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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS & REC CMSN - 01/23/08 , ..rr��;e . 'y'�j�. ,,...=,c��. � �Yi CITY OF PALM DESERT ����� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Guyer convened the meeting at 8:39 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence: Chairman Randy Guyer Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Phill Babcock (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Gerald Dawson Absent: Vice Chair Terry Schukart Commissioner Daniel Barnes Commissioner Roger Dash Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Councilmember Homer Croy, ACM fon Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 20, 2007 Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of November 20, 2007, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Babcock and carried by a 4-0 vote with Vice Chair Schukart, Commissioners Barnes, Dash, and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) CITY COi�NCI� ACTYOrii: �PROV�D , DENIED Y3EC�IVED f i P ___ OTHER MS}3TING D��`E --�-I -- AYES: � � � �. i�' Dh NOES: ' s A�S ENT e_�,�� ABSTAIN: �,��, VERIFIED B�Y: r Oriqin�l on File with, ity Clerk's Office PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM DECEMBER 4, 2007 Commissioner Dawson requested to remove his comment regarding shuffle boards on page 15 of the minutes. He stated that was not what he meant to comment. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of December 4, 2007, were approved with Commissioner Dawson's request. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Babcock and carried by a 4-0 vote with Vice Chair Schukart, Commissioners Barnes, Dash, and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) C. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM DECEMBER 18, 2007 Commissioner Dawson requested to remove his comment thanking Mr. Spiegel for the dates on page 27 of the minutes. He stated that he did not make that comment. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of December 18, 2007, were approved with Commissioner Dawson's request. Motion moved/seconded by Babcock/Dawson and carried by a 4-0 vote with Vice Chair Schukart, Commissioners Barnes, Dash, and Munson ABSENT. (Munson on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, announced that on March 22, 2008, the YMCA will combine the Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day. He noted that last year they had over 500 kids in attendance for the Easter Egg Hunt. With adults, attendance was close to 1,000. He mentioned for Healthy Kids Day, they had approximately 300 in attendance. There will be lots of activities to bring families together. He mentioned that the YMCA is working with Mr. McLaughlin, Ronald Reagan School Principal, to utilize some of the classrooms and multi- purpose rooms during the summer. That would give the YMCA a whole new area for summer camps and activities. Mr. Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), thanked those persons that made it to the First Tee grand opening. Programming has started, and they have approximately 45 kids enrolled with a capacity of 60. They are also in the process of hiring new people for coaching and teaching the First Tee program. He mentioned that there has been great participation from the Coachella Valley Unified School District. 2 G�IDevServicesVMonrr.a LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinufes12008 Minutes'•.1-23-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 He noted that Mr. George Lopez was present for the First Tee grand opening. Mr. DeWitt reported that CVRPD is working with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to bring the first ever outdoor NBA basketball game to be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The basketball game is scheduled for October 11, 2008. In addition with the NBA game, they are hoping to bring a 3 on 3 basketball championship tournament and a concert during that same weekend. Chairman Guyer asked what the benefit to the NBA game is. Mr. DeWitt responded that it is all PR and television coverage. Chairman Guyer inquired what time the game would start. Mr. DeWitt replied that it would be a night game starting at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. Councilman Spiegel asked Mr. DeWitt if he knew what were going to be the price for tickets. He answered that they would cost anywhere from $10 to $500 with the $500 tickets being courtside seats. Councilman Spiegel asked if First Tee has grants available or how is the district funding the program. Mr. DeWitt responded that CVRPD is funding most of it, but they are working with some golf agencies for funding. He commented that one of the Executive Director's main jobs is fundraising for the program. Chairman Guyer recalls that there was going to be initial funding, and something else was going to kick in later. Mr. DeWitt indicated that the district is committed to supporting the program for a few years. Once the program starts raising their own money, the district funds will start to dwindle. Councilman Spiegel suggested approaching other cities in the valley. Mr. DeWitt communicated that the district has arranged for the Coachella Valley Unified School District to contract with the First Tee and CVRPD to take the program into fourteen elementary schools as part of the curriculum. The training would take place for school staff and CVRPD staff in February. Equipment would be brought into the schools for them, and the kids would be introduced to the nine core values that First Tee embellishes. Mr. Ford commented that they are going to introduce the program to other school districts. Councilman Spiegel commented that it sounds excellent. 3 G IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DataiParksBReclMinutes12008 Minu�es'�t-23-08 rnin docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 V. PRESENTATIONS A. VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE GRANDVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER This item was continued to the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting by Chairman Guyer due to Commissioner Dash being absent. Commissioner Dash had requested to view the tour. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2008 Nominations and appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for 2008. This item was continued to the next subsequent Parks and Recreation Commission meeting by Chairman Guyer due to a couple of Commissioners being absent. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. CITY STRATEGIC PLAN (ORAL REPORT BY COUNCILMAN SPIEGEL) Councilman Spiegel reported that the City Council along with Executive Management met for two days at the Marriott hotel. The objective of the meeting was to discuss which direction the City is going take for the next few years. He explained that it was quite an experience, and hopefully it got everyone on the same page. He went over some of the items they discussed. Councilman Spiegel stated that the first thing the group decided on was a mission statement, which is as follows: "The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainab/e services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the community." Following is the vision statement: "By 2013, the City of Palm Desert will be recognized as a world-class destination for tourism, and a leader in energy efficiency and recreation for the community." 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParksBReclMinules12008 Minutesl f-23-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 Following are the core values: Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility Exemplary Customer Service Teamwork Honesty and Integrity Creativity and Innovation Leadership Accessibility Councilman Spiegel continued to communicate that they discussed the City's strengths and weaknesses. He read a few of the strengths: financially stable, excellent customer service, strategic location, great parks, best storm drain system, Desert Willow, involving the community in committees and programs, people are proud to live in the City, excellent place to work, great dog parks, hillside protection ordinance, recycling programs, art in public places, EI Paseo, excellent landscaping, free ambulance service, concerts and movies in the park, community gardens, and attracting higher education. He continued with the weaknesses: no public pool, lack of an adequate indoor fitness center, poor relationship with CVRPD, lack of entertainment opportunities for young adults, no hotel at Desert Willow, lack of another destination resort, and restricted ingress into the City from I-10. Councilman Spiegel commented that one of the negative external factors was earthquake preparedness. He listed a few of the three-year goals of the City, which are: complete an indoor recreation center with a pool, market the City internationally, planning of Phase II of the Westfield Center to include high-end stores, create a parks and recreation program, improve and create new bike trails, create and implement an emergency preparedness program, meet and exceed energy conservation goals, complete a hotel and third golf course at Desert Willow, complete construction of Portola/I-10 interchange, improve parking facilities throughout the business district, maintain financial stability, and be recognized in energy conservation. He stated that on the second day of their meeting, they worked on taking five goals that the City is going to zero-in on for the next three years. The first was to complete an indoor recreation center with a pool. He informed the Commission that the plans for a pool at College of the Desert (COD) will probably go down the drain. The group discussed a location, and they are 5 GIDevServ�ceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12008 Minu(esl t-23-08 min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 thinking of combining the YMCA and CVRPD buildings, and have the pool and recreation all in one area. He noted that the group did not discuss who is going to run it. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission are going to work on this project. On May 31, 2008, the Assistant City Manager for Development Services will have to develop and present to the City Council for action a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and the financial resources for developing a multipurpose recreation center with a pool. And on July 1, 2008, the Assistant City Manager for Development Services with the input from the Parks and Recreation Commission will identify recreational partners (e.g., YMCA and CVRPD) and a location for the recreational center with a pool and present to the City Council for action. He communicated that hopefully by July, everyone will be on board. Councilman Spiegel communicated that there will be a monthly follow-up process with the status that will go to the City Council. He listed the other goals. He mentioned that the planning, financing, and commencing construction of Phase II of the Westfield Center to include high-end stores was a goal. It was noted that Nordstrom's opening date has been pushed back again. Councilman Spiegel commented that the City is going to approach Westfield, and that they City is not going to wait for them to approach the City. This goal will go through the same follow-up process. Councilman Spiegel stated that the third goal is to design and begin construction of a hotel at Desert Willow. The next goal is to maintain financial stability. He noted that he found out that the City has over $67 million in reserves. That means if there were to be a major earthquake, the City would be able to operate for approximately a year and a half to get back on track. On a monthly basis, the City Council will be informed of where the reserve is currently at and what has happened. He noted that sales tax has gone done for the first time in a long while. One reason is the economy and competition. The last goal is to be recognized as a leader in energy efficiency, which is currently in the works. Councilman Spiegel asked the Commission if they had any questions. Chairman Guyer inquired about the time frame for the community center/pool. Councilman Spiegel replied that by July 1, 2008, the Commission has to inform the City Council of where the center is going to be located and what amenities are going to be in the community center. 6 G iDevSe�viceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutesll-23-08 min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 Mr. Croy explained that the level of responsibility was kept at the Assistant City Manager's level even though Ms. Steele will be the front person. It is the ACM's responsibility to ensure that the dates are met. Ms. Steele will still be completing the bulk of the work. He commented that they will begin to meet with Mr. Ballew and Mr. Ford regarding building a new facility and the possibility of inerging both buildings in the Civic Center Park. He noted that there are a lot of things to be considered in a short period of time. Chairman Guyer asked if they are looking at locating the new community center at the Civic Center Park. Mr. Croy replied yes. Chairman Guyer inquired about the 35 acres by Portola. Councilman Spiegel responded that if it is built out by Portola, nobody would go because it would be too far away. Mr. Croy interjected that the Council's feeling is that the Civic Center Park is more acceptable at this time. For that reason, City Staff would need to meet with all the parties to come up with an idea, set up a plan of action, and move it forward to the City Council for their consideration. Councilman Spiegel commented that one idea is to remove all the Tamarisk trees and create more parking. There are a lot of things that need to be looked at. Unfortunately, some things went down the drain like the pool at COD. Hopefully, there could be an agreement with COD allowing them to use the pool in the mornings. It was stated that a community center located near Portola is not being considered at this time, but it may in the future. Mr. Croy commented that there might have to be some reconfiguration of the Civic Center Park. But at this time, all players need to get on board and start from scratch. Commissioner Babcock asked where the Commission fits within the whole structure and when does the Commission start. Councilman Spiegel responded that the Commission fits in immediately and the Commission needs to decide what should go into the facility so it could be presented to the City Council. It would then be decided if it is all going to fit in the Civic Center Park. Mr. Croy reminded everyone that the goals are a three year plan with benchmark dates to report to the Council. His obligation to the City Council is to give them a status of the process. � G IDevServiceslMoroca LoredolWord OatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutesll-23-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 Chairman Guyer commented that the direction has changed, and the Commission needs to go back and find out if the things they discussed previously would work with the new direction, which is a community center and pool at the Civic Center Park. Commissioner Barnard noted that they previously discussed sports fields out in the north side, and lot of different things. Mr. Croy indicated that is not dead. Chairman Guyer interjected that it would effect what would be done at the Civic Center. If an aquatic center is built at the Civic Center, is the City going to need another one in the north side. He noted that the group discussed an aquatic center in case the aquatic center did not go through at COD. Mr. Croy commented that it all depends if the population grows in the Thousand Palms and County area. In the future they may need a recreational facility, and centralizing it in Palm Desert would be the way to go. Commissioner Babcock stated that they are working on a three year project, and they should start working on it soon. Chairman Guyer responded that the Commission will start working on it right away. He suggested scheduling a meeting with the same sub-committee that was working on the facility in the north side, and get started with the new direction. Members on the sub- committee are Commissioners Guyer, Schukart, and Barnard, and Mr. Tanner. It was mentioned that representatives from some of the sports groups were on the sub-committee, and that they no longer may have to be involved. Ms. Steele stated representatives from the YMCA, CVRPD, and the Senior Center may need to be included on the new sub-committee. Councilman Spiegel commented that the sub-committee may not need to meet with everyone at one time. The sub-committee could include them gradually and get their input. Mr. Tanner mentioned if someone from the Monterey Country Club homeowners' association should be included. It was stated that eventually they would be contacted, and that the new facility will not have much of an impact on them. s G:IDr.vServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data�ParksBReclMinutesV2008 MinulesN-23-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 Ms. Steele explained that an RFQ will help lead the process and address any issues. Chairman Guyer commented that the sub-committee will initially meet to discuss what will go into the new facility. Ms. Steele noted that a lot of items were listed and discussed at the previous Commission meeting, which is a good start. Chairman Guyer mentioned that the group discussed financial stability, he inquired if the group discussed other ways to maintain parks besides using general funds. Councilman Spiegel replied no. Ms. Steele communicated that one of the goals is to be financially stable. She is sure that the Finance Department is going to look at all departments to meet that goal. B. CITY OF PALM DESERT WEBSITE Ms. Steele reported that the new website is up and running. She noted that she included in the agenda packet copies of some of the web pages. Ms. Steele suggested for everyone to take a look at the website. She mentioned that soon there will be a map of City parks where you will be able to hover over any park and receive specific information. The Parks and Recreation Guide, dog park flier, and a number of other items can now be downloaded. She noted that people could contact the City through the website, and it also has links for other organizations. She asked the Commission if they see something that is missing from the website, to please let her know. Commissioner Dawson asked if there is way to tally hits on the parks section of the website. Ms. Steele responded that she would find out. Commissioner Bamard commented that he has looked at the website. He mentioned that parts of the website have improved, and there are other parts that are difficult to find information (e.g. housing). He commented that it took him a while to find the housing information he was looking for. Mr. Croy mentioned that each City department has the capability to make changes to the website. He suggested calling the department directly to let them know of corrections, changes, or suggestions. Ms. Steele commented that she will pass the message along to the right department. 9 G:IDevServiceslMomca LoredolWo�d Da(alParks6ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-?3-08 min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 Chairman Guyer inquired about the hiking trails map. Ms. Steele replied that the map can also be downloaded. C. US AIR FORCE BAND OF THE GOLDEN WEST Ms. Steele informed the Commission that on Sunday, February 17, at 3:00 p.m. the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West Concert Band will be performing in the Civic Center Park. Councilman Spiegel asked if there is going to be any advertising in the newspaper. Ms. Steele replied yes. It is going in the Bright Side, there will be press releases, and it is on the website calendar. In addition, the band is doing a little marketing themselves. She noted that it is free, and that the City is only providing the band with food. CVRPD is providing chairs. D. ANIMAL SAMARITANS WALK Ms. Steele mentioned that the Animal Samaritans are holding their gin Annual Walk on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. Animal Samaritans will have micro-chipping information, low-cost pet vaccinations, and provide adoption information. If it is not too hot, they will bring some animals. Councitman Spiegel asked if they work with the Animal Campus. Ms. Steele responded that they work together quite a bit, but that they are separate organizations. Chairman Guyer inquired if the Animal Campus is in Thousand Palms. Councilman Spiegel replied yes. D. MANAGEMENT PLUS Ms. Steele explained that Management Plus is a software program that will help track all of park assets. The system is currently being used at the Corporation Yard for the City's vehicle fleet maintenance. Staff is currently working on what should be tracked. Ms. Steele stated that the system will be able to track every item in the parks, and keep maintenance or replacement schedules if needed. The system could also be used for work orders. She noted that in the future, Staff will be able to track costs which will be helpful for budget purposes. Information on the parks will be easier to find with the new system, which will be nice and efficient for other people down the road. Commissioner Dawson asked how long it will take to gather all the information. Mr. Niemczak replied that it will take a few months. Ms. Steele 10 G IDevServ�ceslMonica Lo�edolWord Da(alParksBReclMmu(es12008 Minutesi1-23-08 min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 interjected that she hopes it will be completed by the next fiscal year which is July 1. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Guyer announced that there is Ethics Training scheduled on January 24, at Indian Wells. He mentioned that it is easy to do the training online if they cannot make it to the training. Ms. Steele noted that it does take a couple hours to complete. Ms. Loredo commented that the City Clerk's Office is arranging additional training sessions in April and May. Commissioner Babcock commented the City Council's retreat was one grand idea so that everyone is going in the same direction, and feels that other cities are going to try it. Councilman Spiegel forgot to mention that every six months the group will meet again to follow up on the goals or to add any new goals. Chairman Guyer requested an update of the Sports Festival. Ms. Adair responded that the festival is from February 7 through February 10. They currently have 635 athletes registered. Councilman Spiegel inquired how the number compares to the previous year. Ms. Adair responded that last year there were 1,044 participants. Ms. Adair noted that people still have till this upcoming Friday to register. She commented that everyone should have received an invitation to the dinner. The dinner is at Desert Willow, Friday, February 8, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. There will be a concert at the Civic Center Park Amphitheater on Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. The Herman's Hermits will be performing. Chairman Guyer asked if the presentation for pon Sutton is going to be done at the dinner. Ms. Adair replied yes. She added that the program will be out the following week, and will make it available for everyone. Chairman Guyer asked if there are any sports that are lagging behind in attendance. Ms. Adair responded that women's volleyball has low attendance with pickle ball growing. There are approximately 300 athletes out of the 635 playing pickle ball. She noted that women's softball was also low in attendance. 11 G IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutesll-23-08 mm docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 2008 Ms. Adair mentioned that there was some miscommunication with women's volleyball that there was another tournament. Some of the registration fees were changed so that fees were paid individually and not as a team so that it is fair for everybody. Chairman Guyer asked if there was any feedback on the registration fees being higher than they should be. Ms. Adair responded that they have had a little feedback. CVRPD is trying to keep the cost down to $35, which is consistent with all the other games in the state. She mentioned that the fee does include a dinner at Desert Willow, and it was made clear to them on the registration form this year. Chairman Guyer asked if it would be a good idea to extend the Shopper Hopper from EI Paseo to the Civic Center during the Senior Games. He thought it has been done in the past. He commented that a lot of spouses attend the games and might be a good idea. Ms. Adair responded that she could discuss it with Ms. Steele. She noted that she is meeting with Ms. Steele concerning routing the run to the north sphere instead of EI Paseo. Mr. Tanner asked if there is going to be a need to use Freedom Park for the games. Ms. Adair replied no, but it is a nice practice location to send people. Commissioner Dawson inquired about park inspections. Ms. Steele will include a nice reminder and schedule for the next agenda. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Barnard, seconded by Commissioner Babcock, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m. . n�'��� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G IDevServiceslMonir.a LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minuteslt-23-08 min.docx