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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 05/06/08 r i CITY OF PALM DESERT �1'�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES , . MAY 6, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. � - �; Ii. ROLL CALL .� w � Present: � Excused Absence: � Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Ter k rt Vice Chair Michael Barnard at 8:34 (Schukart on LOA) � Commissioner Phill Babcock r, Commissioner Roger Dash v Commissioner Randy Guyer � � Commissioner Deborah Hall � �a �+ Commissioner Kim Housken w �, �' Commissioner Julie Munson ° � �; � � "� Staff Present: a � Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem � � � � � Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager ��' Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager M � �� _ ;.; r Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary � Q Q p .. Q � OU O� ►-i H .� E-� ►�-w H� � III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES „ z ,� w .,_, Ha � �"� wW ��,' ��' A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM APRIL 1, 2(��p� ��z�,��W � Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of April 1, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dash/Housken and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 V. PRESENTATIONS A. I-10 BICYCLE PATH Ms. Steele stated that in the past couple of months the Commission has discussed trails, in particular I-10. She noted that in a previous meeting Staff provided the Commission with information on additional bike lanes in the City of Palm Desert. Ms. Steele introduced Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works; Mark Dierks, Transportation Engineer; and Phil Joy, Associate Transportation Planner. She informed the Commission that Mr. Greenwood is present to give them an update on the I-10 Bike Corridor path. Mr. Greenwood started by mentioning that they need to come up with a name since I-10 Bike Corridor does not sound much like a name. In front of the room, he pointed to a map of north Palm Desert and referred to locations from Washington Street to Monterey Avenue to Aqua Caliente Casino. He stated that the proposal is to connect a bike lane from Washington Street to the Aqua Caliente Casino. He noted that the bike lane extends beyond the City limits, which will require cooperation from the City of Rancho Mirage. He informed the Commission that in late 2007, Congestion Management Air Quality funds became available to the Coachella Valley. He stated that there are $30 million available. Palm Desert submitted nine applications thinking that the City would be able to receive finro or three. The City was awarded all nine projects. He communicated that out of the $30 million in the valley, the I-10 project was awarded $3 million, and the City was awarded a little over $9 million in total for nine projects. Mr. Greenwood stated the bike path is proposed to travel directly south of the railroad tracks. The bike path needs to be out of the railroad right-of- way. He pointed to the map showing the City limits and the railroad right- of-way. He mentioned that the overall project cost is approximately $6 million. There is $3 million available from the federal government so $3 million is still needed to make the project happen. He noted that the bad side about receiving federal funding is the time delay. Mr. Greenwood stated that the City was making progress on the project, but had to stop completely to wait for the funds. He mentioned that any work that is done in advance of being awarded the funding has the potential of causing the City to lose the funding. The City has to be very careful with the projects, particularly when right-of-ways are involved. The City cannot proceed on this project until November 2008, and the earliest the project would be completed is August 2011. 2 G'1DevServ�cesVvlonica LoredolWord DatalPa�ks8ReclMinutes12008 MinuteslS6-08min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 Commissioner Hall asked if Rancho Mirage and the County have taiked about extending the bike path. Mr. Greenwood replied no. She asked if they know about the bike path. Mr. Greenwood replied yes. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Greenwood if he would like to comment on the wash and whether or not it is practical. Commissioner Guyer commented that another city has started development in the wash. So if that city is spending money on the wash, they are not going to want to spend money on the I-10 bike path. Mr. Greenwood stated that in the City of Palm Desert it is going to be very difficult to build a bike path in the wash because it is private property. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) does not own the right-of-way; they have an easement to transport water and nothing more. A bike path in the wash would mean cutting golf courses in half, and would be a very difficult process. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that it would probably be practical in the east side of the valley. He asked Mr. Greenwood if a bike lane in the wash is impossible. He responded that it is not impossible, but it would be a very difficult process. It was asked where the railroad right-of-way is measured from and where is the line. Mr. Greenwood answered that it varies. It is generally 150 feet from the nearest rail. Commissioner Guyer asked if the City has discussed with the railroad company of possibly easing certain spots to facilitate the bike lane. Mr. Greenwood responded not yet. He noted that the railroad has a great deal of power. Commissioner Babcock inquired if there has been any mention of a new track being built. Mr. Greenwood responded that they are currently installing the track. Commissioner Babcock asked how the new track is affecting the right-of- way. Mr. Greenwood replied that the right-of-way is still the same. Commissioner Babcock asked for the mileage of the bike path from start to end. Mr. Greenwood responded six and a half miles. 3 GIDevServiceslMonira LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 MinuteslS6-08 m�n docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard inquired how wide the bike path would be. Mr. Greenwood replied that they did not know yet. It is in the initial stages, but they are thinking 10-12 feet. Vice Chair Barnard asked if there is enough land. Mr. Greenwood answered that the City has reserved right-of-way in some places, and other places they have not. He noted situations are different block-by- block; however, the west part of the City they are in very good condition. The City owns the land from Portola to Monterey. He noted that they do not own the land between Cook and Portola, but have a very good easement. Vice Chair Barnard asked if the trees are going to have to be taken out. Mr. Greenwood replied some trees but not all. Commissioner Babcock asked the bicyclists that were present in the meeting if six miles of bike path would be effective for them. Mr. Gary Lueders, Bicycle Club, responded that they would probably not ride the bike path on the weekend due to the multi-use. But that they are all for the bike path since it promotes cycling as a healthy lifestyle for recreation and transportation. Mr. Lueders commented that he is glad the Mr. Greenwood is present. He communicated that he was under the impression that the wash was under CVWD's right-of-way and they control it. He asked Mr. Greenwood if it is correct that the golf courses own the land. Mr. Greenwood responded that it is correct in some cases. Mr. Lueders communicated that the Coachella Valley Trails Alliance wanted to promote a trail for someone to ride, walk, or hike from Palm Springs down to the Salton Sea. He mentioned that there are some places in the east valley where they are trying to get right-of-way to ride through the canal. He noted that he understands that some of the golf courses might be a problem, but they would like to tie in their overall plan and get one segment or loop from Palm Springs to the east valley. He stated that the City of Palm Desert is doing good by progressing and they appreciate it. He asked how Rancho Mirage and Indio are going to tie into the bike path, and that is something they would like to try to piece together. Mr. Paul Quill, President of Coachelfa Valley Community Trails Alliance, communicated that the Trails Alliance mission statement is, "Palm Springs to the Salton Sea car-free." Their whole purpose is to promote and integrate a system of multi-use trails and bike trails that are mostly Class 1 and Class 2. He defined that Class 2 bike trails are the kind that are on the 4 G:�DevServicesVvtonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinute5�200B Minutes�S6-08.m�n.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 street and Class 1 are like the ones the City is proposing by the I-10. Mr. Quill applauded the City of Palm Desert for going after the grants mentioned, and they are very thankful that someone is starting a trail anywhere. He noted that the six miles of bike trail is a fabulous effort, and although it may not always be used for the hardcore long distance bicyclist. It will be used by the people that use it for recreation or for commuting. He reaffirmed that their purpose of their organization is to get every city onboard with a connected nefinrork of the trails. Any link that they can get is a positive and are all for it. He commented that their organization will meet with the City of Indio to get a connection at Palm Desert Freedom Park. He mentioned that the City of La Quinta is working on a bike trail through the wash. They understand that there might be issues with getting the trails through the golf courses in lndian Wells, but there is no issue with getting a link that somehow gets around the golf course. A link that takes it back to a road or a bike path that is adjacent to a road so that they can continue the network and continue the connectivity. Mr. Quill voiced that the valley has been woefully inadequate over the last forty years in promoting this type of transportation. He stated that you can go to any other popular community anywhere in this country, and that you can find bike paths as a huge amenity for those communities. He indicated that he would like to work not only with the City of Palm Desert, but would also like to work with Rancho Mirage and find out if they can apply for grants and funding to connect to Palm Desert's trail. He hopes Palm Desert's design is made so that other cities can pick up where the City has left off. Mr. Greenwood stated that the City is doing more than their share. He also stated that he disagrees with one of Mr. Quill's statements that they have not been doing enough as far as trails. He noted that the City of Palm Desert has always been a leader with trails, and the City has more bike trails than the rest of valley combined. The City of Palm Desert has been a leader in golf cart transportation, bike lanes, and pedestrian lanes. He agrees that the rest of the valley could do better, but Palm Desert has done more than its share. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that the bike lanes are going to be needed because Highway 111 is going to be six lanes, if he read the newspaper correctly. The bicyclists are going to have to go on the sidewalks along with joggers, cars, and all other. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Greenwood when they are going to start restriping bike lanes. Mr. Dierks responded that the contract is about 5 G:�DevServicesVvtonica Loredo�Word DatalParks6Rec4Mmutes12008 M;nutes4S6-OB.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 a week out from being signed, and the work will start at the end of the month with the contract being sixty days. The project should be completed by the end of July. Commissioner Hall inquired if golf carts can go on bike lanes. Mr. Greenwood replied that in Palm Desert they can. He explained that the golf cart does need to be equipped with headlights, taillights, turn signals, and seatbelts. A golf cart must have a registration sticker. Commissioner Hall asked if the bike lane map would be the same as the golf cart lane map. Mr. Greenwood replied yes. Mr. Rob Ballew, Family of the YMCA, asked once the bike lane is built, what is the maintenance cost, and is there a way to get that funded. Mr. Greenwood responded that the maintenance would come out of the general fund. He noted that Staff still does not know if the path is going to be concrete, asphalt, decomposed granite (DG), or a combination of all three. It is too early to know what the maintenance costs are going to be. Commissioner Guyer clarified if there is $3 million in grants, and $3 million more is going to be needed to complete the project. Mr. Greenwood replied that was correct. Commissioner Guyer asked if the $3 million could only be used for the project and not for research and planning. Mr. Greenwood replied that it could only be used for specific aspects of the project, such as planning processes, and an environmental report. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there are restrictions with federal funding. Mr. Greenwood responded that there are enormous restrictions. One of the restrictions is not able to spend one penny before November 2008. He also noted that he could not spend a penny of the other $3 million. Commissioner Guyer asked if the City has to come up with $3 million before the City can spend the other federal funds. Mr. Greenwood replied no. The City has to come up with approximately 50% as they go. He explained that if $1 million is spent in year one, half a million will be taken from the federal side and half from the City. Commissioner Guyer commented that after he talked to several bicyclists, one of their complaints is that there are a lot advanced and beginning trails, but not enough of intermediate trails. He asked if it woufd be feasible to have areas of the trail where you can get off onto an intermediate style mountain bike trail. Is there enough room or is it going to be a straight 6 G�DevServicesVvlonica LoredolWo�d DataWarks6RecUAinutest2008 Minutes'�56-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 asphalt path? Mr. Greenwood responded that the trail is going to be relatively straight due to the right-of-ways they are working with. He mentioned that there are other bike lanes planned along the west side of Highway 74, which could be more of an intermediate trail. The Commission thanked Mr. Greenwood for the presentation. B. COALITION TO REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Deana Graham, Coalition To Reduce Underage Drinking Inc. (CRUD) Ms. Graham noted that she provided two informational handouts on CRUD. She stated that CRUD is a non-profit organization consisting of a network of community partners. Representatives are from cities, school districts, parents, and all aspects of the community. She noted that there are some sectors missing, and she is working on getting representatives from those sectors. She communicated that their mission is to change attitudes in behaviors by promoting alcohol awareness, education, and prevention. She expfained that in 2006, there were significant incidents of alcohol use among some students in the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), and was brought to the attention of school personnel. It was then discussed who needed to address these issues, was it the school's or parents responsibility? They all realized that it was a community issue. She mentioned that due to the Surgeon General's call to action, in 2006, there were town hall meetings held in Palm Desert and Indio to address underage drinking. Ms. Graham stated that the people that organized the town hall meeting formed the Coalition To Reduce Underage Drinking, and officially sought out their non-profit status. Once they became non-profit, funding opportunities became available. She noted that this all happened before she came onboard, and has been working for CRUD for three months. She mentioned that at the same time of receiving non-profit status, they applied for the Friday Night Live program and grant. The Friday Night Live program is a statewide program that is based out of schools and community sites where staff goes in and coordinate activities. The activities focus on being drug and alcohol free. She noted that the Friday Night Live program is funded by the Riverside County Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse Program, and CRUD is the sub-contractor agency for the program. Ms. Graham stated that her position is the Community Prevention Specialist. Her job is to go out and meet with the communities to bring awareness to the community, and provide education with the understanding of environmental prevention as the overriding umbrella. � GIDevServiceslMonica Lo�edo�Word DatatParks&ReclMinutes',2008 MinuteslS6-08.min.dcex PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 That means that the most effective way to prevent underage drinking or drug use of any kind is to change the environment that the person is in, and not just focus on the individual. She mentioned that what they do is mostly driven by the community needs, and that she is still assessing what the needs of the communities are. Ms. Steele stated that she wanted to bring Ms. Graham in because she is fairly new in the position, and is out trying to meet with the different communities and receive feedback. Commissioner Guyer inquired what some of the Friday Night activities are. Ms. Graham responded that they have dances at the schools and community sites, play music, field trips, and leadership events. The program is currently in 31 school sites and would like to be up to 40. Commissioner Guyer reiterated that CRUD is the sub-contractor for the county, but the counties usually run the program. Ms. Graham replied yes. Commissioner Guyer asked if the desert is the only place the county has the program contracted out. Ms. Graham answered yes, and does not know the real reason why. She has been told the desert is different, and it is more cost effective for the county to outsource. She noted that they serve from Palm Springs to Blythe. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if funding comes strictly from the county. Ms. Graham responded that it comes strictly from the Riverside County Substance Abuse Program, which comes from fines. Ms. Steele added that funds also come from grants. Commissioner Hall asked Ms. Graham if they are up and running in the valley. She replied yes, and also noted that they have been running the Friday Night Live since November 2007. Commissioner Munson inquired if she has met with the Palm Desert High School PTO. Ms. Graham answered yes. She commented that she provided an education and awareness session to the parents. They raised awareness of the legal consequences of buying alcoholic drinks for minors, and alcohol energy drinks. Ms. Graham asked the Commission if they are aware of alcohol energy drinks. The Commission responded no. She mentioned that Rock Star has two energy drinks. One has alcohol and the other does not. Rock Star 21 has an alcohol volume of 8%. She noted that Monster is non-alcoholic. The issue is the drinks are often displayed in the same area of the store 8 G:IDevServicesVvfonica Laedo�Word Dafa�Parks8ReclMinutes�2008 Minutes�S6-p8.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 as the non-alcoholic drinks. So someone in a hurry can grab the alcohol energy drink, hand it to the checker (the check may not always pay attention), and the teenager walks out the door either knowingly or not knowingly that they bought an alcohol energy drink. This is in a convenience store setting not a grocery store setting. Grocery stores do things differently. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Graham what she is looking for from the Parks and Recreation Commission to help in what she is doing. She responded that she will have a better idea once she has completed her assessments, and may return to the Commission if she sees problems in the parks with underage drinking. She noted that she went to a conference, and someone spoke about garbology. That is someone who studies the garbage that is collected in the parks to get a good idea of what is going on. She noted that the subject came up in Indio, and it was mentioned that there were having problems with needles in some of the parks in Indio. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Ms. Graham if she has worked with the Police Department. She replied yes. He noted that occasionally there is a student found with alcohol at the Palm Desert High School. Ms. Graham communicated that she focuses more on the big picture, and she does not provide the student with counseling. That is not CRUD's mission. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired what happens to a student when they are caught with alcohol. Ms. Graham explained that the student is referred to the student assistance program, which is with the counselors at the school. The student is given individual counseling and a plan is developed based on the counseling. Ms. Graham mentioned that DSUSD had 300 alcohol related suspensions this school year. Commissioner Munson asked how many where from Palm Desert High School. Ms. Graham responded that she did not know. Commissioner Housken asked Ms. Graham if she contacted the Palm Desert Youth Committee. Ms. Steele interjected that she has talked to Ms. Pat Scully, Committee Staff liaison, because the students really need to get involved. Commissioner Housken added that the library also has a teen program. She also suggested that CRUD contact the sports groups. 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica Loredo�Word DatalPa�ksBRecWlinutes�2008 Minute51S6-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 Commissioner Housken inquired if CRUD is contacting private high schools. Ms. Graham responded that is something CRUD can do, but are not currently doing. They are still getting up and running. Ms. Steele mentioned that Ms. Graham has talked to the YMCA, but she suggested she also talk to staff from Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District. The Commission thanked Ms. Graham for her presentation. C. PARKS INSPECTOR: ERNESTO TERAN Mr. Niemczak introduced Ernesto Teran. He stated that Mr. Teran has been with the City a little of over two years. He has worked for the Riverside County Office of Education, Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort, and a handyman service. Mr. Teran manages the contract for Civic Center Park, Ironwood Park, Smoke Tree natural area, and Haystack. He recently received his pesticide applicator license, playground safety inspector certificate, acquired his commercial driver's license (Class A), and has a forklift operation certificate. Ms. Steele asked Mr. Teran how long he was with the County. He responded two years. Commissioner Guyer asked how long he has lived in the valley. Mr. Teran replied 27 years. Commissioner Housken stated that every time she drives by Haystack, she sees kids down in the grassy median and asked if there is pavement at the bottom. It looks like they might be skateboarding. Mr. Teran responded that they are not supposed to be skateboarding. The area has large drains, which are concrete. Commission Housken commented that she sees little heads go up and down, and was not sure what they were doing. Commission Housken asked Mr. Teran what kind of problem or problems he has in the parks he oversees. He responded graffiti, especially in Palma Village Park. Commissioner Munson asked what the policy for handling graffiti is. Ms. Steele responded that there is graffiti hotline that goes to the Pubfic Works Department. They have a person that takes cares of the graffiti, and as a general rule, they try to have it cleaned within 24 hours. She noted that it 10 GIDevServiceslMonica LoretlolWord DatalPaiks6ReclMinutes12008 MinuteslS6-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 may take a little longer if it is over the weekend. At times, pictures are taken and given to the Police Department. If taggers are caught, the Police will prosecute and arrest them. Commissioner Hall inquired if there is a graffiti hotline, and if the number is advertised. Ms. Steele responded that it is the number to the Public Works Department, and believes that it is in the Bright Side. Commissioner Hall commented that she looked in the Bright Side, and could not find it. Ms. Steele stated that she would check. The Commission thanked Mr. Teran for coming to the meeting. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. COMMISSION PACKETS Discussion and recommendation to consider receiving agenda packets via email. Ms. Steele announced that in an effort to be efficient in terms of Staff time and not wasting paper, Ms. Loredo had an idea of providing electronic packets. She noted that people that want to continue receiving paper packets still can. She explained that at each meeting a projector would be set up that would display the agenda and staff reports so that they did not have to print the packet at home. Ms. Steele noted that they could still have agendas available at the meeting, and Staff can also start a list of whoever would like to continue to receive the paper packets. Ms. Steele explained that the electronic packet would cut down on the amount of paper used. In addition, Staff shares a copier with other departments, which would backup other copying jobs. She stated that Staff felt it would be a good idea. Commissioner Dash commented that the Commission should give it a try, and mail materials to those that wish to continue receiving paper packets. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Ms. Steele if she has all of the Commissioners' e-mail addresses. She replied yes. Commissioner Hall commented that if it does change, the seating would have to be changed so that everyone is facing the screen. Ms. Steele answered that was a good point. Commissioner Hall stated that it is a great idea. 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data�PaiksBReclMinutes�2008 Minutes�S6-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if there is any reason why they should not do it. The Commission made no comment. Commissioner Housken moved to receive the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda packets electronically. Commissioner Guyer seconded the motion and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA) Ms. Steele reminded the Commission if anyone preferred to receive the packet in a different manner, to please let Ms. Loredo know. Commissioner Housken asked if the handouts would also be sent electronically. Ms. Steele responded that they could, and that they could be added to end of the agenda packet. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. PETANQUE COURTS Discussion and recommendation to build a petanque court at Hovley Soccer Park. Mr. Niemczak stated that in February the Commission wanted Staff to investigate the cost of building petanque courts at the vacant land south of the Soccer Park. He commented that he met with Mr. Larios, Larios Construction, and gave him a preliminary estimate for approximately $47,000. The cost would include the courts, some landscaping, shade structures, benches, and some irrigation for landscaping. He noted that taking out one of the shade structures would bring down the cost. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired if the area is by the affordable housing. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if that location was going to be used for a barbeque area for the people that live there. Mr. Niemczak responded that they have discussed using the area for petanque and pickleball. In addition, refurbishing the horseshoe pits. He noted that he is looking at receiving combined costs for everything. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked how many petanque courts are being proposed. Mr. Niemczak replied that Mr. Canabou's initial diagram displays 20 courts. 12 G1DevServicesVvlonlra Lo�edo�Word DatalParksBReclM�nutes�2008 MinuteslS6-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they would use 20 courts. Mr. Niemczak responded that Mr. Canabou would like to have tournaments in Palm Desert, but he would be happy with whatever is available. Commissioner Guyer clarified if the 20 courts would take up the entire graded area and not into the wash part. Mr. Niemczak replied no. Commissioner Guyer asked if the wash area is part of the development retention basin, and if there is nothing that could be done with it. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is not really a retention basin, but it could be graded out toward the parking lot. That is where the picklebalf courts and community gardens would be located with the petanque courts at the end. Commissioner Hall inquired if that would preclude the barbeque area. Mr. Niemczak responded that there should be enough room. Commissioner Munson commented that the area is very narrow. Ms. Steele stated that they could easily build a picnic shelter between the two courts with a barbeque. Chairman Dawson commented that it seems that there would be a lot of usage per square foot. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that it all sounds pretty good. Ms. Steele added that a lot of the activities are senior oriented, and it would be located in a senior community. She suggested to the Commission to allow Staff to return with a combined cost for everything so that they can possibly receive a much better price. Commissioner Housken inquired how many courts do petanque players currently use in the area they have. Mr. Niemczak answered that currently they do not have a formal court. Mr. Canabou indicated that the diagram shows the size that they recommended for the tournament that they would like to bring to Palm Desert, but he would be happy with anything the City can give him. Commissioner Housken asked if the group is currently throwing it in the dirt. Mr. Niemczak replied that they are throwing in the DG. Commissioner Housken referred to the lumber stated in the proposal, and asked if the lumber is staked in or does it sit directly on the ground. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is staked in. She asked if it is staked in, how 13 G:�DevServiceslMonica LoredolWoid DatalParks&ReclMiw�eS�2008 Minutes'�56-08.mindocx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 does it extend six inches. Mr. Niemczak replied that they would probably be 2x10's with a few inches underground. Commissioner Munson inquired if access would be from the back parking lot. Staff replied yes. Ms. Steele stated that Staff could request a cost for half of the courts. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Housken communicated also possibly leaving space so if it is successful, it could be expanded easily. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel also suggested for Staff let Redevelopment know what they are proposing. Ms. Steele commented that they have talked to Redevelopment, but will continue to stay in contact with them. Commissioner Guyer clarified if part of the retention area is going to be used. Mr. Niemczak explained that they would grade up to the retention, and they would not use the lower area. They continued to discuss the retention area, and that the area would look like the shape of Oklahoma. Commissioner Guyer recommended for City Staff to look into making the area joint use with pickleball, petanque, community gardens, and barbeque area with shade structures, along with upgrading the horseshoe pits. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. COMMUNITY & AQUATIC CENTER STUDY SESSION Ms. Steele announced that the study session has been scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. She encouraged everyone to attend. Chairman Dawson inquired what should they expect in the way of process. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that he did not know. Chairman Dawson asked if the study session is under the chairmanship of the Mayor. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied probably. Ms. Steele commented that she will be meeting with the City Manager to get some direction, and can give them update at the next meeting. Vice Chair Barnard inquired if the study session is for only Commissioners and City Council. Ms. Steele replied that all study sessions are opened to the public. 14 G:1DevServiceslMonica Loredo�Word DatalParksBRecV�finutes�2008 Minutes�S6-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 B. SAN PABLO TAMARISK TREES Mr. Niemczak reported that they recently trimmed the trees on San Pablo. He explained that they trim the trees a few times a year especially before 4th of July. He noted that Ms. Steele has had discussions with Public Works concerning a possible change in that area. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that there have been discussions concerning removing the trees, installing angle parking, and move San Pablo over. Ms. Steele added that she has met with Mr. Greenwood, Public Works Director, and he had a diagram of the layout. She indicated that she would bring back more information to the Commission. She noted that additional parking is needed for the sports fields, and for the dog park. Ms. Steele mentioned she requested Mr. Greenwood to add a couple of handicap spaces for the dog park on that same side. Commissioner Guyer commented that there was also an issue with students running across the streets. Mr. Niemczak also mentioned that before they started trimming the trees, there were people sleeping in the trees. Commissioner Guyer recalls the Commission recommending removing the trees, but the City Council said no. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that the person that did not want them taken out is no longer on the Council. Commissioner Guyer asked if the City Council has changed their view. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied that he believe they have. He noted that if an aquatic center is built, additional parking would be needed. It would also be great for the baseball fields, and they would be saving water. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson welcomed Commissioner Munson. She thanked the Commission, and joked that she missed the donuts. She also thanked the Commission for letting her take the time out, and for allowing her to come back; it is great to be back. Commissioner Housken commented that she found the pigeon birth control interesting from the last meeting, and had done some research. She stated that she talked to a lady that started the program in Hollywood. 15 G'IDevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWoid Data�Parks&ReclMinutes�2Q08 Minutes4S6-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 She noted that the program would be hitting the press soon on how successful it has been, and that PETA also approved the program. Commissioner Housken mentioned that in December 2007, they counted 438 pigeons at one site, and recently there are less than 40 birds. It appears that Ovo Control P is very good for controlling pigeon populations. Most recently they now have Ovo Control D for ducks. She noted that she does not know how Ovo Control D works. Mr. Niemczak asked if the birth control is specific to pigeons. Commissioner Housken responded that it is specific to pigeons, and explained the process. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel announced that Vice Chair Barnard came in second in "Dancing with the Stars." He also announced that he received an invitation from Commissioner Terry Schukart. On May 10, the College of the Desert is having a western roundup dinner event for the football team. They are going to have legendary NFL players and coaches, live band, dancing, raffles, and a silent auction. It is $100 per person. Commissioner Hall asked what time it starts. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded at 6:00 p.m. Vice Chair Barnard inquired if there have been any discussions with the City of Rancho Mirage regarding the closing of the Bump and Grind trailhead in Rancho Mirage. Ms. Steele understood that the Planning Department kind of knew that the closing of the trailhead was going to happen, and prepared to have a trailhead behind Target. Parks Staff is working on installing a kiosk at that location. Vice Chair Barnard commented that the trailhead in Rancho Mirage is much wider, and the other one is much narrower. He added that there are hundreds of people that use the trail everyday. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that there is plenty of parking at Homme/Adams Park, and people could also park on the street behind Target. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that he was on the trail over the weekend, and there were lots of cars parked behind Target. He voiced that he hopes Rancho Mirage does not shove it into Palm Desert, and expect the City to widen the trail. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that the trail is going to stay the way it is. 16 G�DevServiceslMonica LoredolWoid DatalParks&ReclMinutesi2008 MinuteslS6-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 6, 2008 Commissioner Guyer stated that Palm Desert does not have a trail like the Bump and Grind trail, but the Commission has spent 10 to 15 years developing a trail system. The Commission's job now is to get people off of that trail, and on to Palm Desert trails. He noted that Homme/Adams is still under utilized. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that as far as he knew, the City has not received any complaints about any new traffic. People from other cities come to Palm Desert to use our trails or watch movies in the park, and noted that the City takes pride that it is open to the whole valley. Commissioner Hall asked if they have found the person that burnt the palapa. Mr. Niemczak responded that the Police Department has not provided a report, and would check into it. Commissioner Hall commented that if they do find the person, hopefully there could be some restitution for the palapa. Mr. Niemczak responded that they have in the past. Commissioner Housken asked Commissioner Hall how Arbor Day went. She responded that it was wonderful. It was held at Palm Desert Middle School. There were two students that gave a history of Arbor Day, they planted new trees, and took the group through the individual student gardens. She was amazed with the plants and food they grow. She noted that the food is then donated to Martha's Village Kitchen. Chairman Dawson suggested to the Commission, if they have not seen the gardens, to drive by and take a look. Commissioner Hall shared the latest catalogue from the Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks District. When she first received it in the mail, she thought it was an art catalogue. She also mentioned that the content was very good. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Vice Chair Barnard, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m. , ��1E��-C� � Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 17 GIDevServicesuUonica Loredo�Word DatalPa�ks&ReclMinutes�2008 MiwteslS6-08.min.docx