
Vice Chair Barnard asked Mr. DeWitt where else the district is trying to get
money from besides the City of Palm Desert. He answered that he asked
some people up front for significant contributions, but have not been
successful. He stated that once the location is set, it would be a lot easier
for them. He also noted that the marketing person with the EI Paseo group
mentioned to him that she can help find sponsorship.
Mr. Tanner inquired what the demographics of the people that come are,
and do they spend money. Mr. DeWitt replied that they do spend money.
He mentioned that the Gus Macker surpassed Mother's Day weekend for
food and retail in Sterling.
Commissioner Housken inquired if the Gus Macker plans on hosting the
event in the desert for coming years if it goes well this year. Mr. DeWitt
replied that they are interested in making a single location for the National
Championship that has a long term affect for some the players and
families that could plan in advance.
Commissioner Housken suggested approaching Indian Wells and Rancho
Mirage for some type of sponsorship if they plan on hosting the event in
Palm Desert for the coming years. Mr. DeWitt commented that more
people they get supporting the event the better.
Commissioner Guyer asked if the event is a fundraiser for charities in their
local tournaments and does the national tournament do that also. Mr.
DeWitt responded that there would be little contribution from the Macker,
but it is their role to make it a charitable event and get more sponsorship.
10
G_IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPa�ks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes16-3-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Commissioner Hall moved to write a letter in support of the event
and move forward with requesting the $30,000 with the City's
services. Commissioner Munson seconded the motion and carried
by a 7-1 vote with Commissioner Babcock voting NO and
Commissioner Schukart ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA)
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES
A. BASEBALL STORAGE BOX INSTALLATION
Mr. Niemczak reported that the Palm Desert Youth Sports Baseball
requested that the City install storage boxes for helmets and bases at
Freedom Park. Staff met with them to identify what type of boxes to install.
Staff purchased the boxes and installed them. He noted that the agenda
includes photos of the boxes.
Chairman Dawson asked if the boxes are locked. Mr. Niemczak replied
yes. He explained that the group would usually have to retrieve the bases
from the snack bar storage, and place them on the playing field. With the
boxes now in the dug out, it has made it a lot easier to take care of
business.
B. HOVLEY SOCCER PARK CLOSING
Ms. Steele stated that the closing of the Hovley Soccer Park happens
annually during the summer. It will be closed to the soccer players from
June 1 through the end of July. She noted that the restrooms are kept
open for those who walk through the park. The disc golfers and park
ambassadors have been requested to contact City Staff if they see any
organized sports or groups on the fields so that they can ask them to
leave. Maintenance is critical and needed due to the amount of usage that
will occur in the fall.
Commissioner Munson asked if groups have been given a heads up. Mr.
Niemczak replied that there was a meeting with the district and the users,
and Staff let them know of the park closing.
Commissioner Babcock clarified if the whole park is closed. Ms. Steele
responded that it is only closed for soccer.
Mr. Niemczak stated that they are going to re-sod the worn areas, top
dress, level the entire field, and redo the irrigation.
11
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes163-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Commissioner Guyer asked if the maintenance was done last year. Mr.
Niemczak replied no.
Commissioner Housken inquired if the nets are removed from the field.
Mr. Niemczak replied no. Staff moves the nets temporarily to sod the area.
Commissioner Housken commented that if the nets are removed, people
are discouraged from using the fields.
Commissioner Munson stated that she thought the nets were installed so
that they are not moveable. Mr. Niemczak responded that Staff anchored
the nets at one time, but users get on top and pull them down and pull out
the anchors.
Commissioner Munson stated that the anchors have to be addressed due
to safety issues.
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Chairman Dawson requested that the Commission fill out the form in front
of them regarding the format in which to receive the agenda and return to
Ms. Loredo.
Commissioner Dash commented that he thought the study session went
well, and thanked City Staff for the Power Point presentation. He recalls
that two of the Council's concerns were scheduling needs of College of
the Desert (COD), and the budget where the City could not afford two
pools. He noted that Councilman Ferguson suggested having separate
pools was as strong possibility.
Commissioner Dash commented that his concern is the location. He
stated that he sensed that the discussion trended toward a single location
for both pools and the recreation center at the Civic Center Park. He is
wondering if it is a wise thing to do, and should they consider a north
sphere location. He mentioned that someone stated something about
attaching the pool to an existing building. If that is done, there are
constraints of creativity for any architect. He commented that he liked the
idea of listing the things that the Commission wants, give it to the
architect, and give a description of what kind of building they want and the
architect was free to go. But when you start patching one building into
another, you start to reduce flexibility. He stated that Palm Desert has
been first class all the way, and he would hate to see the direction change
to just put something together without a complete analysis.
12
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes163-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Vice Chair Barnard agreed with Commissioner Dash. He felt that there
was a lot of great discussion, brain storming, and talk about 20 years
down the road. He felt there was talk about doing something at the Cal
State campus and Councilman Kelly talked about putting a big park next
to the proposed new Sheriff's station. Vice Chair Barnard stated that he
would hate to settle for something that came up at the end of the meeting
because everyone wanted the meeting to end. He stated that he would
hate for the Commission to make such a huge decision, and not be able to
make a great complex as Commissioner Dash mentioned. He noted that
when you split up facilities, you lose continuity. He feels that they really
need to think of what they want, and not settle for less.
Commissioner Dash voiced his concern with logistics. The Civic Center
Park is busier than any other facility so there would be more congestion,
and parking would be horrendous. He suggested that a dual assessment
is done with locations, and come up with some comparisons of where they
are currently considering and other locations. That is all he is asking
instead of rushing into something.
Commissioner Babcock stated his concern working with school systems.
Ms. Steele commented that Mr. Greenwood, Director of Public Works,
immediately started to draw during the study session. Ms. Steele
displayed a drawing of the Civic Center Park, San Pablo, and COD. She
briefly went over the design, which would involve rerouting traffic and that
it would be approximately 8.23 acres that includes parking. She stated that
she has a meeting scheduled with Mr. Ortega, Mr. Croy, Mr. Greenwood,
Ms, Aylaian, Mr. Niemczak, and her to get a game plan together.
Commissioner Guyer asked when there is going to be a meeting with
COD to see if the land is available. Ms. Steele replied that she has a call
into Mr. Schukart.
Commissioner Guyer commented that the City was going to share the
pool with COD. COD was going to give up an acre, and the City would
share the pool with them. He asked what the City is now offering them to
get seven more acres. Ms. Steele pointed to the street and some land and
explained that it belongs to the City. The City is not requesting for seven
acres, the City is down to maybe five. She noted that they have that the
City is still having conversations with COD, and that the total acres
amount of acres was 8.35.
13
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 MinuteslG3-08_min.docz
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
Commissioner Guyer commented that the City is requesting for COD to
give up their last piece of land. He does not think they are going to want to
do that.
Ms. Steele noted that the drawing in the Power Point Presentation came
from COD. The drawing indicates 6.5 acres. COD is attempting to work
with the City, and she noted that Staff did meet with them prior to the
study session. City Staff will continue to work with COD.
Commissioner Guyer asked if the driving range is part of COD's Golf Turf
Management Program. Mr. Niemczak responded that the driving range is
run privately, and by the way it looks, he hopes it is not part of their
program.
Ms. Steele stated that if a design team is brought in, the team would look
at the feasibilities of all sites. She also mentioned the there will be several
persons from City Staff, City Council, and the Commission attending
Facility Design School in August. The school will have very valuable
information.
Commissioner Babcock inquired if there would be more than one architect
to come up with a design. Ms. Steele briefly explained the Request for
Qualification process.
Ms. Steele noted that she and Mr. Niemczak visited a pool at Trilogy, and
was surprised that the outdoor pool was so shaded, which made it very
cool.
Mr. Croy clarified that there are two groups involved. One group will come
in that would help the City put together a program (location and costs),
and the second group is the design/review group, which will go through a
RFQ based on the most qualified.
Commissioner Hall commented that everything the Commission requested
as far as the components were accepted by the City Council. At this point,
they should all be happy, and that they are heading in the right direction.
Commissioner Housken asked Chairman Dawson and Ms. Steele how the
Master Plan seminar went. Ms. Steele responded that they did not attend,
and would report later.
Commissioner Munson thanked the district for all the information they
provided.
14
G:IDevServiceslMonira LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslfr3-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
X. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Vice Chair Barnard, seconded by Commissioner Guyer,
the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary
15
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes16-3-08.min.docx
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2008
X. ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Vice Chair Barnard, seconded by Commissioner Guyer,
the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary
15
G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes16-3-08.min.docx