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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 10-07-2008 Cmsn - 10/07/08 � CITY OF PALM DESERT /�'��''� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Terry Schukart Vice Chair Michael Barnard Commissioner Babcock Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Julie Munson Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Guests: Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Laura McGalliard, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of,.the Desert Gina Tenorio, The Desert Su��.y� COUNCIL ACTION° ,�PPR(7VED � � DENTED �(�IVED •�� OTHER 'Ml�.ETII�IG DA°TE � AYE S• � N4ES: � �1BSENT• �3BSTAIN• �- VERIFIED BY• � �riginal on File wit City Clerk's OffirE. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 Minutes of the meeting from September 2, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dash/Hall, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart ABSENT. B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Minutes of the meeting from September 16, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Munson, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart ABSENT. Commissioner Babcock apologized to the Commission for the comments he made in regards to the Mike Schuler Trail at the last meeting. He stated that he made a mistake concerning the actual location of the Mike Schuler Trail. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, communicated that this week flag football league officially started. He noted that the league started approximately three years ago with about 80 kids, and they are now up to 340 kids. He announced that they are participating in the golf cart parade, and they are going to have a special area for seniors on Sunday, October 26. The area will be shaded with seats and snacks. He also announced that the YMCA has made arrangements with the City to reserve a plot at the Community Gardens on San Pablo for the childcare program. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Ballew what the age group is for flag football. He responded ages 8 to 12. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked what the age group is for the senior VIP area at the golf cart parade. Mr. Ballew replied it is 63 and above. Mr. Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), thanked the City for the use of the Civic Center Amphitheater a couple weeks ago for the district's concert. He also thanked Ms. Steele and Mr. Niemczak for their help. He noted that they had over 1,700 people attend the concert. 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 V. PRESENTATIONS A. COACHELLA VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT STAFF Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Barb Adair, Superintendent of Recreation and Leisure Services for CVRPD. She commented that they have reorganized the department several times, and staff from the CVRPD is present to give an update on what they are working on in Palm Desert. Ms. Adair thanked the Commission for allowing them the opportunity to introduce their valued staff. She first mentioned that her responsible areas are aquatics, sports fitness and wellness, recreation and enrichment, and special events. She stated that she has staff members from each division present today. She introduced Mr. Mike Brazil, Sports Coordinator. Mr. Mike Brazil thanked the Commission for having him, and stated that he is the newest addition to the district. He commented that he is pleased to hear that there is a flag football league because that is something that he was looking into. Mr. Brazil announced that more importantly they have the International Sports Festival coming up in February. With the festival, they are reviewing at everything and trying to strategize new marketing schemes and new locations. He noted that the new International Sports Festival starts at age 35 to 90 years old. Mr. Brazil mentioned again that he is new to the district, and his goal is looking at new programs for the kids. Ms. Karen Scarborough stated that she is the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator. She communicated that she started working in that position in June. She commented that she has been planning a couple of special events, and helping with the International Sports Festival. She mentioned that in 2009 there is going to be an event each month in Palm Desert. Ms. Scarborough informed the Commission that on March 7, there is going to be a Health Fair at Freedom Park. She added that she also helps with the exercise classes district-wide, and noted that they are currently offering free classes in the park on Saturdays. Her goal is to create awareness on how important it is to exercise for complete wellness. Ms. Barbara Cordero introduced herself as the Children's Program Coordinator, and also a new addition to CVRPD. Her focus is ages 18 months to 5 years of age. She mentioned that in the Palm Desert Community Center they currently have a Tiny Tot and Mommy and Me program. Her goal is to create more parent participation classes with anything from art to musical/dance amusement. She mentioned that she 3 G:IDevServiceslMonira LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 has a passion for inclusion, and hopes to bring Mommy and Me inclusion classes. Mr. Peter McVey stated that he is the Sports and Aquatic Program Coordinator for CVRPD. In addition to assisting with the International Sports Festival, he is working on rolling out a flag football league for the civil service workers. He announced that it will be rolling out in January, and will be held in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. They also plan on having some aquatic activities at Palm Desert High School during the summer. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked where flag football is going to be played at the Civic Center Park. Mr. Brazil responded that flag football was moved to Hovley Soccer Park. Ms. Adair mentioned that they plan on having the International Sports Festival dinner and gala at the Living Desert since it was a little tight at Desert Willow last year. CVRPD also is looking at having golf at Desert Falls. She mentioned that they encountered problems with tee times and billing at Desert Willow, and decided to have the golf tournament at Desert Falls. Ms. Adair stated that they have not signed the final contract, and asked the Commission if they had any feedback on the locations or different venues. She also asked if there has been a final decision for the Legend Fields Honoree, which she believes was Mr. Steve Garvey. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that it is on the next City Council agenda. Ms. Adair thanked the Commission for their time. Chairman Dawson thanked CVRPD staff for the information. VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. NOVEMBER 4, 2008, COMMISSION MEETING Ms. Steele reported that elections will be held in the Administrative Conference Room on November 4. Therefore, the November 4, Commission meeting will be held at the Community Services Conference Room. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 B. TRAILS STUDY INFORMATION Ms. Steele informed the Commission that there are two different items in the agenda regarding trails. She stated that CVRPD and the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District are hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., at the Indio Workforce Development Center. She explained that the County asked CVRPD to put together a Request for Proposals (RFP) to complete a study to provide trails along the Whitewater River and Dillon Road from the east valley to Palm Springs. CVRPD hired the Dangermond Group to study and prepare a report. Topics on the agenda at the meeting are: school, park, and local trail connections; safety issues; funding for short build-out; and golf courses (methods to provide connectivity). Commissioner Guyer clarified if they are going to look at an idealistic situation, and then try to get all the cities to come on board to that idealistic situation. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that it is going to involve more than just the cities if they use the wash. Ms. Steele stated that the group is aware of the issues involved with the wash, and they are looking at ways of going around it. Chairman Dawson asked if anyone from the Commission will be able to attend the meeting that evening. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that this evening is the Art of Food and Wine event at the EI Paseo Gardens. Ms. Steele noted that she will be at the EI Paseo Gardens, and Mr. Niemczak will attend the trails meeting that evening. She stated that she believes Mr. Stendell and someone from Public Works and Planning will also be attending. Commissioner Guyer commented that he was going to try to attend. C. RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL TRAILS PLAN Ms. Steele reported that Riverside County is going to hold a workshop that will discuss the Riverside County Regional Trails Master Plan for the Coachella Valley. She explained that the current trail plans for the Eastern and Western Coachella Valley is outdated, and noted that it is separate from what CVRPD is working on. The County has a new master plan that 5 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes110-7-OS.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 they want people to give feedback on. Ms. Steele mentioned that the maps are included in the agenda packet, and have a larger version available for viewing. The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Conference Room No. 119. Ms. Steele commented that part of what CVRPD is doing will be incorporated into the plan somehow. She noted that Mr. Stendell, and staff members from Public Works and Planning will be attending the workshop. She mentioned that it would be of value if someone from the Commission can attend. Commissioner Hall asked if the workshop is part of the study that CVRPD is doing. Ms. Steele responded that the study is part of the Riverside County Regional Trails Plan. The plan involves both hiking and biking trails. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if anyone will be able to attend the workshop. Commissioner Housken responded that she will try to go. Commissioner Babcock commented that he will attend. D. PLAYGROUND AT THE COMMUNITY PARK Mr. Niemczak reported that the playground at the Community Park is completed. He noted that pictures of the playground were provided. He announced that they will have a dedication of the park on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. and invited the Commission to attend. Ms. Steele stated that the park looks a lot nicer than the pictures. She noted that the playground is the first fully accessible playground in the valley. She mentioned that she is meeting with Ms. Adair after the meeting to see if they have any groups that might want to come to the dedication to show that the playground works for wheelchairs. She is also going to check with Desert ARC and the MS Society. Ms. Steele stated that the renaming of the park is going to the next City Council for approval. She noted that once approved, they will have a sign made. At the dedication, it will be nice to have a few words from the City's Mayor and Commission Chairman. She also explained that the ADA access is to the right of the restrooms, and City Staff is looking into having some curbs cut so there is access in front of the park. In addition, Staff would like to add one or two ADA parking stalls in front of the park too. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-OS.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 Commissioner Hall asked if the area is still being used as a pick-up area for the school. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Hall inquired if the fence is going to stay or go. Ms. Steele responded that it is going to be removed. The fence will be taken down on October 17. She reminded the Commission that the Palm Desert Spay & Neuter/Shot Clinic will be held at the Community Park on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Ms. Steele if the clinic could be done finrice a year since there seems to be enough interest. She responded that she will relay the message to the Code Enforcement Department. Code Enforcement was the coordinator for the clinic, and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services is providing the service. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission to add October 25 to their calendar for the park dedication. He noted that it would be great to have the fully accessible playground mentioned in the newspaper. He asked if anyone knew of another fully accessible playground in the valley. Ms. Steele does not know of any. Commissioner Guyer added that he is curious to find out how many are available in Riverside County. Mr. Niemczak stated that he can ask the contractor. Ms. Steele noted that City Staff will also be inviting the schools to the dedication. E. UNIVERSITY PARKS UPDATE Ms. Steele reported that the dog and neighborhood parks are completed, but the landscaping has been a challenge. City Staff has agreed to accept the dog park after the completion of overseeding. Staff expects all deficiencies to be resolved at that time. The neighborhood park will be accepted in mid-November, except for the grass. The contractor will be responsible for any repairs to the turF during the next season (spring). Mr. Niemczak interjected that at this time they have asked the contractor to take care of the brown spots, irrigation issues, and assist with the overseeding; the City will then take it over. Ms. Steele announced that Staff is looking at a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. � G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes110-7-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 Ms. Steele mentioned that the other issue at the neighborhood park, the basketball court must be removed and replaced due to cracking and shifting between the court surface and sidewalk. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that he thought there was going to be a grand opening along with the university. Ms. Steele responded that it was canceled due to the Garden Day at the Visitor Center and the opening of the Henderson building. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Niemczak if the dog park is the retention basin for the development. He replied yes. Mr. Niemczak informed the Commission that the City will be adding sidewalks in the dog park leading to the shaded areas for ADA access, which were not part of the plan. He noted that they are doing the same to the Joe Mann Dog Park and Freedom Park Dog Park. Chairman Dawson inquired if the contractor has set a date to begin building homes. Mr. Croy responded that it is unknown, and noted that the market is still upside down in California. Commissioner Hall asked if there is full access on the roads into the park. Ms. Steele replied that there is access. Mr. Niemczak interjected that the City has accepted the roads, but they are waiting until they are cleaned up. F. UPCOMING EVENTS Ms. Steele announced that the Air Force Band of the Golden West will be playing in the Civic Center Park on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. She also announced there will be a Veteran's Day celebration on November 11, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Freedom Park. She noted a copy of the program was included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Hall commented that she is pleased that the City is having the celebration, and that there is a program for Veteran's Day. She thanked the City. Ms. Steele replied that she would pass it on to Ms. Pat Scully who is in charge of the event. s G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesll a7-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 G. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT NEWS RELEASE Ms. Steele stated that every once in a while the City receives a press release from the YMCA, and provided it to the Commission as an informational item. Mr. Ballew mentioned that the Hoedown is scheduled for November 14, 2008, at the Agua Caliente Casino. It starts at 6:00 p.m. The event helps support childcare in the valley. H. THE FIRST TEE OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY Ms. Steele indicated that Mr. Jan Hagan, Executive Director of The First Tee, distributes a newsletter to the parents of The First Tee participants. She commented that she included the newsletter in the agenda packet so that the Commission can be informed of what they are doing with The First Tee. She mentioned that Mr. Hagan will like to return for another presentation, which she will schedule. He is also interested in going to the City Council. Mr. DeWitt mentioned that they have put 310 kids through the program, and are involved in a number of activities coming up, such as The Prestige Junior Golf Clinic at PGA West. He mentioned that Ms. Kathy Strong is a participant in "Dancing With Our Stars." Proceeds from Ms. Strong's dancing will go to The First Tee. Chairman Dawson stated that the Commission is a supporter of The First Tee, and encouraged the Commission to donate any extra golf balls, clubs, bags, or anything they may have to The First Tee. I. COMMUNITY/AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE (ORAL REPORT) Ms. Steele reported that Staff met with gkkworks. She reminded the Commission that the consultant is working on a site master plan. They are laying it out and trying to put a cost to it so Staff can go back to the City Council with the information they requested. After that is complete, the City will move forward to select someone to do the design-build. Up to this point, they have only been working with the components that were discussed in the study session. The consultant is proceeding nicely, and they should be ready to make a presentation the first meeting of November. Mr. Croy explained that the current process is called massing. Massing is a terminology where you use geometric figures that meet the components 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes110-7-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 that the City Council and the Commission have asked for. The consultant takes these masses and puts them together in groups that would simulate a buildings area and how it would fit into a proposed location. At this time, they are looking at the plausibility of where the community/aquatic center could go. The site would then go to the City Council for a recommendation. After that is done, Staff would need to get involved with other groups and architects. He mentioned that he recently read an article regarding design-build. They are allowing design-build for projects that are over $2.2 million, which would help keep the cost down. Ms. Steele noted that the consultant (gkkworks) is having a workshop this Friday on Integrated Service Delivery, which talks about design-build processes. She asked the Commission if they were interested in attending to let her know. The workshop is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2008. She also noted that the consultant met with two members from the City Council. Commissioner Dash stated that he understood there are two sites being considered at the Civic Center. Ms. Steele explained that at the study session they had asked to keep the community/aquatic center in the Civic Center Park. Two sites were discussed. One site was to combine the College of the Desert and the Civic Center, and the other site was combining the two buildings that are being occupied by the YMCA and the Palm Desert Community Center. Commissioner Guyer inquired if they are looking at the massing study, and not considering the components at this time. Ms. Steele responded that it does include components. She explained that they fit all the components onto a footprint. Commissioner Guyer asked if the study with the components and the footprint is going to the City Council during a study session. Ms. Steele answered that she would need to check with the City Manager, and ask him how he would like it presented to the City Council. Commissioner Guyer clarified if the study session would be in November. Ms. Steele replied that Staff will be ready in November, and it all depends if the City Council is ready for Staff. Commissioner Guyer asked when it would be presented to the Commission. Ms. Steele responded that it would probably be presented at the same time as the City Council. 10 G:1DevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 Commissioner Guyer inquired if the reason it goes to City Council is so that they can take the next step to put it out to bid. Mr. Croy responded that the reason it goes back to City Council is due to land use. If the situation involves the City and COD, City Council's authorization will be needed for an agreement of land use, which is beyond the Parks and Recreation Commission's capacity. Commissioner Guyer commented that he thought that an agreement was done. Mr. Croy responded that the agreement is not 100% complete. It is still being negotiated, and stated that COD also wants to see a massing plan and estimated costs. Commissioner Guyer reaffirmed that the mass study and the components will be considered by the City Council in November. Ms. Steele replied that during the study session, the City Council indicated that it was okay to move forward with the components that were presented at that time; the same components that were recommended by the Commission. She stated that they are looking for an approval on the size of the footprint. Vice Chair Barnard mentioned that some of the other things that they are looking at is parking at the site. He stated that parking can be an issue if the community/aquatic center is built at the Civic Center, and they are looking at all the options. He noted that gkkworks has considered all the components that were recommended by the Commission into the site. Commissioner Guyer voiced his concern that the City Council has the Commission's recommendation on the components, but they will not have the Commission's recommendation for the massing plan. Commissioner Babcock clarified that it has been decided that the community/aquatic center site is to be at the Civic Center and not somewhere else. Ms. Steele responded that is not quite true. She explained that the City Council requested a study of how the center would fit into a site and the costs to fit it into the site. Ms. Steele added that a parking study will also be done. Commissioner Babcock commented that additional parking had to be added at the soccer park because there was not enough. He stated his concern of taking valuable space away from people that use the Civic Center Park on the weekends. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that Commissioner Babcock's concern is being taken into consideration. 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 Mr. Croy stated that he is sensing that the Commission has the feeling that they are being left out. He explained that the Commission put together the recommendation for the components for the City Council. He said that the City Council has embraced the components, and they have asked City Staff to look at possible locations for the facility. The information will be taken back to Council so they can determine where they'd like the facility to be, and they will give the stamp of approval to go to the next step. The next step will get into the architecture, design, equipment, and all the things the Commission are concerned about. How it looks? Where the attraction is going to be? He stated that all these items will go back to the Commission as a recommendation to the City Council. There is going to be more work done up front because a design-build requires almost 100% cooperation with all the organizations. Commission Guyer commented that he feels that the Commission should be involved when there is talk about changing roads and the Skate Park before it goes to the City Council. Commissioner Babcock stated that the Civic Center Park is unique, and fears that a part of the park would be taken away from the people that enjoy it. Mr. Croy indicated that if the Commission wishes, it could be discussed at Staff level on how it could be coordinated for the Commission to review the location. He would like to first talk to the City Manager on how Staff should move forward, and hopefully eliminate the Commission's concerns. Vice Chair Barnard stated that the consultant has fit everything that the Commission wanted into the building, and has not left anything out. He commented that he understands the Commission's concerns. He also stated that other issues they are discussing is what is going to happen with the YMCA and the Palm Desert Community Center, such as how the new community/aquatic center is going to affect their programming. He commented that they are going back with the information that the Council requested. The Council could then say yes or no, and possibly look at a different location. He indicated that he has the same concern as Commissioner Dash. He does not want to squeeze something at the Civic Center just make it fit when they could build something they really want at a different site. He stated that they are doing what the City Council asked them to do. Ms. Steele restated what Mr. Croy had said, Staff will talk to the City Manager about bringing the information to the Commission. 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 Commissioner Babcock commented that the conversation is going to be that it is going to be built somewhere. Mr. Croy responded that they are looking at a location. Commissioner Guyer communicated that they are looking at the Civic Center. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel clarified that they are not deciding on a location but looking at a location. Mr. Croy made it clear that Staff is coming up with a recommendation for locations. The City Council will give the yes or no if that is a place to go. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that the Commission will have their input before then. Vice Chair Barnard shared that the consultant is also doing some work on combining the YMCA and Community Center Buildings. They are working on getting some construction estimates. But with the way the buildings are built and designed, there are limitations on what could be done in terms of bringing the buildings together. Commissioner Babcock voiced his concern about taking space away from the park. Ms. Steele stated that she agrees with Commissioner Babcock's concern, and expressed that she is not interested in taking space away that people use. The committee is looking at adding to what they could already offer the community, and leaving everything else alone. She commented that if they build a center, part of the design process is a fee structure. She also believes that a scholarship program has to be incorporated so that everyone can have access to the center. Commissioner Housken asked where the Integration Workshop is going to be held. Ms. Steele responded that it is going to be held at the La Quinta Resort. Commissioner Dash stated that the Commission should be involved early on. He is not only concerned with what is going to be located where, he is also concerned with the over concentration of people at the Civic Center. There is going to be the possibility of an event going on at each facility at the same time, and there is no parking space to do it. In addition, the atmosphere of a park is going to be lost. He sensed from the Commission 13 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12008 Minutes110-7-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 that they would like to be involved in the beginning rather than giving it to the Council after they have decided the location. Commissioner Dash referred to an article in The Desert Sun of a lady that complained about the City of Palm Desert spending a lot of money on having a great event for the Fourth of July, and there was no place to park. She arrived to the Civic Center with no place to park, and had to return home. He commented that is an example of the heavy concentration in one area. J. NEWS ARTICLES (ORAL REPORT) Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they had any comments regarding the articles provided. No comments were made. Chairman Dawson thanked Staff for accumulating the news articles. Ms. Steele added that if the Commission has articles they see from other newspapers, to please forward them to Staff and they would include them with the agenda packet. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked for an update on the amenities being added at the Hovley Soccer Park. Ms. Steele responded that it went to the last City Council meeting, and the Council authorized Staff to move forward. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that he was not at the last Council meeting. Ms. Steele added that Staff is going to try to get the pickleball courts built in time for the International Sports Festival. Commissioner Housken commented that while playing tennis, she noticed work being done near the tennis courts. She shared that they were adding additional parking, which indicates that people are aware of parking concerns around the park. Ms. Steele added that the Public Works Department is also looking at removing tamarisk trees on San Pablo and adding additional parking. 14 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1147-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2008 Commissioner Guyer commented that for special events there is shuttle service, and believes it has been very successful. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that the City provides shuttle service for Fourth of July. Commissioner Guyer stated that shuttle service will be an option. There is always going to be a problem with parking when there is a special event. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that during the week there are approximately 100 cars that belong to employees. For the weekend, there's plenty of parking. Commissioner Guyer commented that when he has walks to the park, the park is packed, and half of the parking stalls are empty. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked CVRPD how many teams they have playing in the Gus Macker. Mr. DeWitt replied that the Gus Macker has been canceled due lack of participation. Commissioner Housken inquired if there would be a petanque tournament at the International Sports Festival since there will possibly be petanque courts available. Ms. Steele responded that she will discuss it with Ms. Adair. Mr. Croy commented that since parking was a subject, he explained that parking is determined by an expected successful rate of occupancy. When there is a shortage of parking, you have exceeded your expectation and that is a good thing. Ms. Steele mentioned that Fourth of July was odd this year due to the College of the Desert's construction, and most of their parking was closed. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Vice Chair Barnard, seconded by Commissioner Guyer, the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 a.m. � . Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 15 G_IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes110-7-08_min.docx