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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 05/20/08 � CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. _ _ � � II. ROLL CALL w � 0 Present: Excused Absence: u� Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Ter u a � Vice Chair Michael Barnard (Schukart on LOA) � ��,' Commissioner Phill Babcock � Commissioner Roger Dash ` � � Commissioner Randy Guyer (8:48 a.m.) �� ;,::� ��� Commissioner Deborah Hall "�" `� '�` � ;;�� � C.? Commissioner Kim Housken �ry "�" Commissioner Julie Munson ,� �� � v j �� U � � Staff Present: � � - ' �� Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem � � w Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager a ��.� � .� Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager � ��;; - � � � Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary � � � '� y � � U � � ,� H f-H-� H -�i III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES o H H •. .. 2 ,� w -�, �+ aC� H "' wWcn �-�' A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM APRIL 15, 2�� ������ r' Commissioner Hall commented that on page 14 of the minutes, the word "coal" should be "charcoal." Chairman Dawson also commented that on page 5 of the minutes, fourth paragraph, it was clarified that classes are held at Cahuilla Hills and indoors at the Palm Desert Community Center. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of April 15, 2008, were approved with the changes stated above. Motion moved/seconded by Dash/Housken and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Guyer and Schukart ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel communicated that at the Thursday upcoming City Council meeting, the Council has been asked to appoint a representative to the Trails Management Subcommittee for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. He asked if there was anyone from the Parks and Recreation Commission that would like to be nominated or know of anyone that would like to be nominated to the subcommittee. The subcommittee is organized through the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). He noted that the subcommittee is new. Commissioner Hall asked if they could nominate someone. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied yes, and he will take the name of the person they recommend to the City Council meeting. Commissioner Dash asked Commissioner Babcock if he would be interested. He replied that he would be happy to be on the subcommittee. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that he would nominate him at the City Council meeting. V. PRESENTATIONS A. PARKS INSPECTOR - JUAN HERNANDEZ Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Juan Hernandez, who is the newest employee and the last employee to be introduced. Mr. Hernandez started with the City in September 2007. Prior to working with the City, he worked with a landscape contractor as a maintenance project manager, and before that job he worked as a property manager for a homeowners' association. She mentioned that he also served in the Marine Corps from 1996 to 2002. He is currently assigned to Cahuilla Hills Park, Homme/Adams Park, Washington Charter School Park, Palma Village Park, and the Community Gardens. Ms. Steele noted that they will be shifting all of their responsibilities, which she will bring back to the Commission as an informational item. 2 G:1DevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks6ReclMinute512008 Minutes1S20.08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 Mr. Hernandez greeted the Commission. He shared that he is happy to be with the City, and that he takes lots of pride in his work. He stated that he believes the City has the best parks he has ever seen anywhere. Mr. Hernandez stated that with his experience from his previous jobs, work hand-in-hand with what he currently does at the City. He explained that his previous experience with working with a landscape contractor and experience as a property manager has helped keeping up the landscape maintenance at each of his assigned parks. He mentioned again, that he is happy to be with the City. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they had any questions that they would like to ask Mr. Hernandez. Commissioner Housken commented that she was talking to Mr. Hernandez before the meeting concerning Palma Village Park, and he mentioned that the kids damaged some tables because the kids are using their skateboards to jump off them. She stated that Mr. Hernandez informed the kids that they can get a pass for the skateboard park, and the kids replied that they do not have money. She expressed for the amount of money to replace a table is $1,300 maybe there should be some type of scholarship. Ms. Steele interjected that the cost for a card is $5. Commissioner Housken replied that Mr. Hernandez thought the cards were $10. Ms. Steele commented that she believes the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD) has scholarships, and asked them if that was correct. Mr. DeWitt answered that they could look to see if it would be appropriate, and they could discuss the matter. Commissioner Hall inquired if it was $5 each time they visit the skateboard park. It was stated that it costs $5 a year. Ms. Steele indicated that the matter is getting the kids to sign a waiver and pay for the card. She noted that she can talk to the CVRPD and come up with something. The Commission thanked Mr. Hernandez for being present, and they appreciate the work he is doing. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 3 GiDevServiceslMonica LoiedolWord DatalPaiks6ReclMinutesi2008 Minutes'�520.08min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 Vlll. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. SAND REPLACEMENT Mr. Niemczak reported that the replacement of the sand in the volleyball courts has been completed. There is just one more load being dumped today to top it off. It could have been done earlier, but it takes time to move 900 tons of sand. He noted that the sand is the kind the users really like. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired how much it cost to replace 966 tons of sand. Mr. Niemczak replied that it cost $34,000 including labor. Ms. Steele commented that they are glad that they waited. Mr. Niemczak interjected that Staff requested a bid approximately two years ago when the building boom was up, and the bid was about $80,000. B. TRAIL SIGNS Mr. Niemczak informed the Commission that Staff has installed trailhead directional signs at Cahuilla Hills and Homme/Adams Parks. He also noted that they will be installing a kiosk at the trailhead behind the Target store. Ms. Steele commented that she knows that there has been a lot of concern with the Bump and Grind closing and the parking. She stated that she will bring a report to the next Commission meeting regarding parking and what Staff's conversations have been with the City of Rancho Mirage. C. HIKING CLUBS Ms. Steele stated that a couple of Commissioners requested that Staff provide information on local hiking clubs in the area. She noted that the first group listed (Coachella Valley Trails Alliance) is not a hiking club, but it is the group that is working on the trails valley wide. The other clubs listed are hiking clubs within the desert. She asked if anyone is interested in additional information to please let her know. Commissioner Barnard commented that his bookkeeper is a member of the Coachella Valley Hiking C1ub. He informed him that they have been lobbying the City of Rancho Mirage, but have given up. It is a done deal to close the Bump and Grind in Rancho Mirage, and it will be going to the City Council next month. The hikers are not happy about it, but have accepted the fact. The hikers know that Palm Desert has done a lot to 4 G",DevServicestMonica LoretloSWord DataSPa�ks8ReclMinutes�2008 Minutes�S20-08.min.obcx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 increase trails, and they appreciate it. They liked that the Bump and Grind in Rancho Mirage has a nice wide path compared to the other narrow- single path trails. D. UNIVERSITY PARKS PROGRESS Ms. Steele mentioned that Cal State San Bernardino is doing a big dedication for the Health and Science building in October, and the City is going to work in conjunction with them to dedicate the parks. There is going to be one big event on the north side of town in October. She did not have an exact date yet. She explained that Staff would have had to request a change order for the sod if they were to open the University Parks in June so they are looking at an October opening. Ms. Steele displayed several pictures of the University Parks. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel indicated the City gave Cal State $5 million for the Health and Science building, and noted that it will be named after the City. E. JUNE 3, 2008, COMMISSION MEETING Ms. Steele announced that elections will be held on June 3, 2008, which will take place in the Administrative Conference Room. Therefore, the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held in the Community Services Conference Room (Planning Conference Room). IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Ms. Steele if she wanted to comment on the basketball event on EI Paseo. Ms. Steele responded that it is on the next meeting agenda, and the CVRPD will have a presentation. She asked Mr. DeWitt if he wanted to make any comments. Mr. DeWitt commented that they have had discussions with the City of Palm Desert about holding the National Championship 3-On-3 Tournament to be held on EI Paseo. They are currently going through the approval process. He noted that he will be at the next meeting to give a presentation, and requesting the Commission's support. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Ford if he would like to comment on Mr. Jan Hagan and his report. Ms. Steele interjected that they will also be giving a presentation at the next meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel explained that it is regarding The First Tee, and a request for financial support to improve the clubhouse. 5 G1DevServiceslMonica Loiedo�Word DatalParksBRecVvfinutes12008 MinutesiS240B.min tlocx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 Mr. Stan Ford, CVRPD, stated that Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel is referring to The First Tee that is a golf program held at the golf center off Cook Street. His conversation with Councilman Kelly and City Staff was concerning funding for a remodel of the clubhouse. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel challenged him to go out and look for funds other than City money. He stated that he is currently working on it. Chairman Dawson stated that park inspections are due. He mentioned that there is a planning workshop coming up Thursday, May 22. Chairman Dawson, Commissioner Barnard, and Ms. Steele will be attending. There is still room in the car for one more person, if anyone else is interested in attending. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if the e-mailed packets worked okay for everyone, and if anyone had any problems. There were no problems reported so Chairman Dawson commented that the packet will continue to be e-mailed until further notice. Commissioner Housken mentioned that she likes to write notes on the agenda, and suggested that onfy the first finro pages are provided at the meeting. Chairman Dawson requested that the Commission begin thinking of meetings during July and August. He noted that the Commission only met once a month instead of twice during those months last year, and requested that Staff add this item to the next agenda. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission of the study session for the aquatic and community center is scheduled for May 29, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. She mentioned that the City Manager has requested information from Staff on costs on the amenities for the community center to provide to the City Council. She is preparing a report, and will provide the report to the Commission at the same time as the City Council. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the study session will include discussions on possible locations. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele if she is going to let the Commission know what locations they are considering. Ms. Steele responded that the only location she has been asked to look at are the Civic Center Park and the College of the Desert. Commissioner Guyer asked if that includes the driving range. Ms. Steele responded yes, but not the whole area. 6 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data'�Paik58RecVvlinutes12008 MinuteslS20-08.min.cbcz PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 20Q8 Ms. Steele stated that if the Commission had any other ideas for a focation to let her know. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that the College of the Desert is having their graduation on Friday at 7:00 p.m. on the football field. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that he just received the retail sales comparison for the fourth quarter that is 2006 versus 2007. He noted that almost every city in California was down. Palm Desert was down 3.2% from $4,614,000 to $4,267,000 (sales tax) with the whole county being down 6.6°l0. Ontario was down 2.1% that is unusual with Ontario Mills being there. San Bernardino was down 8.7% and Riverside was down 7.1%. He hopes that everything starts coming back so that the economy could get back in shape. He noted that the City does not have a whole lot of money to spend this year on extra items because the City is dedicated to not cutting police or fire. He commented that police have an automatic 5% increase this year, which is the City's number one expenditure. Mr. Tanner inquired if there were any areas in California that gained in sales tax. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that there was. He noted Beaumont, San Jacinto, and Coachella. There were some increases, but they were not in big cities. Commissioner Guyer asked if the budget for the next fiscal year is in place for Parks and Recreation. Ms. Steele responded that it has been proposed to the City Council, but Staff has not met with the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that the meeting is scheduled for June 2. Commissioner Guyer asked if there is any anticipation of the City Council changing the budget. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded no. He noted that funds for the aquatic and community center has already been set aside, which are Redevelopment dollars and not general fund dollars. But that it will take general fund dollars to staff the facility. Ms. Steele commented that City Staff was asked not come with any increases due to the economy. She noted that they are lucky not to be fighting for general fund money like other departments because the Parks and Recreation Department does have the park development fees that help with capital projects. 7 G:1DevServiceslMonica Loretlo�Word DatalPaiksBRecVvlinutesl2008 Minufes1S20.08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 20, 2008 Commissioner Hall inquired if they were within budget this year. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded yes, but next year the City may lose as much as $2 million. There is money in reserves. Commissioner Dash asked if the Commission will be making any recommendation on the aquatic center or do they participate in discussions. Ms. Steele responded that they will discuss what the Commission recommended for features in the community center and to move forward with an RFP. She reminded that Commission that it is for an aquatic and community center. Commissioner Guyer clarified that the Commission did not recommend a location. Ms. Steele noted that she will make it clear to the City Council. Chairman Dawson stated that it would be good for everyone to be at the study session. Ms. Steele commented that she met with College of the Desert regarding having softball/baseball youth sports final championship game on their new field. They thought it was a great idea, and they are currently working on a date. Ms. Steele announced that she has a user group meeting at the Community Center. There is going to be a challenge with scheduling all the fields with Cook Street being closed for two years. They will discuss where they are going to schedule everyone. She will bring a report back to the Commission regarding those discussions. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Hall, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 a.m. C������; Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary s G IDevServiceslMonica Loredo�Woro DatatParks6RecVvlinutes12008 MinuteslS20.0B.min.docx