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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 12/04/07 � � -� � CITY OF PALM DESERT `� � �� �'��� PARKS 8� RECREATION COMMISSION � � � � � � MINUTES o r ,, ' - h-7 Lc] ''� � ;� C� DECEMBER 4, 2007 W �-� +�' A o �=. • � � a� z " _, H , � I. CALL TO ORDER � r' _ � , w Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. � � � � � � o II. ROLL CALL � A Q � Q � U � H H ..J.. z � w -� � R; E-+ u3 tn W H H tT Present: Excused Absence:�� �o� � �� Chairman Randy Guyer Commissioner Juli o x � � �'` Vice Chair Terry Schukart (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Daniel Barnes Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Gerald Dawson Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Councilmember Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, announced that the flag football season is finishing soon. They had a tremendous response with approximately 350 kids in the program. He also announced that the YMCA would be offering overnight babysitting New Year's Eve. Children must be picked up by 8:00 a.m., and every minute after 8:00 a.m. is going to be $1.00. Ages are from 7 to 13. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. Ballew where flag football is played. He responded that they play at Hovley Soccer Park and Freedom Park. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. SOCCER PARK DEVELOPMENT Discussion, suggestions, and recommendation for undeveloped land south of Hovley Soccer Park. Ms. Steele stated that she was contacted by the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) concerning the strip of land that is owned by the City that is part of the park. RDA is currently selling homes at Falcon Crest, and they would like to be able to tell homeowners' what is going to be built on the piece of land. She indicated that there are no plans from what she could find, and asked the Commission if they could remember any plans for that area. Chairman Guyer commented that the Commission might have thought that the piece of land was part of the Falcon Crest Development. Ms. Steele affirmed that it was not part of the development. Chairman Guyer asked the Commission if they had any ideas for the piece of land. Commissioner Dawson recommended moving the horseshoe pits from where they are currently located, and expanding the number of them as requested by the horseshoe players. The relocation of the horseshoe pits would get them out of the tot lot area, and out of the area where people walk. It would also provide parking for the people that play horseshoes, and give the City the ability to expand the park at the far end. He also recommended picnic tables and park area closer to the entrance of the subdivision. Councilman Spiegel asked if the piece of land is adjacent to the La Rocca Villas. Ms. Steele responded that the land is next to Falcon Crest. Councilman Spiegel commented that he believes La Rocca Villas is in the same vicinity, and indicated that La Rocca is primarily a senior development. He noted that the La Rocca development does not have any barbeques, and agrees with Commissioner Dawson's recommendation. Mr. Tanner, Planning Commissioner, asked Councilman Spiegel if there would be much opposition from the residents at La Rocca Villas. He responded that the City would need to ask them. 2 G IDevSerncesN.lomca Loretlo�Wo�d Data�ParksBRecUN�nutes�2007 M�nutesit2-a-07 mm dx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 lt was mentioned that the land is located towards the back and security may have to be addressed. Commissioner Barnard suggested more parking, another playground for kids, dog park area, and more horseshoes or shuffleboards or basketball courts. Chairman Guyer noted that there are basketball courts at the soccer park. Commissioner Dawson added that the Commission has always talked about a location for a tennis back board. Ms. Steele clarified if he was thinking of a handball court. Commissioner Dawson replied a tennis back board. Chairman Guyer asked if there is a need for a community garden. Councilman Spiegel suggested getting the people in that area involved. Commissioner Barnard asked if they should ask the soccer people. Vice Chair Schukart remarked that they would want more parking. Ms. Steele commented that they only time there is an issue with parking is when there are tournaments. Vice Chair Schukart suggested going to the Falcon Crest people with options instead of leaving it wide open for ideas. Chairman Guyer asked if the horseshoes were to be relocated, what should be built in that area. Chairman Guyer asked if storage space is an issue at the soccer park. It was communicated that it is not an issue. Chairman Guyer pointed out that they would need to come up with an idea for the horseshoe pit area if they are moved. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. COMMUNITY CENTER TOURS Ms. Steele explained that everyone was given a lunch menu for the bus tour, and requested that the Commission complete their choice for lunch and return it to Ms. Loredo. The tour would consist of visiting the City of 3 G.�DevServ�ceslMoroca Loredo�Word DatalParks6RecVd�nutesi2007 Mmutes�72�4-07 m�n doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 Coronado, City of Encinitas, and the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA in Encinitas. She stated that she has provided a notebook with information on all the community centers. The bus would be departing from City Hall at 7:30 a.m. Ms. Steele mentioned that coffee and breakfast items would be provided, and lunch would be on the bus. Commissioner Dawson thanked Ms. Steele for preparing the notebooks, and said he would find it very helpful. Ms. Steele noted that Ms. Angelica Chavez prepared the notebooks and would like to thank her for putting them together. Chairman Guyer asked if there was budget information included in the notebooks. Ms. Steele replied that she did include the information from their annual budget review. Ms. Steele commented to the Coachella Valley Recreation Park District (CVRPD) staff that was present that they are welcomed on the tour if interested. Commissioner Dawson asked if the City Council would be participating on the tour. Ms. Steele responded that everyone was coming except for Councilman Ferguson due to not feeling well. She would reconfirm with the City Council Secretary. B. CAHUILLA HILLS TENNIS COURTS Mr. Niemczak reported that the CVRPD started a pickle ball program at Cahuilla Hills tennis court on November 7. The program required that the tennis court be painted to provide boundary lines for pickle ball and the nets to be adjusted. He communicated that there was a little problem with the instructor concerning the painted lines and the adjusted nets, but that City Staff is resolving the issues with CVRPD. Councilman Spiegel asked if the program effects playing tennis. Mr. Niemczak responded no. Chairman Guyer asked if there have been any comments from the tennis players. Ms. Steele responded that there were a couple of comments. One was that Staff had instructed the instructor to post a sign ahead of time to notify the tennis players of the new program. The sign was not posted, and Staff received calls from tennis players. 4 G.�DevSernceslMoro�Lo�edo�Word DatalParks6RecVolmutes�2007 M�nutes�t2-4-07.min doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 Mr. Niemczak also added that another complaint was the height of nets, which the instructor was adjusting the height of the nets with bungee cords. Staff has since then ordered new nets, and has met with the instructor on the care of the nets so that they are not damaged. Vice Chair Schukart asked what the height difference is between a tennis regulation net and a pickle ball net. Mr. Niemczak replied that tennis net is 36" and pickle ball is a couple of inches lower. Ms. Barb Adair, CVRPD, explained that the instructor was supposed to be using a crank to change the height of the nets, but was using the bungee cords. Mr. Niemczak noted that staff is providing him with a crank. Chairman Guyer asked how the nets are set back up for the tennis players if the crank is not always there. Mr. Niemczak replied that the instructor puts it back up when he is done with the class. Chairman Guyer asked if you could only play pickle ball when the instructor is present. Mr. Niemczak replied yes, which is every Wednesday between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Councilman Spiegel asked how the response to pickle ball has been. Ms. Adair replied that it has been great. It is one of the fastest growing sports for seniors. Councilman Spiegel asked what they use. Ms. Adair replied that they use a paddle. Chairman Guyer asked Ms. Adair if she knows of any places that has installed pickle ball courts. She responded that there are courts at some of the RVltrailer parks. Ms. Adair communicated that they decided to start the program at Cahuilla Hills because the tennis courts are not used as much as the courts located at the Civic Center Park. Commissioner Dash asked if Cahuilla Hills is located by Highway 74 behind the church. Chairman Guyer answered yes. Commissioner Dash noted that he visited the park once, and he could not find restroom facilities. Chairman Guyer indicated that it was going to cost a lot of money to run a sewer line up to that area. Commissioner Dash questioned the possibility of having portable toilets. 5 G�DevSernceslMomca Loredo�Word DatalParksBRecN.l�nutesi2007 Mmutes�t2 4-07 mm doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 C. C1TY HIKING TRAILS Ms. Steele reported that she has included in the agenda packet copies of maps that would be included on the City's new website. She also provided information on the trail head kiosk signs. Chairman Guyer asked if there is any way to track usage of the trails. Mr. Niemczak indicated that the forest service had sign-in boxes at the beginning of trails, which is voluntary. Chairman Guyer commented that he would like to know if one trail is more popular than others, and would like to know why. D. DESIGN OF THE PARK INSPECTORS WORK AREA Mr. Niemczak stated that Staff informed the Commission a few months ago they would be redesigning the work area for the Park Maintenance Workers to be used more as office space. He provided photos showing the current conditions they have to work in, and a drawing of the proposed work area. Mr. Niemczak mentioned that the drawing is currently being looked at by the Building and Safety Department. Chairman Guyer asked how the project is going to be paid. Ms. Steele responded that Staff added funds to the CIP budget a couple of years ago. Commissioner Dawson commented that it seems like a much needed improvement. Staff replied that it is very much needed. Mr. Niemczak added that the Park Maintenance Staff are doing more of contract management since their job titles changed, and they need the ability to have access to a computer and a fax machine. Ms. Steele communicated that they currently have a roll up door, and there are security issues, problems with rodents, and there is not a good air conditioning system. Commissioner Babcock asked what types of pesticides are being stored. Mr. Niemczak responded that they are mostly herbicides. He noted that they are inspected by the Department of Agriculture, and have all permits on file. He also mentioned that Staff currently is not spraying. The contractor is spraying, and they are required to provide licenses and use reports to the City and the Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Dawson asked why the ice machine is located in the office space instead of the break room and if the machine is noisy. Mr. 6 G 1DevSernceslMon�LoredolWord DatalParks8ReclM�nutesi2007 Mmutes�72-a-07 mm tloc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 Niemczak replied that the machine is in the work area and that it is not noisy at all. Ms. Steele stated that the Park Maintenance Staff has done a good job of cleaning the debris yard near the dog park. Staff bought cargo storage containers to lock up some of the items. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Mr. Tanner commented that there has been an incredible use of Freedom Park. The only comment that he receives is that there are not enough trash containers, and the area has become a nice little place for the coyotes. He mentioned that he has seen people using cardboard to remove the hot coals, which one day may cause a fire. Mr. Niemczak stated that Staff is talking to Quik Crete to add recycle containers. They could also talk to them about adding more trash containers. Mr. Tanner mentioned that people use the recycle containers in the community garden, but that there are people that are being lazy and would not use them in the park. He feels they need more trash containers. Chairman Guyer asked Mr. Tanner if he see it mostly during the weekends. He replied yes, but that once baseball season starts the pavilions would be used a lot more during the week. Mr. Tanner commented that the he has received many positive responses from the park users. The design was a job well done. Ms. Steele commented that she had an additional informational report concerning the wind storm on Saturday, December 1. The only park that did not have damage was Freedom Park. She stated that she included pictures in the report of trees that went down. Also, the shade structure at the Civic Center Skate Park was blown off. The Commission asked if the cleanup was done. Mr. Niemczak replied that it would take one more day. 7 G:�DevSernceslMon�ca Loredo�Word DatalParks&RecUA�nutes12007 M�nutes�t2�4-07 m�n.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 4, 2007 X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Vice Chair Schukart, seconded by Commissioner Barnard, the meeting was adjourned at 9:04 a.m. ` s���'��C— . Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary s G iDevSerwcesVvfomca Loretlo'.Word DataWarksBRecN4mufes�2007 Mmufes�t2-4-07 m�n.tloc