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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 04/01/08 CITY OF PALM DESERT ��•�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � _ MINUTES . APRIL 1, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL r � L Present: Excused Absences: w Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Julie u s o Vice Chairman Michael Barnard Commissioner Terry c �n Commissioner Phill Babcock (Munson and Schuka n L ) :� Commissioner Roger Dash �, Commissioner Randy Guyer � Commissioner Deborah Hall `� Commissioner Kim Housken � �,� .� s�-s ��� •,-i Staff Present: "�' '-" r� �� � Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tempore .. � � � � '� Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services � � ��6 � Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager �� � r ,� Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager �� � -� Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant `� �@ � c`� F� .�_ 1 r� .;i rM. C..� ��'a . C '� {:,:: Ci III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None .� ti { _ � � s� ca ,� �. �, _, ow � c �, o� � �,�.� m t� � E+ s--� i�-� c:; IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS o +-+ E-+ •• •. F �v r�, -�-. Ha � � � Wi� tn � -�� Any person wishing to discuss any item not on the agende��ti� ��� � � � the Parks and Recreation Commission at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. This is the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on items not on the agenda. It should be noted that at the Parks and Recreation Commission's discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Commission. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 V. PRESENTATIONS A. ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT Ms. Janis Steele indicated that the issue of dogs in the parks has been discussed numerous times, and that at the last Commission meeting Staff was asked to invite the Code Enforcement Department to attend the next meeting. She introduced Mr. Pedro Rodriguez, Senior Code Compliance Officer, City of Palm Desert, and Mr. James Huffman, Riverside County Animal Control Officer. She stated that Mr. Rodriguez was present to give and overview of the contract with Riverside County and that Mr. Huffman was available to answer any questions that the Commission might have. Mr. Rodriguez explained that the contract with Riverside County for animal control services consists of one officer in the City to patrol for dog parks, residential neighborhoods, any emergency calls such as dogs left in vehicles, dogs running around schools, any type of animal control-related issue. Mr. Rodriguez indicated that Code Enforcement has a direct connection with the Animal Control Officer, who when called immediately responds to the call. In addition, if there are no calls pending, these officers look for unlicensed dogs, respond to complaints about vicious and dangerous dogs, take reports for dog bites and also noise disturbances with dogs that are being a nuisance at night. Mr. Rodriguez added that if the peace is disturbed by dogs, there is a process to handle that issue. In addition, the Animal Control officers run the animal shelter in Thousand Palms. They have an after-hours emergency process, and they also are checking the dog parks more often where there have been complaints about dogs that are aggressive toward other animals and people. He indicated that Mr. Huffman has been to Freedom Park and the Soccer Park just recently. Mr. Rodriguez introduced Mr. James Huffman. Mr. James Huffman, Riverside County Code Officer, informed the Commission that any calls received after 5:00 p.m. and before 8 a.m. are considered emergency response only, due to the fact that there is one Officer on duty for the entire Coachella Valley area: from the Salton Sea to Desert Hot Springs, the White Water Wash up to Chiriaco Summit off the I-10. Mr. Huffman indicated that after hours, officers only respond to emergency calls because that is the only type of calls that they can actually have time to respond to. For calls pertaining to loose dogs in the parks, they are directed to the responding officer during normal business hours. Typically officers try to spend as much time as they can in the parks. However, they are currently taking 20-25 calls for service per day 2 G:�DevServiceslMonica Lo�etloiWoitl DatalParks&ReclMinutes�2008 Minutes',47-08.min.dcex PARKS AND RECREATtON COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., which leaves officers only enough time to drive through the parks parking lots, and if they see a loose dog, the officer either writes a citation or gives the dog owner a warning if it is a first time they are caught. Mr. Huffman noted that officers are not able to sit at the park due to time constrains, but they are making a point of driving by the parks, and he is checking finro to three parks a day. Mr. Huffman welcomed questions from the Commission. Commissioner Hall asked about the fine structure for loose dogs. Mr. Huffman answered that it is $50 for the first offense, and doubles every time after that. Thus, the second time it would be $100 and the third time triples to $150. Mr. Rodriguez added that if there is an order to appear in court, the Court also imposes 170% penalty on top of fines. Typically a $50 penalty would result in 2-3 times that amount for added costs. Commissioner Babcock noted that the problem with loose dogs in the parks used to be in the early hours of the morning more than after 8:00 a.m. Ms. Steele answered that there are early morning problems with loose dogs in the parks, and when Staff receives reports about this, she communicates with Code Enforcement and Mr. Huffman, to set up Animal Control officers to check into the park where specific problems have been observed. Commissioner Babcock commented that other cities with dog parks may encounter the problem of large dogs let loose early in the mornings also. Mr. James Huffman indicated that he has observed that large breeds tend to be out in the early morning either at the baseball diamonds or at the soccer fields. Although it is understandable that dog owners want to use large areas where they can throw a tennis ball and their dogs can run after it, it does not make it acceptable. Vice Chair Barnard asked Mr. Huffman if he issues a citation or gives them a warning. Mr. Huffman answered that in most instances it is a warning if the person understands and is receptive to his comments; if the dog has been observed on previous occasions, or the dog owner does not listen to his recommendations, then a citation is issued on the first time. Ms. Steele added that Code Enforcement has been very helpful to Staff, and that Park Patrol has also been out to the parks trying to enforce the rules when possible, and at times people bluntly tell them, "thanks, you did your job, go away", and continue to leave their dogs off leash. Park Patrol takes descriptions of the dogs and Code will go there and cite the owner the first time, because they have been asked to put their dog on a leash 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica�oredolWord Data�Pa�ks&ReclMinutes�2008 Miwtes141-08.m�n.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 and ignored it. Staff, Code Enforcement and Animai Control officers try to support Park Ambassadors staff when they are out there doing their job, because they tend to be ignored more than anyone else when it comes to addressing this issue. Vice Chair Barnard asked if Park Ambassadors take pictures of the dogs or do they give a description. Mr. Pedro Rodriguez answered that they provide a description of the dog or point the person or the animal if they are still at the park. Code Enforcement will talk to the person or call Animal Control if necessary, but Code Enforcement staff tries to handle things at their level as much as possible. Chairman Dawson asked if Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Huffman work exclusively in Palm Desert, or do they work for other places also. Mr. Rodriguez indicated that he works for the City with Code Enforcement, and Mr. Huffman is the contract Officer for the County assigned to Palm Desert. Commissioner Babcock commented that on Monday he was by the baseball park early in the morning biking, and a lady was out there with her dog and she was not picking up after it. He mentioned to her that she should pick up after her dog, and he was admonished by her. Commissioner Housken asked Mr. Huffman if in addition of making dog owners aware of the off-leash regulations, does he direct them to the off- leash parks and their location. Mr. Huffman answered that he keeps a supply of the Parks and Recreation's dog brochure and he gives them to people as he talks to them to direct them to the right areas where they can go. Commissioner Hall asked if it is legai for dog owners to take their dogs to run off-leash in county areas or other open desert areas. Mr. Huffman replied that it is not. Dogs can be unleashed only in designated off-leash areas, and currently in the valley the only finro designated areas other than fenced dog parks, are here in the City of Palm Desert. Any area that falls into County's jurisdiction is subject to County's leash law that is essentially similar to the City of Palm Desert ordinance. Commissioner Hall commented that the Commission needs to find another way to try to resolve the issue, other than having one Code Enforcement Officer, and one County Animal Control Officer try to do this, because it seems near impossible to do it. She could not even imagine how the issue of off-leash dogs can be controlled at all. 4 GIDevServicesUNonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes1200B Minutes141-08.min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Commissioner Hall noted that the current flyers are very nice. She suggested making a flyer that was not as nice and hand it out to people, something like a notice on bright yellow paper, telling people "you are getting this notice because your dog is loose, and this is what happens if the Code Enforcement Officer or the Animal Control Officer sees you with your dog off leash, and something to the effect that parks are for people, and we have areas for dogs, but people come first. If we could hand this out without being so confrontational, perhaps Park Ambassadors could give it to people and ask them to read it and walk away. Commissioner Guyer asked if this would be more of an informative brochure for the public. Chairman Dawson asked if Park Ambassadors hand out flyers to people. Ms. Steele answered yes. They also hand out the flyers if they see people with their dogs off-leash, not watching their dogs, or not picking up after them. She indicated that several thousand dog flyers were printed less than a year ago, and Staff is ready to order more. The dog flyers have been used, but the flyer does not have information about fines for having dogs off-leash. Commissioner Hall suggested creating something that is literally a piece of paper that can be handed to people, something that is very direct. Chairman Dawson asked whether this item needed to be in both English and Spanish. Mr. James Huffman indicated that only in English. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Huffman how many citations does he write a week in Palm Desert. Mr. Huffman answered three to four a week. He indicated that the majority of his day involves delivering cat traps and picking up stranded animals. He spends his day answering calls for service; he does not write a lot of citations involving service calls. Commissioner Guyer asked if the citations are issued in the park, or if they are issued all over the City. Mr. Huffman said that they are issued throughout the City of Palm Desert. Commissioner Guyer inquired how many weekly citations are issued at the parks. Mr. Huffman said that maybe three or four a month. Mr. Huffman added that he issues more citations for unlicensed dogs, as he writes those all over the City. Commissioner Babcock asked Ms. Steele how other cities with dog parks handle this issue. Ms. Steele answered that they struggle just as much. She indicated that a lot of places do not allow dogs in the parks at all. She 5 GIDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksdRecVvlinutes12008 Minutes141-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 would not recommend that. Ms. Steele indicated that the places that do allow them struggle with this issue every day. She noted that the majority of the people are very appreciative of the dog parks in the city, and that the dogs can be in the parks because they are considered part of their family. Commissioner Babcock asked if other cities use other methods for patrolling, if they use their own police department, or if they use the County. Ms. Steele answered that depends on the city, but a lot of places tend to be larger county-type park systems or park districts, which tend to have park patrols. She indicated that Palm Desert is the only city in the valley that has Park Ambassadors that are actually out there patrolling around. Having Park Ambassadors puts the City one step ahead already, even though they do not have the ability to write citations. Ms. Steele agreed that perhaps the first step is to hand out information on the law and the fine structure, and maybe that will help along with the nice flyer. Ms. Steele added that another thing that might be useful would be getting park patrol and ambassadors to write citations for park-type violations, not only dogs, but other park-related violations as well. Commissioner Dash commented that the Commission has had some discussions about the health hazards about dogs and children playing in the same areas. He asked Mr. Huffman whether or not the County has any information that substantiates the belief that there is a serious health hazard, or is it just an assumption. Mr. Huffman answered that the only health hazard from dog waste other than a child putting it in his mouth and ingesting it, is to other animals. Dog waste can transmit diseases like parvo and distemper befinreen dogs, but this has no effects on children. He indicated that there is really not a concern or danger for humans. Mr. Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, indicated that the City Council and the City Manager changed the direction in how the City does services with the County, and instead of an annual contract they changed it to a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), with a 5-year sunset to be reconsidered. Each year Code Enforcement and Animal Control get together to discuss the level of service, whether it needs to increase or decrease based upon the previous year's actions. This allows for handling fluctuation on service based on actual needs. Commissioner Guyer noted that if the park ambassadors were given the same authority, there could be finro sources controlling the problem of unleashed dogs in the parks, rather than having just one person. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica Loredo',Word Data�ParksBReclMinutes',2008 Minutesl4-1-08.min dcex PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Mr. Croy indicated that park ambassadors are not at the same caliber of training and licenses and procedures. He indicated that Code Enforcement and Animal Control officers have to go to a class to be able to cite people. It is a P.C. 832 requirement. Commissioner Guyer asked if taking that class would be the only process the park ambassadors would need to complete in order to be able to cite dog owners. Mr. Croy indicated that in addition officers have to get continuing education to keep up with new laws. Furthermore, the amount that is paid to the CVRPD for park ambassadors compared to what the City pays the County for animal control is quite a bit different. He noted that CVRPD would also need to agree to have staff assume those duties. Commissioner Hall asked to make a motion. Chairman Dawson indicated that the item would need to be added to the agenda or it could be discussed next time. Commissioner Hall agreed to have it included in the next agenda. Commissioner Housken asked to see a copy of the dog brochure that is presently handed out. Ms. Steele said she would bring it at the next meeting. Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Huffman for the good job they are doing. Ms. Steele added that since Mr. Huffman came on board, Staff has received great response from the County. She thanked them as well. B. PARKS INSPECTOR — ERNIE OWENS Mr. Jay Niemczak introduced Mr. Ernie Owens, Park Inspector, as the irrigation guru of the parks. Mr. Niemczak stated that Mr. Owens has been involved with irrigation ever since he joined the City in 1990, which makes him the Inspector who has been with the City the longest. Mr. Owens has a pesticide license, a Class A driver's license, and he maintains records of other City employees who have pesticide licenses and submits those reports to the State along with all the training that staff has attended. He works with the computerized irrigation system Cal-Sense that is being installed in the City, and coordinates the training from Cal-Sense to other workers in the City so that they can understand it and operate it more efficiently. Mr. Niemczak added that the goal is to get Mr. Owens a little more out of the irrigation aspect and more into the supervision of the parks, so that he can be dedicated to a certain park and start inspecting it. 7 G�1DevServicesVvfonica LoredolWord Data'�ParksBReclMinutes12008 Minufes14-1-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Mr. Owen's knowledge of irrigation is invaluable and he was thanked for being with the City. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff is trying to have parks inspectors cross- trained in irrigation, making them experts as much as possible, and spread the parks responsibilities a little bit more. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if recycled water is used to irrigate parks in the City. Mr. Niemczak responded that currently recycled water is not being used. Freedom Park was designed to use recycled water but the pipes are not hooked up to the system, because the Water District has not made it available yet. Chairman Dawson asked for a status on CalSense, is it partially or totally deployed. Mr. Niemczak answered that it is installed in all the new parks, and Staff is retrofitting older parks. For example, it was installed at the soccer park, it is being installed at Haystack, and Public Works is installing into any new areas they are building. Ms. Steele added that other parks where CalSense is operational are: Civic Center, Freedom Park, Palma Village, and Ironwood is scheduled for next year as a retrofit as part of the five year capital plan. Mr. Niemczak said that it will also be installed in the University Parks. Vice Chair Barnard asked how much water is saved with CalSense systems. Mr. Niemczak answered that it varies, the systems monitors the water that is needed by the plants, so it depends on the weather and the plants. When water is scarce the system can monitor how much water the plant needs and so the amount of water used is efficient. Commissioner Hall noted that it saves water and probably saves landscaping too because the plants get the right amount of water. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked how much the water bill for the parks is. Ms. Steele answered that it depends on the park. She offered to bring the amounts of the water bill per park at the next meeting. She indicated that last year Staff started tracking the actual utility costs and she will bring a report indicating the operating costs per park. Commissioner Hall asked if the water that goes into the gutters goes back in the ground. Mr. Niemczak answered that the sewers in the park go to the wash, and it percolates. Mr. Croy explained that most of the water in the City goes into recharging the aquifer. The City has a lot of drywells, but the program has to be 8 G�DevServ�ceslMonica Loredo',Word DatalParks8ReclMinutes�2008 Minures�41-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 reviewed because at some point they saturate and they need to be relocated. There are a few storm drains throughout the City that were built since the flood. A storm drain was built in the south end that discharges into the channel to alleviate that problem and prevents it from happening again. Mr. Croy noted that at the other side of the sand dunes there is no storm water system in that area, which is under the jurisdiction of the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). Commissioner Babcock commented that he has seen broken glass. He wondered if the Commission could stress the use of plastic for everything. He expressed concern of someone getting hurt with glass at the parks. Mr. Niemczak answered that they could put some signs up to inform people about it. Commissioner Babcock noted that if there are too many signs people do not read them. He suggested that when people make reservations for the parks, they are made aware. Ms. Steele agreed. Commissioner Guyer asked if Mr. Owens handles irrigation for the parks only or the whole City. Mr. Owens answered that he handles parks and medians. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Owens about his two biggest pet peeves about the park irrigation systems, and what would he like to change the most. Mr. Owens answered that gofers chewing wires, because sometimes it can take days before a problem is detected. Testing is difficult because people are in the park at all times, and that impedes their ability to conduct tests. Mr. Niemczak indicated that Staff's change from maintenance workers to inspectors has challenged them to work with contractors, and trying to keep on top of them and making sure that they are doing the irrigation tests that they are supposed to. Commissioner Guyer asked if the contractor relationship between the City and the provider is challenging. Mr. Owens answered that sometimes it turns into a paper chase. Ms. Steele commented that irrigation is one of the hardest issues to stay on top with contractors, because it is so specific, and getting them to do what they are supposed to do when they are supposed to do it, is challenging. Commissioner Housken asked Mr. Owens if he is just supervising the contractors or if he is out there hands-on installing the irrigation lines. Mr. 9 G�DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord Data�ParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes�4-1-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Owens answered that sometimes he has to be hands-on, in such instances as when the line is broken and there is no one around to fix it. Commissioner Housken asked if Staff is doing a combination of sprinklers and drip systems. She asked if this system could be applied to residences and if it would be possible to have some sort of a twice a year landscape informational session at the park where people could see how to install drip irrigation systems. Mr. Niemczak indicated that the water district offers that type of seminars often, and in fact, they just contacted Staff to teach water auditing classes; they would like to audit Ironwood Park and they would share their findings about the system's efficiency with Staff. Ms. Steele noted that Staff could put together and educational session for the public. Commissioner Housken commented that it could be beneficial, especially with the City's "Set to Save" program's goal of conserving energy and water as well. Mr. Owens added that Staff could demonstrate simple ways for people to check if their systems are operating properly. Chairman Dawson asked if that would be done in conjunction with the water district. Mr. Niemczak answered that most likely it would involve Public Works only. He could ask the landscape and parks inspectors to develop an informational class. Commissioner Housken noted that this event could be part of a City's function and it could be very helpful. It was noted that it was too late to add it to this year's Earth Day Celebration at the Living Desert. Ms. Steele commented that there are opportunities for this type of event throughout the year. In the future, it could be done before summer. Commissioner Barnard noted that the water district is going to change its billing. It looks like that they are going to increase their rates for water usage, so the timing is pretty good. Mr. Croy recommended inviting Mr. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, who already talks to people on a regular basis, but faces the daunting task of making people change watering habits during the fall and summer seasons. He noted it might be an advantage to have Mr. Knight involved. Ms. Steele noted that Mr. Niemczak included Mr. Knight as part of the landscape people in the Public Works Department. Commissioner Guyer noted that if one of Staff's struggles is to stay on top of contractors, would it be possible to have the City consider taking over 10 G:1DevServicesVvfonica LoredolWord DatalParksBRecVvlinutes12008 Minutes141-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 some of this work rather than contracting it out. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel answered that Palm Desert is a contract City, and that it is a good thing for the City. The supervisors make sure that the work is done correctly, and that way the City does not need to hire a lot of people. Contractors are hired as needed. He noted that other cities hire staff to take care of the streets, but they have to worry about payroll expenses. He indicated that in his opinion contracting out was the way to go. Ms. Steele noted that Staff is constantly looking for solutions to better monitor the contractors. Mr. Niemczak indicated that the input from inspectors on writing the new contracts has allowed Staff to revise the requirements and expectations for contractors. It has also allowed Staff to inform contractors to submit bids for the actual costs, and not to try to submit minimum bids than what would cost them to do the work. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel added that if a contractor does not do a good job, the City will not accept their bids. Commissioner Guyer noted that as the City grows to a town of 60,000 people, developing the park system is getting pretty extensive. Eventually it will be needed to have Staff that can jump in and get the work done rather than having contractors come back and do it. Mr. Croy explained that he asks Public Works Staff to go over this issue every two years. In fact, at the last Staff meeting, he asked them to review permanent staff versus contract staff. The last finro reviews that were done showed clearly that it was better for the City to have contract services than to have hired employees. Commissioner Guyer asked if that applied to all departments. Mr. Croy answered that it pertained to Public Works only, because that is the key to what would happen in the parks or anywhere else in the City. As long as Public Works is in line, and adheres to that, it justifies the City Council's desire to maintain contract services as much as possible. If we come with a different analysis then we have to take that to the City Council for consideration, and that will provide the guidance in which way to go: stay where we are, make a slight modification or go all the way. Commissioner Guyer noted that recently a contractor walked away from the contract. He wondered if that is a trend or just an isolated event. Commissioner Babcock guessed that they submitted a low bid. 11 GIDevServicesVvlonica LoredolWord DatalParks&RedJvlinutes�2008 Minutes�4-7-08.min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Ms. Steele commented that the instance resulted in City Council and the City Attorney requiring performance bonds for landscaping contractors from this point forward. This will make the contracts a little more costly, but in the past neither landscape maintenance or parks had performance bonds attached to their contracts. Commissioner Babcock commented that these contractors are licensed for spraying and things like that. He added that it is nice to have contractors and not have to worry about things like licensing issues. Ms. Niemczak indicated that contractors are licensed for spraying, and they have to fill out proper forms which are submitted to Mr. Owens and the State. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel added that City Council receives compliments all the time on the landscape in the City. He referred to the Desert Sun naming Civic Center Park the "Best Park of the Valley" and Freedom Park the second best. That says that something is being done right. His advice was to "don't mess with success and leave things alone." Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Owens for being with the City and for doing such grand job. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. BIKE LANES IN PALM DESERT Ms. Steele informed the Commission that Mayor Pro Temp Spiegel asked her to include this information in the agenda packet. This report was prepared by Mr. Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, and presented to City Council on March 13, 2008. This is an informational item, pertaining to the past conversation regarding the location and status of bike lanes in the City. Ms. Steele pointed out that Public Works identified on the map some areas where bike lanes can be added. She indicated that nine additional miles of bike lanes will be installed in the City. City Council is looking at this issue closely and asking Public Works for information and for them to work on the bike lanes and do whatever they can. 12 G�DevServicesVvlonica LoredolWord DatalPaiks6ReclMinutes12008 Minutesla7-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel shared that one of the guests who came to talk about bike lanes sent a nice thank you letter for adding the additional miles of bike lanes in the City. Commissioner Babcock commented that it appears to him if the bike lanes were approved that people are talking about, people who bike for exercise do not bicycle in the cities because there is nowhere to go, but for people like him, who bike every other day, the bike lanes go a long way. He added that his wife heard that they the City is going to put a six-lane highway and get rid of the bike lane at Cook Street. Commissioner Babcock noted that bicyclist must follow the Department of Motor Vehicles code, and he has not seen cars yet on the sidewalks. He added he is glad that the City is installing more bike lanes. He added that he thought Cathedral City was doing something similar, but he asked if the bike lanes were to go from Palm Desert to Palm Springs or to Indio, one must have to take a look at the paths that should be installed. Commissioner Guyer referred to the map that showed the mid-valley bike path listed for summer of 2011. Ms. Steele indicated that is the I-10 corridor, and the reason for that estimated date is because the Public Works Department received federal grants from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) with matching funds totaling over $3 million, but there are some steps that must be taken and studies that need to be done first which can take up to a year, and right-of-way studies. The Director of Public Works thought this was a realistic date to get these bike lanes completed. Ms. Steele noted that the City will be able to complete this project without using money from the general funds. Commissioner Guyer asked if this was a study issue at this point. Mr. Croy answered yes. Commissioner Guyer asked what issue will be studied first. Ms. Steele answered CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act.) Commissioner Guyer indicated that the reason he brought this issue up was because Cathedral City is trying to get a path through the wash, and in the meantime, Palm Desert is trying to do something to connect the entire valley with this mid-valley system. Perhaps Cathedral City may not need to spend their money in studies for getting a bike way in the wash, where it may not connect with the mid-valley path in Palm Desert. Ms. Steele stated that the CVRPD had a Request for Proposals (RFP), and hired a company to study how to connect the valley, more in the east side, but valley-wide. They are working with different cities and have had meetings and are working with the Trails Alliance and the County Board of Supervisors to try to connect all this as well. They are also taking the lead in this project. 13 G1DevServiceslMonica Loredo�Word DatatParks6RecVvlinutes1200B Minutesi4-1-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Commissioner Babcock asked about the bikeway by Freedom Park. Ms. Steele answered that the Spanish Walk development had certain conditions of approval where they were required to develop some bike trails there. Ms. Steele added that the Planning Departments in the cities can control through conditions of approval what is developed. Staff will be getting easements that would allow the trails to connect. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that these groups may have a different source of income coming in, so funds may not be a concern for that project. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel clarified that Cathedral City has applied for the grant, but he is not aware if it was awarded yet. Ms. Steele pointed out that the challenge for all cities is to ensure that bike paths connect. She indicated that part of the problem with connecting with the wash and the east side of the valley, is that once it reaches Palm Desert or Indian Wells, the country clubs will not let the path go across their property. The suggestion was to connect the paths by the I-10 and that seems a feasible solution, as opposed to connecting them in the middle of Palm Desert where it may be very difficult to obtain some easements. Ms. Steele explained that the alliance with the County and the CVRPD taking the lead in some aspects, hopefully will result in good communication; she pointed out that no one wanted to build segments that do not connect to anything. She indicated that agencies are working as a valley to make things happen. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel indicated that the wash would not work because there are country clubs not only in Indian Wells and Palm Desert but also in Rancho Mirage that would not allow the path to go through. Ms. Steele noted that the path in the wash does not work in Palm Desert, but it works well in the east valley. Commissioner Babcock commented that a couple of years ago or maybe longer than that, the present Mayor said that they have made a mistake by not adding lanes for bicycles on Portola Road. He added that cities are now working together on bicycle trails for the future. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel indicated that cities are working together through CVAG. Commissioner Guyer expressed concern about Cathedral City pursuing the bike path at the wash, because it would be difficult to connect with the mid-valley. Ms. Steele offered to make some phone calls and find out the 14 G:�DevServicesVvfonica Loiedo',Word DatalParks6RecVVlmutesi2008 Minutes141-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 status of this issue. She added that she knew that the Trails Alliance group is working to connect the whole valley as well as the County. Commissioner Guyer asked if Staff communicates with the City of Cathedral City Parks Department. Ms. Steele indicated that there is no Park Department per se, but Staff does communicate with them regarding the soccer fields and different items. B. CIVIC CENTER PARK UPDATE Mr. Niemczak updated the Commission on the status of the construction projects for the Civic Center Park. He indicated that one of the issues at hand is the pigeon problem at the restrooms. The spaces where the pigeons roost were dry-walled. Staff also met with the dog park users and received feedback for things that were important to them, such as adding a misting system to the last shade structure in the dog park, and adding a rock apron around one of the pavilions to mitigate the mud. Ms. Steele added that lighting around playgrounds areas has been installed to prevent vandalism. She noted that Staff has found out that all the parks are very dark and some vandalism does happen. She explained that this is a slow process that takes some time, but it will provide down- lighting under the canopy for safety purposes. Ms. Steele noted that all the canopies were installed without lighting. Commissioner Hall asked if the lighting is motion-sensored. Mr. Niemczak answered that the lights have a photo cell that comes on at night and goes off in the morning. He added that there is a camera located in the Community Center building that monitors that area. The goal is to have enough lighting to take clear pictures in case of vandalism. C. HOMME/ADAMS PARK PALAPA Mr. Niemczak informed the Commission that the palapa at Homme/Adams Park was burnt. He will check back with the Sheriffs Department; he heard that some people were apprehended that might have done the damage, he will follow up on the report. Ms. Steele noted that Staff is looking into installing better fire-resistant materials. She offered to show their findings to the Commission. She commented that this is the second burnt palapa at Homme/Adams Parks in two years. 15 G:IDevServicesUAonica LoredoiWo�d DatalParks&RecUNinutes�2008 Minutes�47-08.min.docz PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 Commissioner Hall asked if the City will seek reimbursement from the people who did the damage. Mr. Niemczak answered that the City would, and that the Courts would handle the request for restitution. Ms. Steele reiterated that Staff seeks prosecution for vandalism in the parks. She added that if someone is caught damaging property, Staff follows up. D. TRAIL WASHOUT AT CAHUILLA PARK Mr. Niemczak stated that during the rainy season a few of the trail areas at Cahuilla Park were washed out. Fortunately, Parks Inspectors are vigilant and made minor repairs to the trail. Staff will contact Mr. Mike Schuler, who built the majority of the trails, to do major repairs or to have him show Staff how to do it themselves. Ms. Steele commented that there were no trails before to take care of. Now Staff is going to secure a contractor that can maintain the trails, because the Park Inspectors could walk the trails all day, every day. Ms. Steele added that the repairs met the Risk Manager's approval. Commissioner Babcock mentioned that it is very difficult to identify the trails that have been put in by hikers constantly hiking up there, and it is especially hard to identify the start of any trail. Mr. Niemczak said that Staff has identification signs for trail heads that will be ready next week. He added that the kiosk signs that have the entire trail map on it, in a more vandal-proof design, would be completed within the next two weeks also. Commissioner Guyer asked about the identification signs that were going to be installed up in the trails. Mr. Niemczak said that currently Staff is installing identification signs for the trail heads only and directional signs to get to the trails at Cahuilla Hills and Homme/Adams Parks. Ms. Steele noted that there are some signs up on the trails now. Commissioner Babcock asked if there were any updated trail maps available. Ms. Steele answered that there are some maps similar to the ones she has shown the Commission, but she has not seen "o�cial" maps yet. She offered to check when new maps would be available; the Marketing Department designed them. Commissioner Housken commented that there is a nice folding map available at the Visitor Center. Ms. Steele explained that those are the old maps, which are still handed out. She indicated that those maps are not 16 GIDevServiceslMonica Loredo�Word DatalPa�ksBRec'Jvlinutes',2008 Minutesl4-1-08 min docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 entirely accurate, but they are pretty good, and they are useful. She explained that anyone who requests a map now is given a copy of the map that was presented at the meeting because this is an updated map. Also people can download these maps directly from the City's Website. Commissioner Guyer asked if Mr. Mike Schuler is a contractor for the City, or if he provides his services for free. Mr. Niemczak answered that he is considered a consultant contractor, and he gets paid for his work. Chairman Dawson asked if Mr. Schuler had actually retired. Mr. Niemczak answered no. Commissioner Guyer asked if Staff has a backup contact for work on the trails. Ms. Steele answered that they do not, as this is a very specialized field. E. SOD AT WASHINGTON CHARTER Mr. Niemczak indicated that the grass at Washington Charter gets a lot of use during the school year. Mr. Allan Lehmann, Washington Charter Principal, requested that the City sod the area. Staff agreed, and during the spring break new sod was installed. F. THE PARKS PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY MODEL Ms. Steele explained that this is the latest endeavor of the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) to identify skill sets for parks professionals or park operators. As organizations are required to work and do more with less money and less resources, it is important to identify and develop these skills. Ms. Steele commented that CPRS hired a consultant and established focus groups of parks professionals and started to develop a competency model for Parks Staff. She added that they did some pilot studies in the Bay area, near Sacramento. At the CPRS annual conference, Ms. Steele heard the directors talk about this experience. They shared how the studies went with staff and what came out of that experience. They were impressed with the level and quality of work that was performed, and the quality of leaders that emerged out of these studies. Since they are still doing some pilot studies, and there is no cost involved, Ms. Steele talked to CPRS and invited them to come to the Coachella Valley and do a pilot study with various agencies and cities across the 17 GIDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBRecVvfinutes'�008 Minutesl4-7-OB.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 valley and parks people from Palm Springs down to EI Centro, including Banning and neighboring area. Ms. Steele thought that bringing them would be a very positive experience. The goal is to have this pilot started by late spring or early summer. Commissioner Hall commented that she could see the benefit of parks people coming together and becoming familiar with other cities and parks staff. Ms. Steele commented that there is lots of value in knowing what other cities are doing and sharing information, resources and networking. Commissioner Housken asked if other cities were interested as well. Ms. Steele answered yes, the ones she has talked to so far include CVRPD, Palm Springs, EI Centro, Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, and maybe Hemet. Commissioner Babcock mentioned the issues faced by the Mosquito and Vector Control District. He asked about the difference between CPRS and the NPRA. Ms. Steele indicated that this pilot program is part of what these organizations do, and they have done a very good job in identifying core competencies for recreation professionals, not so much for parks professionals. The goal is to raise the level of awareness, expertise, skill sets and knowledge of what it takes to be a park professional. She indicated the concern for succession planning in the profession. At the last Staff meeting, Staff talked about bringing training in house, so having this organization coming to the valley represents an opportunity for training in the valley without having to send Staff to conferences out of the area. This would be a valuable educational opportunity and to be part of the development of a model that CPRS will take forward for years to come. In addition, being part of the ground process is a no cost opportunity, where joining later would require paying for classes. Chairman Dawson commented that the program would professionally move Staff into the future, instead of stumbling into the future. This is very important. Ms. Steele added that is especially true since the City changed the parks maintenance workers into parks inspectors three years ago, thus their level of skill set has been raised. Ms. Steele said that they are doing quite well, and it would be nice for them to know how well they are doing, and sending them to this program would teach them what it takes to do an even better job. The goal is to send a couple of inspectors and have them bring back to the department what they learn. Commissioner Hall commented that the better trained Staff are, the more money they save the City. 18 G:�DevServicesVvtonica Loredo4Wortl DataU'arks&RectAAinutes�2008 Minutes�4-1-OB.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson referred to "Desert Magazine" where 100,000 people sent their votes, and the Palm Desert's Civic Center Park and Freedom Park were ranked 1St and 3�d place winners as the "Best Of The Valley" public parks. He also noted that Ms. Michelle Mitchell, Desert Sun Representative, was named "Desert Sun Personality". Commissioner Dash commented that there had been some discussion a while back regarding the health hazards of dog waste in public parks. He mentioned that a former commissioner raised this issue and presented the Commission with a written document, a letter or article that indicated that dog waste was a hazard. He noted that the response provided today was diverse. He asked what was the Commission's position at this point, if they are going to ignore it, discuss it, or research it further. Ms. Steele answered that Staff had Ms. Alyssa Breindell, Development Services Intern, research this issue and her findings were similar to those presented by Mr. Huffman. There is agreement across the board that the diseases are spread by ingestion of dog waste. She felt confident that parents are not letting their children do that. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel shared with new Commissioners that this issue refers to the soccer park and the fields, and former Commissioner Dan Barnes was adamant that children would get sick due to the dog waste in the park. He brought an article that supported this position, but it has not been substantiated or proved this is the case. Ms. Steele added that coaches are adamant about checking the fields prior to games, and ensure that the fields are clean prior to games. Vice Chair Barnard said that referees do that too. Chairman Dawson asked Commissioner Dash if that would address his concern. Commissioner Dash indicated it did. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel indicated that last Friday, COD opened a brand new softball field by the area where the old tennis courts used to be located, and they now have a gorgeous softball field for women's softball, and that can be used by the City if needed. Stands will be installed to accommodate up to 200 people. He invited the Commission to take a look at the field. Commissioner Guyer asked if this field could be used for youth sports. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel said yes, keeping in mind that there is no lighting installed yet, so during the day when the school is not using the field it 19 GiDevServicesVvlonica LoredolWord Data�Parks8ReclMinutes�2008 Minutes141-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2008 could be available for City use. He suggested working out an arrangement with Commissioner Terry Schukart representing COD. Commissioner Babcock felt that many times he felt that he did not know what City Council thought when the Commission presented a recommendation for projects and it took a long time for them to act, such as the bicycle trails, presented three years ago. He felt that after all the peaks and the valleys, things are getting there. He would like to give credit to the City Manager and any one who is involved in the decision making process. Mr. Babcock was very pleased with the bike trails being finished, and the fact that the Commission and City Council are getting things done as a team, and not going in different directions as neighboring cities. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele if she would like to report on the conference she attended. Ms. Steele shared that Staff worked very hard, and even though there was a tremendous amount of work involved, it was nice to have the conference in this area because it allowed showcasing not only Palm Springs, but also other cities in the valley. For example, the golf tournament was at Desert Willow, and the weather was great. Ms. Steele said Staff did well and made the City proud. She indicated that the committee selected a great keynote speaker, Mr. Chauncey Veach, National Teacher of the Year, Coachella Valley Unified School District, and after he spoke, there was not a dry eye in the room. She noted that the host committee did a great job in showcasing the whole valley and not just Palm Springs. Ms. Steele said that the attendees were very happy, and they thought this was one of the best conferences they have attended in a long time. Next year the conference will be in Houston. Commissioner Hall asked if there is a study session date selected. Ms. Steele announced that May 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. has been selected. She indicated that the City Manager has tentatively approved it, and that she will provide and official notice at the next meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Vice Chair Barnard, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 20 G'1DevServicesVvlon�ca LoredolWo�tl DatalParks8ReclMinutes�2008 Minutes'�4-1-08.min.docx