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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 11/20/07 . w O � CITY OF PALM DESERT x N ��•�� PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION �' � � � U MINUTES A �� ; �' W �-� -.� �{ �.� - � NOVEMBER 20, 2007 0 � �\� � ,C, �� � t _� � 3 ¢� H �-; I. CALL TO ORDER � �, Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. � J � � � � � o Q . � � II. ROLL CALL � � A� •• Q ro O � E--� H H C�., V � t..� H .. .. 2 � Lz, •�-t Present: Excused Absence:�� H � � W H ~ � o�"� w + Chairman Randy Guyer Commissioner J�li ��� � � `" Commissioner Phill Babcock (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Daniel Barnes Commissioner Gerald Dawson Absent: Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Roger Dash Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Councilmember Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), invited the Commission to attend the International Sports Festival coming up in February. He encouraged the Commission to attend and be part of the programs, dinner, and concert on Thursday night with Peter Noone and the Herman Hermit's Band at the Civic Center Park amphitheater. He indicated that there are a couple of new things and new events as part of the program. Mr. DeWitt also mentioned that the Golf Center in Palm Desert is open again, and that after the renovation and overseeding it looks very nice. He invited the Commission to stop by and visit. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 Mr. DeWitt noted a couple of dates for the Commission to mark on their calendars and invited them to attend. He indicated that on December 29, 2007, there will be the registration day for First Tee at the Golf Center, where there will be some special events for the children, pizza, and demonstrations. Mr. DeWitt noted that no times have been set yet for these events, but that an invitation will be mailed to the Commission. In addition, on January 14, 2008, it will be the Grand Opening Day for the Golf Center's First Tee Program, which coincides with the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. CVRPD is working with the committee of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic to arrange to have some golfers or celebrities attend. He mentioned that George Lopez is the local host, and that he is one of the national spokespersons for First Tee. Mr. DeWitt invited the Commission to participate. Commissioner Dawson asked if the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic will incorporate this information in their materials. Mr. DeWitt indicated that this year it is a little too late for that, but they are hoping to partner with them in future years. He added that a !ot of First Tee's that have PGAs in their communities are very heavily partnered financially and in providing sign carriers and having booths at events to support First Tee. He mentioned that they are just knocking on the surface of that and working with the Chrysler to gain this kind of support and he indicated that they have a couple of calls in and are waiting to hear from Nabisco to create the same kind of partnership. Councilman Spiegel asked if Mr. DeWitt has already informed the City Council about the registration and grand opening dates. Mr. DeWitt answered that he has not done that yet, because the dates were just finalized just before their Board meeting last Wednesday. Councilman Spiegel would like to have this information in the BrightSide monthly newsletter. Mr. DeWitt offered to make this information available to be included in the BrightSide newsletter. V. PRESENTATIONS - None 2 G�iDevServ�ces�Momca Loredo�Woro Data�Pa�ks6RecVv6nutes�2007 M�nutesit t�2407 mm tloc PARKS AND RECREATlON COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. SENIOR SOFTBALL REQUEST Discussion and recommendation to allow the Palm Desert Senior Softball League to utilize four fields at the Civic Center Park at no charge. Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Paul Jones and Mr. William Loeb, who came to the Commission as in past years, to request their approval for using the ball fields at the Civic Center and waiving applicable fees for the Senior Softball League. Mr. Jones expressed their gratitude for their Commission's consideration and support for their request and indicated that more than 100 seniors participate in the games. The players and their wives go out to dinner and make this an event to support the community as well. Chair Guyer invited questions from the Commission. Commissioner Dawson asked how many of those players are from Palm Desert. Mr. Jones answered that they do not keep a record with that information; he guessed that approximately 60 or 70% are. Chair Guyer noted that makeup games will be held on Fridays, and asked if there could be a conflict of schedules with other activities at the park. Mr. Jones answered that if there were to be a conflict, they could roll the games to the following Friday. He said they were willing to accommodate and play around the scheduled activities. Ms. Steele offered that the Senior League players are pretty good, and invited the Commission to come and see them play or even sign up for the league. Commissioner Babcock moved to allow the Palm Desert Senior Softball League to use the fields at the Civic Center Park at no charge. Commissioner Dawson seconded the motion and carried by a 4-0 vote with Commissioners Barnard, Dash, Munson and Vice Chair Schukart ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) Commissioner Babcock inquired if the players clean up after the games. Mr. Jones answered that they do, and they even bring some of their own rakes. Ms. Steele offered to have Mr. Niemczak coordinate with Mr. Jones to lend them some tools for cleaning up. 3 G�DevServ�ceslMoroca Coretlo�Word Data�Paiks8ReclMmutest2007 M�nutesit t�2a07 m�n doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. LINK BETWEEN RECREATION AND CRIME PREVENTION Ms. Steele noted that she has read some articles lately, and plans to continue her ongoing drive to show the importance of the Commission's work in the community, and to help them plan for some of the things that can be included in future projects such as economic development (presented last month), crime prevention, and obesity. These are some of the different things that we can attack by just having properly designed parks and programs. Ms. Steele added that this information was given as something to consider for future parks in terms of design and programs, and to look at things that can help us keep at risk youth stay out of trouble. She noted that the YMCA and the Recreation District have after school activities, and this information emphasizes the importance of what is being done, not only for the sake of providing parks and leisure activities, but also providing other benefits such as preventing crime and obesity in the City as well. Mr. Niemczak added that he heard on KFI Radio Los Angeles on his way to work that morning, about a recent study in the Bay area that correlates obesity to less park land, open space and activities. Mr. Niemczak offered to get a copy of this study. Chair Guyer referred to page 13, item number 3, "Provide all school-age children and teens access to after-school youth development..."' he stated that the Commission tried to get involved on that but did not get much of a response for a Teen Center. Ms. Steele said that perhaps they need to go back to the Youth Committee and talk to them about what they would recommend and how to get involved. If they do not want a Youth Center, what could be done and find out how these types of programs can be provided. Ms. Steele added that when Staff did the Citizen's survey, Commissioner Babcock was adamant to have school-age children involved, and maybe it is time to take a look at what they are doing, and target them to find out what they are looking for in terms or after-school activities and programs. 4 G��.DevServ�cesVNon�ca Loredo�Wortl DatalParks6RecVN�nute512007 M�nufe5�11-20.07 mm tloc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 Chair Guyer asked if the Youth Committee still meets, and he offered to attend one of their meetings. Ms. Steele will provide information on their meeting schedule. Commissioner Dawson thanked Staff for including this information in their packet. Chair Guyer felt that it shows that the Commission is on the right track. B. CITY PARKS MAP Ms. Steele said that this updated map was included to show the location of City parks; she noted that when Commissioners conduct their park inspections, this map could be helpful for them to see where green areas and other parks are. The orange is where future parks are going to be, and also it shows gap areas. This map was provided for future and personal reference. Ms. Steele added that the City's new website is supposed to be up and running in two weeks and will have more information on parks and the guide to download. Access to park information will be easier than it was in the past. It will show where the parks are located on a similar map available on the website, and will be more interactive and a lot more user friendly. Chair Guyer invited comments from the Commission. Commissioner Dawson said that he was looking at the map and noticed a vast blank area in the center, and realized it is mostly gated communities, and that there is very little that the Commission can do in that area. Chair Guyer interjected that there are 36 holes of golf there. Ms. Steele added that Desert Willow is in that area also, and although is not officially a park, it is also a recreational area that the City provides. Commissioner Babcock wondered if there is a place around EI Paseo, some place where people could enjoy their lunches. He mentioned that in his travels he and his wife have found out that cities that have parks seem to be quieter and people are friendlier. He was wondering if there are open places where people can sit outside near EI Paseo. Ms. Steele answered that there will be such an area by the Visitor Center, the Eric Johnson Memorial Garden area, which is about four to five acres where people will be able to sit. She offered to get this information for Commissioner Babcock. Chair Guyer noted that Washington Charter 5 G�DevSerncesVvloNca Loiedo�Word DafalPorks&RecVYlmutes�2007 M�nuteslt t-2a07mm doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 School Park is available as well, and is only a couple of blocks from EI Paseo. C. DOG SIGNS Ms. Steele wanted to share with the Commission that nice people from Silver Spur Ranch donated eighteen extra signs to the City. Staff will set them up in areas where there are problems with dogs off leash. Mr. Niemczak indicated they will be installed at the soccer park and sports fields. Ms. Steele commented that Staff is having major issues at the Civic Center sports fields. She noted that Staff has received many complaints as apparently there is a contingent of people that are letting their dogs run wild in the Legends field. Ms. Steele indicated that through a concerted effort with CVRPD, Code Enforcement, and animal control, they are trying to get officers there when these people are out. Staff contacted Animal Control to try to get the officer out there in the morning. Ms. Steele added that she received a message that Park Patrol has been frustrated because it is the same group of people who put the leashes on when they see Park Patrol and take them off when they leave. Ms. Steele wanted the Commission to be aware that there is a problem, and to know that Staff is working on it. Ms. Steele noted that the dog flyer has been given to the people who are breaking the rules and they have been referred to the dog parks in the City. Commissioner Babcock commented that when he sees people with unleashed dogs and he talks to them, they get hostile. Ms. Steele agreed, and added that the issue is to protect people from dogs running wild. Commissioner Barnes commented that the problem is that we are dealing with inconsiderate idiots, and frankly, does not know how to overcome the problem. D. AMPHITHEATER COMMITTEE UPDATE Ms. Steele informed the Commission that the Committee met with Councilmembers Ferguson and Benson and Commissioner Dawson to talk about the amphitheater redesign. She noted that it was a relatively short meeting and occurred too late to add it to the agenda packet, but all the information that was discussed has been approved by the Commission s G:�DevServ�ceslMon�ca LoredoiWord DataWa�ks&ReclM�nufes�2007 M�nute5�71-2407 m�n tloc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 previously (additional shade, dressing rooms, bathrooms, bringing up the stage to the front, drop-down screen, better lighting and acoustics). The Councilmembers wanted to see some designs, Staff is going to bring a representative to present a slide show with different designs and get some direction on what they think would be best to look at. One of the things Coucilmembers Ferguson and Benson indicated is that they like the shade structures at the Palm Springs Airport. Staff will get some information and will schedule another meeting to have a slide show presentation within the next couple of weeks. Commissioner Dawson added that Councilmembers Ferguson and Benson had a valid concern that the design that was originally presented appeared to be a little too commercial and not as open and friendly. Mr. DeWitt added that their lighting and sound person who comes to the CVRPD's concerts has indicated that he is willing to assist Staff in helping design and talk about strengths and weaknesses for lights, hanging speakers, and so on. Ms. Steele thanked Mr. DeWitt and said that she would be in contact with him as soon as they have a preliminary design. Chair Guyer noted that the canopy would be important to the acoustics. Mr. DeWitt added that there are other aspects such angle, weight, and so on. Ms. Steele added that it would have to be sturdy enough to hold a drop down screen. She indicated that she would inform the Commission about the next meeting should they want to come and see the slideshow. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Dawson noted that he understood Ms. Sheila Gilligan's recommendation, representing the Art of Food and Wine that an area just in front of the amphitheater would be corded off, and those who bought the ticket would be in there, and people could be outside that barrier and still listen to the music and be part of the evening. The way it was set up had the fencing from the lake clear around to the top of the hill where the wine and food was, and back around all the way to the sidewalk. Anyone who wanted to watch or listen to the concert had to be on the other side of the sidewalk, which is not the way he understood it was going to be. Commissioner Dawson expressed his thoughts about the park being inviting to everyone, it shouid be allowed that other people could come and enjoy it too, and if there is going to be a charge for a VIP, there should be also an opportunity for those who do not have the money to pay for the VIP area. 7 G�iDevServ�ceslMon�ca Coredo�Woid DataWarksBReclM�nutes:2007 M�nutesu 7-2407 mm.doc PARKS AND RECREATlON COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 Councilman Spiegel agreed with Commissioner Dawson, and said that he also understood it the same way. He mentioned that it looks like next year the concert will be moved to the McCallum Theatre, which is a more appropriate venue for a concert than the park. Commissioner Barnes asked the status of the $200,000 interactive fountain equipment. Mr. Niemczak answered that it is stored away. Commissioner Babcock commented that he has always been against the philosophy of charging for events in the park, and Civic Center Park is a rare commodity in the valley. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission about the upcoming tour of the Community Centers on December 6, 2007. She mentioned that she went on Friday to Coronado, Encinitas, and other areas. The Commission will get to see three centers. She indicated that the plan is leaving at 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. She informed them that the Commission will get a packet with information prior to the tour. Ms. Steele indicated that she has received a commitment from the Planning Department, City Clerk, Mr. Carlos Ortega, and she also extended an invitation to Rob Ballew, and to CVRPD to join the tour. She will also invite Justin McCarthy from Redevelopment. Councilman Spiegel informed the Commission that he is the liaison from the City to the Public Safety Committee, and that at the last meeting Mr. Gary Lueders representing the bicycle group, is very concerned with what is happening in the valley as all the cities are trying to widen the streets and the bike lanes are going away. He made a couple of comments such as not liking sidewalks for bicycles, but if that is the only way for bicycles, then make them straight instead of undulating because it is easier to ride a bicycle on a straight sidewalk. Councilman Spiegel indicated that John Wohlmuth, CVAG Executive Director, believes that Palm Desert has $3 million dollars toward the bike path from Washington to Monterey, and in order to finish it $2 million more are needed. Councilman Spiegel would like to know where that stands. Ms. Steele answered that she spoke with Mr. Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, because they put a grant application for that money, and he told her that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will take about one year. She indicated that there are a lot of restrictions put on this money. After the EIR, the right-of-way must be acquired, and will take a minimum of one to two years. Ms. Steele indicated that this path is by the railroad tracks that go behind Freedom Park. Ms. Steele offered to have Mr. Greenwood talk to the Commission. s G-1DevSemcesVdomca Loredo�Wo�tl DatalParks8ReclM�nute5�2007 M�nutes111-2407 mm doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 Councilman Spiegel would like to see an update on the bike lane path brochure. Ms. Steele said she will find this out. Councilman Spiegel commented that the problem is north-south as that they are widening Cook Street to six lanes, and if this happens, there will be no bike lanes. Residents over there are opposed to the widening, but when they found out that the only way they will get a sound wall is if the streets are widened, and that the City gets money from CVAG (75% CVAG Measure A and 25% from the City for widening the streets), then they are in favor of doing it. Councilman Spiegel offered that perhaps the City could have bike lanes on Portola going north and south, because Portola is not going to be widened to six lanes in a long time. He added that if there is a way that they could do a bike lane on Portola they might as well, because it could not be done on Monterey. Ms. Steele thought that when the bicycle club representatives came to the Commission they mentioned they wanted a north-south lane. She added that she could ask Mr. Greenwood to provide an informational update to the Commission. Mr. Homer Croy indicated that Portola will have the block wall-sidewalk curb combination for several portions of the street and there might not be enough right-of-way to add in the bike lane. It might be just enough right- of-way to add a thin bike lane. Councilman Spiegel said that the bicyclist prefer a bike lane. Mr. Croy added that there is an element of assumed safety when they are in a bike lane. He explained that the State Highway Code does allow bikes in that lane and they have the right-of-way, but the problem is that motorist needs to be notified with signs that there is a bike lane. One has to be careful and drivers must be conditioned to the bike lane. Councilman Spiegel added that if there is a bike going in one's direction, one tends to move over to give it room, which causes one to be in the other lane. He stated this could be a problem. Mr. Croy agreed that it is a problem. This is a situation where trying to do the best thing is just providing the lane that is if one has the opportunity and the property to add that lane; that would be the best scenario. Councilman Spiegel added that another thing that was talked about in general was safe routes to schools, as a lot of children ride their bikes to schools, and the question is are there safe routes for them to do so. s G�DevServkesVrlomca Lo�edo�Woro DataWarksBRecv�bnufes�2007 Mlnutes�t t-2607 m�n.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 Councilman Spiegel said he could not answer this question. Mr. Croy offered that is something Staff could look into. Chair Guyer added that Steve Simms came to one of the Commission meetings, he lives in the valley, and he is involved in the State legislation for safe biking to schools. He indicated that Mr. Simms might be a good resource for that information, and where it stands at this point. Ms. Steele thought that Riverside County could also do an evaluation. Mr. Croy added that they are doing a county-wide bike lane that goes from the Colorado River to Banning. Ms. Steele offered to check into that. Councilman Spiegel asked to have the Safe Walk to School item on the agenda after the first part of the year so that the Commission can talk about it. Ms. Steele will see if Mr. Greenwood could come to next meeting so that he can give an informational update to the Commission. Mr. Croy noted that this type of request would require Public Works to be in the lead position, look at the current and future vehicular needs, because they have to plan the amount of cars that are coming to the valley north-south, east-west over time, and they always look for optimal road widths. Public Works considers the anticipated load onto the roadways over a long period of time. Mr. Croy added that City Council has always had the forethought of securing as much right-of-way as possible and provide as wide streets as possible now, so that later on the City does not have to incur the high cost of widening the streets. He indicated that Public Works is the lead department when it comes to bike lanes and autos and the Commission will need to understand that Engineering takes a lot of time to consider what it takes to develop roadways. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that in San Diego they fought for bike lanes and they have done a very good job with the bike lanes. Mr. Croy indicated that if there are no rights-of-way and eminent domain were to be considered, it would need to be taken to City Council for their consideration. The question is whether the Commission wants to have the bike lanes now and forgo the widening of the road for the extra lane, until it is absolutely necessary. The Public Works department looks into the traffic counts and City Council would have to consider the number of lanes from three to four. Commissioner Barnes asked about Rancho Mirage extending the path from Monterey down to Bob Hope. Ms. Steele answered that will be an 10 G iDevServ�cesUNon�ca Lo�edo�wor0 DataiParks6RecUNmutes�2007 Mmutesit7-2407mm tloc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 item that the Public Works department will consider when they start this whole process. She thought Phil Joy in Public Works has had some conversations with Rancho Mirage already. Planning Commissioner Van Tanner commented that the Commission has talked about the bike lanes, and that ecologically speaking, electric golf carts will be introduced into our society sooner or later. He asked if that would have to be addressed along with the bike lanes, or would electric golf carts be allowed to go in a controlled lane. Mr. Croy answered that it has to do with speed limits. The posted speed limit is what predicates where a golf cart can go. Commissioner Tanner added that Freedom Park is one of the best investments the City of Palm Desert ever made. The Family YMCA of the Desert uses it, the schools around it use it for flag football, he sees soccer being played, but more surprisingly, at 5:30 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. the park is full with dogs, walkers, and there is a tremendous amount of use. Freedom Park is a great investment and a great park. He congratulated the Commission and the City Council for bringing this park to that part of the Valley. Chair Guyer asked if the sports facilities such as the basketball court, tennis courts, and volleyball court are being used. Commissioner Van Tanner said that they are used all the time. Ms. Steele announced that this would be the first weekend where there will be a baseball tournament in town; games will be played at Legends Field, Cook Street, as well as Freedom Park. Ms. Steele noted that this would the very first tournament being played at Freedom Park and invited the Commission to drop by and take a look. Ms. Steele said that the Community garden plots are used a lot as well. Councilman Spiegel noted that they should look where else plots could be done. Ms. Steele commented that there is another one scheduled to go in one of the four University Parks. Commissioner Barnes inquired about any update on the aquatic center. Ms. Steele said hopefully it will go to Council in January; Staff is just waiting for some information from the architect. 11 G�DevServ�ceslMomca Loredo�Woro DatalPaiks6RecUN�nules�2007 Mmutesi�7�2407 m�n.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 2007 X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Babcock, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 a.m. ' }�`�-'�� - Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G.iDevServ�cesVdon�ca Loredo�Woid DataWarks&RecVvlmures�2007 Mmutes�i i�2407 m�n ooc