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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS & REC CMSN - 03/18/08 �� �•.� � CITY OF PALM DESERT ��T�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � _ MINUTES , MARCH 18, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER � Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:32 a.m. � � U II. ROLL CALL 4�-+ � w O Present: Excused Absence: , � �' Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Julie u s n � Vice Chair Michael Barnard at 8:34 Commissioner Ter c u a ,� Commissioner Phill Babcock (Schukart & Munso n A � Commissioner Roger Dash A �� Commissioner Randy Guyer H w .� Commissioner Deborah Hall � o � � Commissioner Kim Housken •• .a., o ,� � -� t� ; 3 Staff Present: � �� � � Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tempore ,� � .�, Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services ,� \v ;� ' � „ � Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager � _ � � ,- ' �� � � o Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager � A A � o� A �, Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary � � � �?� � H w � � � � [� •.� r'H R'v k70 k:^� t/! U1 W E-+ H CJ) III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES H a t� � �a w �n cr� rx -� U � � � � � � � � o A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2008 Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of February 19, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Barnard and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT. (Munson & Schukart on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Prom Tem Spiegel commented that there were over 700 kids in the park on Saturday, March 15, for the opening day of baseball and softball. He stated that Don Sutton and the 29 Palms Marine Band were present 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 along with a fly over. He noted that the park was full and hardly any parking available. He congratulated Ms. Steele for putting it together. Ms. Steele interjected that it was a team effort. Chairman Dawson added that it was an exciting day for the kids. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CALIFORNIA CHILDREN'S BILL OF RIGHTS Discussion and recommendation for the City of Palm Desert to endorse and participate in supporting the California Children's Bill of Rights. Ms. Steele stated that she attended a roundtable at the California Parks and Recreation Society conference regarding the California Children's Bill of Rights. The topic was kids staying inside too much and not getting enough exercise, which has increased the health risks of children in America. An initiative was developed that can be passed throughout California with the support from the cities. She mentioned that she has brought it up to the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District Advisory Board because she felt it should be something that could be done valley wide. The District is also in support of the California Children's Bill of Rights. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they felt it is a worthwhile effort, if so, Staff would like to move forward with a game plan. Staff would also like to provide information on where kids can go for activities, and get the school districts involved. Ms. Steele stated July would be a good month to bring it forward to the City Council since it is National Parks and Recreation month. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they had any questions or comments. Commissioner Guyer inquired why there are not very many entities involved. Ms. Steele responded that it is relatively new. Commissioner Hall asked if there is a budget and if Staff knew what the cost would be for the program or how it is going to be done. Ms. Steele responded that there would be costs for marketing materials. She noted that the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District and the Family YMCA are already meeting a lot of the needs. It is a matter of getting the information out and getting kids involved. Staff also needs to work with the 2 G:�DevServicesU�fonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutesl2008 Minutes�3-18-08 min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 school districts for after school programs. Ms. Steele indicated that she has talked to the City's partners, and they are in support of the program. Commissioner Housken commented that getting kids outdoors and active is a positive thing. She indicated that fifth graders go to a science camp, and understands that Staff will be meeting with the school district. She noted that she was curious about "Celebrate their heritage." Ms. Steele replied that she could get more information. Ms. Housken answered that it was not necessary, she was just curious. Commissioner Guyer moved to present to the City Council in June the concept of the California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, along with a request for a July National Parks and Recreation Month proclamation. Commissioner Housken seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT (Munson and Schukart on LOA) B. P�TANQUE Discussion and recommendation to build a p�tanque court at Hovley Soccer Park. Mr. Niemczak reported that this item was brought forward to the Commission before by Mr. Gerard Canabou, President of the Petanque Association of the Desert. He explained that petanque is the French version of lawn bowling. Approximately a year ago, Mr. Canabou had inquired if the City could build a petanque court at the date grove field. Staff is currently uncertain of the future of that field. Staff met with Mr. Canabou at the south parking lot of the Soccer Park (desert area). Mr. Niemczak stated that a community garden will be installed in the future, but that on the corner there is enough space to install a petanque court. He stated that Mr. Canabou is pleased with the area, and hopes that the Commission would give the approval for Staff to proceed to build a petanque court at Hovley Soccer Park. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked what needs to be done to build the court. Mr. Niemczak responded that the area would have to be leveled. The court is made of decomposed granite (DG) with wooden rows for the courts. Benches and shade structures would also be installed. Ms. Steele added that the group has been playing at the Civic Center Park by the playground. A group of 30 to 40 people play weekly, and all they need is DG. They hope to bring a nationa! tournament next year if there is a facility available. 3 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredoVWoid Data�ParksBReclMinufes12008 Minutes�3-18-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 Mr. Niemczak stated that if Staff is retrofitting the shuffle boards to make horseshoe pits, they could combine the construction for a better price. Commissioner Dash inquired if there is evidence that a petanque court is wanted by more than the 30 to 40 people. Mr. Niemczak replied that he believes the petanque group rivals the amount of people that play horseshoes. The petanque group number grows a little during the winter time, and Mr. Canabou has ties to the National Program. Commissioner Dash asked if Staff has any feeling to one or the other. Ms. Steele responded that Staff had designed something in the date grove area that included petanque courts. The project has been put on hold due to other things that have been happening. For that reason, Staff recommended utilizing the area at the Soccer Park since it is already leveled. An older group would be using the area so they would not disrupt the neighbors. Mr. Niemczak added that lawn bowing was in the original design of the date grove field, but that there is more of a demand for petanque. Ms. Steele mentioned that most of the petanque players are local and not just seasonal. Commissioner Housken asked if petanque would interfere with the community garden. Mr. Niemczak replied no. Commissioner Guyer clarified if the garden would be on the west end along the wall. Mr. Niemczak responded yes. The petanque court would be where the sales trailer used to be located in the parking area on the corner. Chairman Dawson asked if lights would be needed. Mr. Niemczak replied not at this time. The group only plays during the day. Chairman Dawson inquired if the Parks and Recreation Department builds the community garden. Ms. Steele responded that the City builds the community gardens, but it is done by a different department with support from Parks and Recreation. Chairman Dawson asked if the community garden would be included in the contract. Mr. Niemczak replied no. Vice Chair Barnard commented that bocce ball courts were part of the date grove design, and asked if it has been left behind for now. Mr. 4 GIDevServices`Jvfonica LoredolWord DafalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutesl3-1&08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 Niemczak answered that the original design was for bocce ball and petanque, but that there has not been a demand for bocce ball. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if petanque could be used for bocce ball. Mr. Niemczak responded that it could. The dimensions are just a little different. Chairman Dawson asked which court is larger of the two, bocce ball or petanque. Mr. Niemczak replied that it depends on how many lanes are installed. He believes the bocce ball courts are longer. Commissioner Hall asked Staff if they had any idea on how much it would cost. Mr. Niemczak replied approximately $30,000. Vice Chair Barnard requested an estimate to be brought back to the Commission. Staff replied that they will. Commissioner Housken asked if there is a shade structure where they play now. Mr. Niemczak replied that they use the shade from the trees. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there is water going to the area. Mr. Niemczak replied that there is irrigation water. Commissioner Dash moved to continue discussion until Staff returns to the Parks and Recreation Commission with an estimate for the cost for the development of a petanque court at Hovley Soccer Park. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT (Munson and Schukart on LOA). Commissioner Babcock asked for a status on the handball courts and picnic area. Ms Steele responded that Staff has somewhat of a design. Staff was holding off pending on the outcome of the community center. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel informed the Commission that the community center is not dead. The community center is going to be discussed at a study session. He stated that it would not make sense to build handball courts in the area where a community center might be located. Commissioner Babcock communicated that he was more concerned with the picnic area. Ms. Steele reaffirmed that Staff has held off on the project until they know the outcome of the community center. 5 GIDevServicesUNonica LoretlolWo�O DatalParksBReclMinutes�2008 Minufesl3-18-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. HORSESHOE PITS AT HOVLEY SOCCER PARK Discussion and recommendation to build all the new horseshoe pits regulation size. Commissioner Guyer moved to add to the agenda to change the design of the horseshoe pits at Hovley Soccer Park. Commissioner Housken seconded to the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT. (Munson and Schukart on LOA) Commissioner Guyer inquired if the players will still be able to move up to use the pitching areas. Mr. Niemczak replied that they will construct an extended pitching platform so that the players could still play at a shorter distance. Commissioner Guyer commented that he cannot picture how the platform will be constructed. Mr. Niemczak explained that there is a concrete edge around the pitching area, so they will just extend the edge a little further. Chairman Dawson asked if someone is pitching a shoe short, will it bang on the concrete. Mr. Niemczak replied that the concrete will be on the outside of the area. Commissioner Dash moved to make all new horseshoe pits at Hovley Soccer Park regulation size with a shorten platform. Commissioner Housken seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Corr�missioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT (Munson and Schukart on LOA). Chairman Dawson returned to Reports and Updafes; Item G. Park Updates VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. CAHUILLA HILLS PARK BIKE RACK Mr. Niemczak reported that Staff has received requests for a bike rack at Cahuilla Hills. He stated that Staff has purchased and installed a bike rack. Pictures were included in the agenda packet. 6 G'�DevServicesUAonica Lo�edolWord DatalParksBRecVrlinutes12008 Minutesl3-78-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 B. INSTALLATION OF CONCRETE CURBING Mr. Niemczak explained that there is a natural area at Haystack Park that includes a dirt path that leads to a drinking fountain and a park bench. The dirt path was edged with redwood bender board, which has fallen apart. Staff installed concrete curbing to neaten the area and a little more maintenance free. Pictures have been included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Babcock inquired about parking by the church. Mr. Niemczak replied that he has to talk to the church. Ms. Steele interjected that the church is in a different area. Chairman Dawson asked if the area should be noted by signage, he is not sure how many people know about it. Mr. Croy interjected that the area is a landscape and lighting district that somehow moved into a park. It is still a district, and is maintained with tax dollars. He noted that it is a tricky one, and not really a park. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel noted that people use it to walk their dogs. C. PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF Ms. Steele stated that for the next few meetings she is going to introduce the Park Inspectors so that the Commission can meet them. She introduced Ricardo Torres, Parks Maintenance Supervisor. She mentioned that Mr. Torres has been with the City for eight and a half years. Before working with the City, he worked for Valley Gardening Service as a contractor that maintained the City's parks. Eventually, the City hired him away from Valley Gardening. She noted he started with the City as a Maintenance Worker I, Maintenance Worker II, Senior Maintenance Worker to Parks Maintenance Supervisor. In addition, he has received several certifications since being with the City. She briefly listed Mr. Torres' job duties. Commissioner Hall commented that she has walked through all the parks, and mentioned that it is mind boggling thinking of all the sprinklers, and joked that there are 100,000 sprinkler heads out there. It is a huge job. The Commission thanked Mr. Torres for his work. D. PALM DESERT YMCA Ms. Steele reported that she included in the agenda packet information from The Family YMCA regarding upcoming camps during Spring Break. � G:�DevServiceslMonica LoiedolWord DatalParks&RecVvlinutes�2008 Minutesl3-18-08.min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel announced that on Saturday, March 22, at 9:00 a.m. there is going to be an Easter Egg Hunt at the Civic Center Park that is being put together by the YMCA. He mentioned that Mr. Ballew was kind enough to give each person on the City Council a golden egg. He noted that he has not received one. Mr. Ballew interjected that he is going to talk to someone about it. Ms. Steele also announced that there is going to be a Healthy Kids Day following the Easter Egg Hunt. Mr. Ballew noted that the Healthy Kids Day will go on until 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Hall inquired if the kids get candy in their eggs. Mr. Ballew responded no. He explained that the kids look for the eggs in the park, and they return the eggs in exchange for a bag with fruit, some candy, and information on nutrition. They are then taken on a tour of all the different activities with their families. Mr. Ballew announced that The Family YMCA is offering free swim lessons for middle and high school students. He mentioned that they have a great list of volunteers to teach the kids. They are all certified instructors. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Ballew if they had a lot of people signed up for the swim lessons. Mr. Ballew responded that they do not have as many as they had hoped. They currently have 40 people enrolled. He noted that they have gone to schools, sent out pamphlets, posted on schools daily bulletins, and attended assemblies. He explained that kids are a little shy about the lessons, but that the YMCA has offered a $500 cash prize if students make it four days out of the five. The important thing is teaching them how to swim. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele if she is involved. She responded that she was one of the first to volunteer; however, it is the same week of the National Recreation and Parks Aquatic Conference. In the future, she would be happy to help. Mr. Ballew stated that they might offer the swim lessons to the same group in the summer. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Ballew if they talked to the school principals. He replied yes, and that the school district is 100% for it. s GiDevServiceslMonica Loredo�Word DatalPaiksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes�3-18-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 E. GENERAL PLAN: PARKS & RECREATION ELEMENT Ms. Steele stated that she has provided a copy of the Parks and Recreation element from the General Plan. She wanted to remind the Commission of the plan, and that they need to consider beginning work on a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. She was also thinking of another citizen survey, which should be done about every three years. It might be a good idea to do it all at the same time in the spring as a citizen's survey is usually part of a master plan. Commissioner Guyer referred to page 57 and last paragraph of the agenda. He read, ". . . established the standard of 5 acres of parkland per 1,000 persons. . ." He noted that he thought it had been changed to five acres of developed parkland, and requested Staff to check if it has been changed. Ms. Steele responded that she would. He thought it was changed because the City did not want them to consider open area as parkland and restrict future parks because of that. Commissioner Guyer also referred to page 66. He asked what CSSB is. Ms. Steele replied it is Cal State San Bernardino. Commissioner Guyer asked one last question and referred to page 67, Policy 5. He read, ". . . to fund the purchase, improvement, and maintenance of the of the City park system, in accordance with the Quimby Act." He inquired if parts of the Quimby Act can be used for maintenance. Ms. Steele replied no. Commissioner Barnard noted that Freedom Park was originally to open in 2003. Ms. Steele remembers receiving calls in 2005 from people inquiring when the park was going to open. Chairman Dawson recommended to the Commission to pursue getting to know the existence of the Parks and Recreation element. The Commission needs start thinking of what they really need to know to exam the element and where do they get that information. In addition, what kind of vision does the Commission have for the future that is different from the current element? He commented that the Commission may want to consider forming a committee in the next few weeks to exam those questions. The questions will help with the survey. F. HORSESHOE PITS Ms. Steele reported that Staff received calls concerning the horseshoe pits size after it was published in the newspaper. Staff thought it would make 9 G1DevServicesVNonica LoredolWord DatalPa�ks8ReclMinutes�2008 Minutes�318-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 sense to make them all regulation size and install shorter pitching areas. People that are using them now could still use them, but then they would also be built for people that want to play on regulation size pits. She noted that the recommendation from the Commission was to build one regulation and not the others, Staff decided to bring it back to the Commission to make them all regulation size. She disclosed that this item should have been added to Unfinished Business of the agenda, and apologized for the error. Ms. Steele stated that the Commission will need to motion to add this item to Unfinished Business. Please see Un�nished Business for added item to the agenda. G. PARK UPDATES Ms. Steele reported that Staff has provided some updates on items that have been brought forward at a previous Commission meeting. The walking distances at Freedom Park is .85 mile, 1.37 kilometers and Hovley Soccer Park is .68 mile or approximately 1 kilometer. She noted that Mr. Niemczak is working on installing signs with that information. Ms. Steele stated that Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel had informed the Commission at a previous meeting that there has been vandalism to resident's yards at Hovley Soccer Park, and Staff was going to look into the lighting. She explained that the path lighting that goes along the perimeter have been turning off at 11:00 p.m. Staff has adjusted the timing on the lights so that they remain on throughout the night. She commented that she has not received any feedback from the residents. Commissioner Guyer asked if the complex has a management team that City Staff can talk to for feedback. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that no news may be good news. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that there is no access on the Rutledge side at Lincoln Middle School. Staff will proceed with the installation of the gate after meeting with school officials. Commissioner Barnard commented that he was recently at Freedom Park at sun down, and he noticed kids using the playground equipment. He stated that there is no direct lighting down into the playground area, and it seemed to be one of the busiest areas. He inquired if lighting is something that has been thought about or looked into. He believed there could be some danger for the kids. Mr. Niemczak responded that Staff is working 10 G IDevServicesWlonica Loredo�Word DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes�3-1&08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 on lighting for the playgrounds, and will make a note concerning Freedom Park. Commissioner Barnard also mentioned that there was a softball tournament the night he was there, and the screens on the foul lines are pretty low. He mentioned that there was a batter that hit three balls into the skate park area. The kids skating were dodging the balls. He suggested Staff looking into higher screens. Commissioner Barnard inquired if some of the skate features were removed. Mr. Torres responded that they installed some bolts so that the features could not be moved, but the kids still managed to take them apart. Staff is requesting quotes to install concrete so they cannot be moved. Chairman Dawson noticed while at Freedom Park one day, there were young kids befinreen the ages of four and five with their mothers sitting on the grass watching them. There were about ten young kids playing in the skate park with their skateboards. He commented that they were having a grand time going up and down. It seems like that age group is their market, and that they did not move any equipment. H. PARK INSPECTIONS Chairman Dawson stated that the park inspections should have been turned in today or tomorrow. Inspections are turned in midmonth so that Staff can include a report at the end of the month. He asked the Commission if they had any questions or comments. Commissioner Housken commented that she was surprised how quickly Staff responded to the corrections. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel thanked the Commission for doing the park inspections because it is a way of keeping on top of the parks. He stated that the City appreciates it. Ms. Steele added that the Park Inspectors look everyday at the parks, but when you look at them everyday things may be missed. Mr. Niemczak also mentioned that the Park Inspectors are looking through maintenance eyes and the Commission is looking through users eyes. Commissioner Dash commented he continues to be impressed with the beauty of Freedom Park, which was his last assignment. He mentioned that the table tops are painted white, and that white shows all the stains. 11 G:1DevServicesV�tonica Loredo�Wo�d Oata�Paiks8ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1318-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 He suggested painting the table tops a darker color. He noted that pressure washing is a good idea. Mr. Niemczak responded that he will talk to Mr. Chris Giannini, the architect, to find out if he has any suggestions, maybe there is a type of epoxy that can be used. Commissioner Hall noted that she had written chewed up on her sheet, and that it was not charred for the benches. She stated that she would write clearer next time. Ms. Steele apologized for the error. Commissioner Hall also noted that had she written there were a lot of loose dogs and poop, and not loose dog poo. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if there is a penalty that can be imposed on someone that does not have their dog on a leash in an area where it should be. Ms. Steele responded that it is a common enforcement issue for animal control, which goes through the citation process. She explained that they work with the Park Ambassadors, and they work with animal control. She mentioned that they get frustrated because people put their dog on a leash, but as soon as they walk away they take them off their leash again. Mayor Pro Tem asked how often animal control visits the parks. Ms. Steele replied that they sporadically visit four times a month or as needed if Staff gives them a call. Mr. Croy interjected that he has had discussions with Ms. Steele on ideas regarding Park Ranger versus Park Ambassador. A ranger actually has the authority to cite someone versus the ambassador asking someone to stop. There is a difference in strength, but it also requires a higher level person that is certified to cite someone for a misdemeanor. He stated that the position would have to be considered as part of the whole Parks and Recreation program, which could become permanent employees or ask the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District to hire rangers that are certified to cite. He indicated that it is a question that would change the budget. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel remarked that the City has to solve the problem. Commissioner Hall asked if the Park Ambassadors can be given a piece of paper with literature that they can give to the people. Ms. Steele interjected that they do. The Park Ambassadors give them the City's dog park fliers that include the ordinance, laws, and where they can take their animals to be off leash. She noted that the brochure was developed for that reason. 12 G:�DevSe�vicesVNonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes�318-08 min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 Mr. Croy recommended for Staff to consider looking at costs for increasing that service to the City. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel suggested bringing it back to the next meeting, and invite Mr. Hart Ponder, Code Enforcement Manager, to explain what they are doing now. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson stated that the City Council met to consider a staff report for the approval of the community and aquatic center components. The Council voted 2-3 to not accept the Commission's recommendation. The City Council has requested a study session. He mentioned that the Council had a problem with the price tag, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that Councilman Kelly was most enthusiastic about the proposal as was he. The price was a problem for two Councilmembers, and he was not sure about the third member. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel indicated that Councilman Ferguson is still interested in doing something at College of the Desert (COD). Although, he is not sure that will ever happen. Commissioner Guyer asked when the study session is. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied that he did not know. He mentioned that he is meeting with the City Manager at 10:00, and that he would ask him then. Mr. Croy communicated that the City Manager needs to meet with COD, which he has not done yet. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there has been any feedback from the disc golf people, and if they are still pretty active. Ms. Steele replied very much so. She noted that they had a tournament in the beginning of February, and it was very well attended. The group is still out there and still using it on a regular basis. Commissioner Guyer asked if there have been any conflicts with soccer. Ms Steele answered no. She mentioned that soccer season is always a challenge. Disc golf is currently scheduled for Saturday and Sunday nights when soccer is not going on. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that Vice Chair Barnard put on a very successful fashion show on March 17. Vice Chair Barnard added that it was his second biggest fundraiser. 13 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoiedolWord DafalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutesl3-1&08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 200$ Commissioner Babcock mentioned that he received a call concerning bike lanes yesterday, and requested more information. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel explained that the City has received requests for additional bike lanes in the City. Eventually there will be bike lanes from Washington Street to Monterey along the railroad track. In the meantime, there are other roads in the City that can take bike lanes that do not have them; one road is Highway 74. Highway 74 was controlled by the State, but that recently the City has taken control up to the end of City lines. He then talked to Mr. Croy about installing bike lanes on Highway 74, and at the same time, they looked at other places where there could be bike lanes. He stated that there will be approximately ten miles of bike lanes in the City within the next couple of months. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that there will be more information in the next Parks and Recreation Commission packet. Ms. Steele announced that the palapa at the top of Homme/Adams Park was burned over the weekend. She believes that some people were caught. Mr. Niemczak indicated that he is following up with the Police Department to get their report. Ms. Steele announced that the Arbor Celebration is scheduled for April 8, at Palm Desert Middle School. She mentioned that they would really like to have someone from the Commission to say a few words, and asked if anyone wanted to volunteer. Commissioner Hall replied that she would volunteer. Commissioner Babcock voiced that he hopes that the City does not have more foreman than they have people working. He asked if all the workers listed are supervisors. Mr. Niemczak replied no. He noted that Mr. Torres is a Supervisor and the other four workers are Park Inspectors. The Park Inspectors answer to Mr. Torres. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that there are some companies have more people sitting than working. Ms. Steele reassured the Commission that none of them are ever sitting. She clarified that three of the workers are assigned to parks, and one is assigned to irrigation. As mentioned earlier, that is too much irrigation for one person, but he is a specialist. She communicated that they are working on training all the workers so that they can understand the irrigation better. 14 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPaiks8ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl3-18-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 18, 2008 Commissioner Babcock inquired if there is a way to pick up very small pieces of broken glass. He asked if there is a way to request for people to pick up the broken glass. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is a good idea, but feels that it will be the same situation as the pet problem and how do you enforce it. Commissioner Guyer commented that most of the beaches along the coast have no glass. It is possible to do it if you train people. Mr. Niemczak announced that Staff has selected two playground providers for the Community Park playground. The committee is undecided between the two, so they have asked the two providers to come in for an interview. He asked the Commission if anyone would like to volunteer to sit on the interview panel, please let Ms. Steele or Mr. Niemczak know if they are interested. Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Torres for attending the meeting and for his good work. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Dash, the meeting was adjourned at 9:39 a.m. , \ Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 15 G:VDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPaiksBReclMinutes1200B Minulesl3-18-08.m�n.docx