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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 09/16/08 CITY OF PALM DESERT ����"'� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 . � � � .,� �a I. CALL TO ORDER � ;n Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. �, E � II. ROLL CALL � � Present: W � � "'" �., Chairman Gerald Dawson z r� �, Vice Chair Michael Barnard � � Q � � Commissioner Babcock � � Commissioner Roger Dash � � Commissioner Randy Guyer H ' , �� Commissioner Deborah Hall � � � i e Commissioner Kim Housken ��� Commissioner Julie Munson �� Y�� � � � X=i Commissioner Terry Schukart �z W �� �' `£' 'v� 'J C.� (� �� � r? —v � � �� � ,, ti, �X � � ,:.r �..s a--•s t�< Staff Present: � o i �� •� a °`� }il �.�� =t r:;—i d'A� �'3 '�•; :a 7--i �i4 Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem a � � �.� ��� ,;� ���� r� -��+ Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services � �� �' ��' �� `�, � � �� �= � � �� �,.c~ti Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Guests: Van Tanner, Planning Commissioner 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 Sun III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Laura McGalliard, Coachella Valley Recreation Park Foundation, announced that this year the Foundation is participating in "Dancing with the Stars." She communicated that Ms. Kathy Strong, from their board, is participating and dancing for The First Tee. Ms. McGalliard asked the Commission if they wanted to vote for Ms. Strong, she would leave some forms to vote. Each vote costs $25.00. The event is on October 25, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt in Indian Wells. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS (Added agenda item) A. MIKE SCHULER TRAIL TURNOUTS Discussion and recommendation on developing small turnouts in a few areas of the Mike Schuler Trail. Please see discussion under Item D of Reports and Updates. Commissioner Guyer moved to approve Staff's recommendation to add turnouts to the Mike Schuler Trail. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-1 vote with Commissioner Babcock voting NO. Ms. Steele added that the recommendation will be taken to the City Council. Chairman Dawson returned to Reports and Updates. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 2009 LEGENDS FIELD (SENIOR GAMES) HONOREES Discussion and recommendation for the 2009 Honoree. Ms. Steele stated that Staff was directed to bring back to the Commission possible honorees for the Senior Games. In August, Staff mentioned Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, and Dr. John Carlos. Last year, Steve Garvey and Tom Flores were mentioned. She reminded the Commission that Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that the City Council would like to continue honoring baseball players, which narrows the list down to Steve Garvey 2 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DafalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 and Don Baylor. She noted that she included information on the baseball players in the agenda packet. Ms. Steele requested a recommendation on who the Commission would like to honor this year. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they had any thoughts on expanding beyond Garvey and Baylor. Commissioner Guyer asked the Commission if they know Mr. Garvey's and Mr. Baylor's involvement in the community or sports. Commissioner Munson responded that she believes Mr. Garvey has been involved in sports. Mr. Tanner mentioned that Mr. Garvey has children in the school system and programs. He has also been generous with donating his time coaching. Commissioner Munson commented that she thinks he would participate. She noted that she has a contact for Mr. Garvey, if needed. She stated that she would recommend him. Commissioner Schukart commented that Mr. Garvey went over to College of the Desert to assist with the off season conditioning programs with the baseball team, and that he does not know of Mr. Baylor's involvement with the community. � Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they knew anything about Mr. Baylor. Commissioner Housken clarified that Mr. Garvey is a resident of Palm Desert, and Mr. Baylor is a resident of La Quinta. Ms. Steele agreed that Mr. Baylor lives in La Quinta, and the last she heard is that Mr. Garvey lives in Palm Desert. Commissioner Munson moved to recommend to the City Council the nomination of Mr. Steve Garvey for the 2009 Legends Field Honoree. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion, and carried by a 9-0 vote. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES Chairman Dawson changed the order of the reports, and moved Item D (Mike Schuler Trail) to the top. 3 G:IDevSeiviceslMonira LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 A. BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES Ms. Steele looked into what a Bicycle Friendly Community is and the application process. Staff included more information in the agenda packet. She stated that if the City is interested in doing something like this program, it is going to require City-wide support from Public Works, Planning, Public Safety, and more. Everyone involved would need to get educated, and discuss an action plan. She stated that the most important thing to look at is the application, and she briefly went over the process. The challenge that Ms. Steele sees is that educational programs would be needed. She believes that the Bicycle Club could probably get involved in providing educational programs for the community. She also believes that there has to be a City Staff person to spear-head the program. She noted that she has discussed the program with Mr. Stendell, and they came up with the Transportation Planner that works with bicycle paths, but was not sure what projects he is currently working on. Ms. Steele mentioned that she also included in the agenda packet a list of Bicycle Friendly Community cities. She noted that Davis, California, was one of the top two. She also noted other California cities that were on the list. Ms. Steele stated that she has brought all this information to the Commission so they can let Staff know how they would like to proceed. Commissioner Dash commented that the program would accomplish what the City wants, which is tourism and attraction to bring people in. However, unless there are funds for hiring an individual to head up the program and complete the application it is not going to be useful. For two reasons one being that the application is like writing a grant proposal. When writing a grant proposal, you need to hire someone that understands the language. The second reason, Staff will be asked to add this program to what they are already doing, such as the community center. He stated that he supports the idea, but has no idea if there is funding available for hiring someone to coordinate and putting the package together. Vice Chair Barnard agreed with Commissioner Dash. He commented that he has written grant applications for tens and thousands of dollars that seemed easier than completing the application for the Bicycle Friendly Community. He feels that the application is pretty involved, and does not feel that Staff should be putting time into it. He suggested maybe a summer intern, or his other thought was getting the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) involved. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Babcock voiced that it is difficult to ride long distance in the Coachella Valley. He mentioned a group in San Diego that got together to fight the city and the state. The group is winning battles keeping bicycles off sidewalks and keeping them on the street. He stated that he is all for the Bicycle Friendly Community. Commissioner Guyer commented that he noticed on the list of Bicycle Friendly Cities that a lot of them are big cities, and the smaller ones were college towns. He also agreed with Vice Chair Barnard that the City should get other people involved to make it successful. However, he cannot see why they can't point in that direction now that they know what the guidelines are. Commissioner Hall stated that she agrees with Vice Chair Barnard, and feels that it should go to CVAG. She noted that there needs to be a consensus across the valley. Commissioner Guyer asked Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel if things at CVAG get convoluted or almost lost especially if they are minor projects. He responded not necessarily. It could be a major project for CVAG if they want to go along with it. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that the City would need to contract someone to complete the process. He expressed that there are not enough people riding bikes, and feels that the Bicycle Friendly Community is a terrific thing that would bring people to the City. He stated that it should be taken to the City Council, and explain what it is. Possibly during a short study session and see what their interest is. Commissioner Babcock commented that there are some cities that have a staff person that works with bicyclists. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel suggested inviting Mr. John Wolmuth or their transportation person to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Housken inquired if the Transportation Planner could somewhat work on the program, and mentioned that Mr. Lueders from the Bicycle Club has also offered to assist with the program. Ms. Steele responded that she does not know what is on the Planner's plate at this time, and that it might be ideal to have a contracted person to come in and work on it. Commissioner Dash agreed contracting someone that has walked this path before. 5 GIDevServiceslMonira LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Commissioner Guyer requested if Staff could come back to the next Commission meeting with information on how much an independent contractor would cost, and how this program has been accomplished at other cities. Ms. Steele asked if she could be given two meetings before bringing it back to the Commission due to time constraints. Commissioner Guyer replied to do whatever she can do. Mr. Lueders thanked the Commission for discussing the Bicycle Friendly Program. He communicated that it is not something you could easily jump into because of the onerous process. He hopes that Palm Desert could be the leader in the community to get the process started. Mr. Lueders mentioned that bicyclists around the country are aware of what cities are Bicycle Friendly Communities. He suggested calling other cities to see how they operate. He stated that involving CVAG is a good idea. He also suggested contacting Tucson/East Pima Region since it is a region very similar to CVAG. He noted that the Commission mentioned that some of the small cities listed are college towns, and pointed out that Palm Desert is a college town. Mr. Lueders stated that the Bicycle Club is ready to assist and thanked the Commission. Commissioner Dash asked Mr. Lueders how San Francisco is rated high as a Bicycle Friendly Community. He responded that he does not know. It could be that they have bike lanes and signage. Commissioner Babcock suggested that Staff contact the coalition in San Diego. He mentioned that he could give Ms. Steele some contact information. Chairman Dawson requested Staff to return to the Commission with more information in the next month or so. B. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE (ORAL REPORT) Ms. Steele reported that Staff and the committee met with the consultant (gkkworks). She indicated that she was quite pleased with what they brought. She noted that Councilman Ferguson and the City Manager have scheduled a meeting with the consultant. She is in the process of scheduling a meeting with another councilmember. She believes the consultant is heading in a positive direction. They worked a lot with the intersection and combination of buildings. Staff will be meeting with them again within a couple of weeks. She noted that they are on schedule. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard stated that he was very impressed with them. The consultant came back with three site plans. He listed some of the options that the consultant came up with. Ms. Steele mentioned that the consultant also worked into the design capturing solar power. Mr. Croy commented that he was impressed with the running track that is an eighth of a mile, and had a lot of atrium views so the runner could choose different views every lap. Mr. Tanner asked for the name of the consultant. Ms. Steele replied gkkworks. Commissioner Schukart commented that he was impressed that they provided three models of three different ways to configure a site at the Civic Center. He noted that the consultant is thinking LEEDs certification at a high level, cost recovery, and a very beautiful space that is functional. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked how many square feet. Ms. Steele responded that they are still working with the footprint from the study session where they had a conceptual aerial that was approximately 40,000 to 45,000 square feet for the community center and the two pools areas that come out to be somewhere between 60,000 to 70,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor space. Mr. Croy mentioned that the consultant also had high on their mind college accessibility. Ms. Steele noted that she liked that for the pool they included some trellises above the pool so that solar panels can be added on top. In addition to the solar panels, the trellises would provide shade. Commissioner Babcock voiced his concern about building a community center in the Civic Center Park, and taking away green space from the people that use the park. C. JOE MANN ROSE GARDEN IMPROVEMENT Mr. Niemczak informed the Commission that Staff met with Ms. Phyllis Harkins, Community Association Manager for Palm Desert Country Club, to discuss improvements in the rose garden at Joe Mann Park. Staff agreed to paint the trellises, and add some benches to the picnic area. Staff has repainted the trellises and the shelters, and added four new 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 handicap accessible picnic tables. More improvements will be done to the fountain area and dog park fencing. Chairman Dawson asked if the rose garden is City land. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is the country club's property, but the City agreed to maintain it. Chairman Dawson asked if the City maintains the roses. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. He mentioned that there is a fountain in middle of the rose garden that Staff is looking at making it operational again with their help. Chairman Dawson inquired if the City locks and unlocks the garden. Mr. Niemczak answered that association closes and opens the garden. They have started to lock the garden at 5:30 p.m. due to vandalism. D. MIKE SCHULER TRAIL Mr. Niemczak reported that this item is a continuation of the Mike Schuler Trail widening. He announced that Ms. Cathy Isaacson and a Planner from the City of Rancho Mirage; Mr. Mike Schuler, Trail Builder; and Mr. Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst, are present. Mr. Niemczak stated that they all met at the Mike Schuler Trail on August 26. They hiked the trail to try to identify areas that might be widened. The group did find some washouts that need repair, which the City was going to have Mr. Schuler repair. He stated that Mr. Schuler recommended not widening the trail, but to look at specific areas that the trail naturally widens and possibly construct small turnouts so people can move aside for others to pass by. Chairman Dawson inquired on how many turnouts there would be. Mr. Stendell responded that most of the turnouts are over the hill where no one would be bothered by them. Staff referred to pictures in the agenda packet. Chairman Dawson asked why would anyone be bothered by the turnouts. Mr. Stendell replied that it is Staff's interest to keep from widening the beginning of the trail, which widening would require more excavation. He explained that Mr. Schuler's idea is to take the trails that are naturally wider and use the native rock to create the turnouts. Commissioner Guyer stated that it is his understanding the reason people wanted it widened initially was because the Bump and Grind was more of a social type or interactive trail, and not walk single file. He noted that this 8 G:IDevServiceslMonira Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 does not solve that problem. He clarified that the turnouts would only provide a passageway if it gets too crowded. Mr. Stendell answered yes. Mr. Niemczak stated that they all agreed that it is a trail, but there is a need for some places to let pedestrians or bicyclists pass. Mr. Schuler communicated that his comments to the City of Rancho Mirage was that the Mike Schuler Trail is never going to be a Bump and Grind. He proposed the turnouts in blind spots where your line of sight is not very far. He would use rock that is already there, which the visual aspect would be a little more enhanced because there would be more of a little rock wall. Commissioner Schukart asked Mr. Schuler how far apart are the turnouts. He replied that they range from 100, 50 and 25 feet. Commissioner Babcock voiced his concern that no matter what is done with the trail, there is going to be an erosion problem. He feels that the City of Rancho Mirage has not completely done their work by looking into using another access on the Rancho Mirage side. He stated that he can not go along with what has been proposed. Vice Chair Barnard asked if there have been any complaints concerning not being able to pass on the Mike Schuler Trail. It was stated that at this time it was not an issue, but the usage has increased. Mr. Niemczak made it clear that the intent is not to widen the trail, but to make enough room for someone to pass by. Mr. Tanner, Planning Commissioner, inquired that if you create a turnout, does it create an erosion problem. Mr. Schuler responded that building a trail creates an erosion problem. They have installed drainage items on the trail, but it is not forever. There is maintenance which he has been doing for many years, and is a never ending job. He stated that the proposed turnouts are located in fairly leveled areas, and continued maintenance will be needed. Commissioner Hall asked what the cost is for the turnouts. Mr. Schuler replied that the estimate was approximately $21,000. Commissioner Guyer reaffirmed that the $21,000.00 is for all the turnouts. Mr. Schuler answered yes. 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl&16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Ms. Cathy Isaacson commented that the City of Rancho Mirage City Council made a motion to fund up to $21,000 for the trail. The Council wanted to make sure staff worked with the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Niemczak interjected that Palm Desert would do the maintenance on the trails anyway, but that the turnout construction costs would be taken care of by Rancho Mirage. Mr. Tanner clarified that the City of Rancho Mirage is willing to pay for the turnouts. Ms. Isaacson replied up to $21,000. Commissioner Babcock stated that he still has a concern with erosion. Commissioner Guyer moved to add turnouts to the Mike Schuler Trail under New Business for a recommendation. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-1 vote with Commissioner Babcock voting NO. (See New Business) E. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele stated that she provided a copy of the inspection assignments. Changes were Commissioner Munson and Schukart, and the Community Park has been added. Inspections at the Community Park could probably begin in October. Ms. Steele mentioned that Staff will start organizing a dedication ceremony in a month or so. She recommended that the Commission stop by and take a look at the playground. Shade structures and grass still need to be completed, which should be done in a week or so. Chairman Dawson asked if the park is still named "Community Park?" Ms. Steele replied yes. She said that the she needs to take the renaming of the parks to the City Council. Ms. Steele reported that the University Parks might look like they are completed, but Staff is not happy with how the turf was installed. She noted that it is overseeding season, therefore, Staff will not know if the turf is going to be good until spring. Staff needs to have conversations with the contractor, Hover Development, and the Public Works Department. They need to talk about taking over some of the maintenance to get them opened, and what it is going to entail. Staff is working on that agreement. Until an agreement is completed, the parks are not really the City's. She noted that there are signs posted that they are not open yet. Ms. Steele 10 �:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPa�ks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl&16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 stated that Staff does not want to jeopardize the contractor installing the turf properly. Commissioner Schukart inquired if they are asked when the dog park might be available, how they should respond. Staff replied that the dog park should be available in mid or the end of October. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that she should have an answer next week, and will add it to the next agenda. She noted that the City's website mentions that it will open in October. Commissioner Hall commented that there was discussion about having a grand opening in conjunction with Cal State, and asked if that was still part of the plan. Ms. Steele responded that it is no longer part of the plan. She explained that originally that was going to be a whole City-wide dedication for the streets, the University Parks, and Cal State; however, there is another event taking place at the Visitors Center the same weekend so it was decided not to mix the two. She communicated that when there is a grand opening for the parks, it will be just for the University Parks. Commissioner Hall inquired if the Visitor Center is having a grand opening. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied that there will be a garden event along with the grand opening of the Henderson building. Ms. Steele returned to the topic of park inspections, and noted that she left out Community Park. She asked the Commission to cross out University Park and write-in Community Park. She apologized and will e-mail a revised copy. Commissioner Schukart asked if there is been a problem with persons criss-crossing the inspections. Ms. Steele replied no. F. NEWS ARTICLES (ORAL REPORT) Ms. Steele stated that news articles are added as an informational item. She decided to add an area to the agenda for news articles in case the Commission would like to discuss. She noted that one of the news articles was regarding the new Teen Center in Indio, and mentioned that she attended the grand opening. Ms. Steele commented that it is a very nice center. She believes the reason it is working was because they had a lot of community input. Commissioner Guyer commented that he was very intrigued with the concept of having the Senior Center adjacent to the Teen Center. Ms. 11 GIDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Steele mentioned that Indio Staff work very closely together, and believes that Indio would like to do some cross-generational programs and activities. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there are other cities that do that. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that Palm Desert does. He stated that the Teen Committee has a dance once or twice a year with the Joslyn Senior Center, and they seem to interact quite well. Ms. Steele briefly commented on an article regarding accessible playgrounds. She was happy to note that the playground at the Community Park is going to be fully accessible. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked how many people are attending the free fitness classes in the park. Ms. Adair responded that last week there were 38, and believes this week there is going to be over 100 because of a health fair. She noted that the classes are available to those persons 18 years of age and over and free for an hour. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel announced that the baseball team won the Cooperstown All-Star Village National Championship. He noted that they won in June, but was recently in the September newspaper. He asked if Staff knows who they are. Ms. Steele responded that Staff could ask the coach to come in to be recognized. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel suggested recognizing them at a City Council meeting. He noted that he will mention it to the City Manager. Mr. Lueders commented that there was an article on a bicycle commuter in the newspaper. He referred to the picture in the news article. He stated that the picture was taken on Highway 111 in Indian Wells, which has a bike lane. These were lanes that were striped when it was a State road. Indian Wells took over the road from the State recently. Over a year and a half ago they announced that their highway beautification project will involve taking out bike lanes and installing six lanes of traffic. He was told by the city at a public meeting that they think traffic would go slower because it is a park-like environment. Mr. Lueders mentioned that he wrote the city a letter requesting that they reconsider taking out the bike lanes, and also wrote a letter to the editor but it has not been printed. He stated that there is a bill on Schwarzenegger's desk at this time that is going to require all the cities to consider all users of the road in their circulation element of the general plan. 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Lueders if he has talked to the Indian Wells Parks and Recreation. He responded that they do not have one. Commissioner Guyer clarified that the bill has been passed by the assembly, and now just needs the governor's signature. Mr. Lueders replied that is correct. It is just waiting to be signed. He commented that their club website encourages people to write letters to the governor to sign the bill. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Housken inquired about the Friday night concert series. Ms. Steele responded that the concerts were canceled while she was on vacation. She stated that she will return to the Commission with a report. Ms. Adair, CVRPD, reminded the Commission that they are having a concert on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at the Civic Center Park. The Marshall Tucker Band will be performing. Ms. Steele announced that there is a concert in the Civic Center Park on Friday, September 19, 2008. The Symphony Orchestra of Michoacan and Dance Troop will be performing. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if there was advertising. Ms. Steele responded that it was in the Brightside. She believed that Mr. Hermann was going to do some press releases. Ms. Steele mentioned that there is going to be a Prevent Child Abuse Awareness Day in the park on Saturday, September 20. She noted that it was not a City sponsored event. It was a reservation made by Riverside County Department of Family Services. She mentioned again the Marshall Tucker Band will perform on September 25, at the Civic Center Park; Tommy James and the Shondels will perform at the Indio Municipal Golf Course; and on October 2, the band War will perform at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on October 10. All concerts start at 6:00 p.m. and are free. Commissioner Hall asked if there is a master calendar. Ms. Steele responded no. She noted that she has talked to a group that works through CVRPD, and Staff has recommended the idea but nothing has happened yet. It is being worked on. Commissioner Guyer asked Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel or Mr. Stendell to shed some light on homes being built at University Park. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel responded that apartments are being started at Frank Sinatra near Cook Street. 13 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08_min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Mr. Stendell added that John Laing homes are building west of Village at University Park, and want models opened by November or December. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that the timeshares are moving at Desert Willow. He also mentioned that College of the Desert is moving forward with the Public Safety Academy and should be open in about a year. Commissioner Schukart added that the Nursing Building is going to open in December. Commissioner Guyer inquired if students are going to be able to get all the training they need at the Public Safety Academy. Commissioner Schukart explained that there are three levels of certification for Police and Fire. They could receive level two and three from the academy. Level one, when they graduate from level two and three, they have to go to the Riverside County Sheriff's office to get their fire arms clearance. What the college does not have is a gun range, but there is a range in the desert. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Vice Chair Barnard, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m. ����-�ru�c-�,��`--�?-��% Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 14 G_IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutesl9-16-08.min.docx