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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 07-01-2008 � � � CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'—� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � _ MINUTES J U LY 1, 2008 L CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:34 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence: Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Terry Schukart Vice Chair Michael Barnard (Schukart on LOA) Commissioner Phill 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 U.; Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager w Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant `''' 0 � Guests: � Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District � � � Van Tanner, Palm Desert Planning Commissioner � Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun � w a �+' III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None z x � a o �, IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None ,� , .,.., � 3 � � V. PRESENTATIONS - None J � � w VI. NEW BUSINESS — None a w <� c •• � . .�, � � =` � o � � �� A � o � � � jlj 2 .. HH � 1 � H h.{ �. .. � � Wrl � aw H �nv� wHH rn Hat� ca �ar� v� �na � � � a � � z � �a � o PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. PALMA VILLAGE PARK SEATING AREA Discussion and recommendation for the seating area at Palma Village Park. Mr. Jay Niemczak explained that at Palma Village Park there is a circular area in which an art piece was installed, but it had to be removed due to vandalism. At this point it needs to be decided what to do with this area. Staff thought about putting an umbrella or palapa to have some shade, but would like to receive suggestions from the Commission. Commissioner Guyer asked if it is required to have art in that area. Ms. Steele answered Mr. Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager, thought it was better to remove the art piece because it was being vandalized in a daily basis, and children were skateboarding and getting hurt. Ms. Steele added that she thought because of the location it may not be a good place for having art pieces. She said she would discuss it with Mr. Twedt. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked that anything that is put in that area should not allowed to be destroyed. Commissioner Guyer added that it does not have to be art. Ms. Steele indicated that Mr. Richard Twedt mentioned installing a palapa because it is a seating area. Ms. Steele suggested Staff could put a shade area and plant some flowers to make it pretty; it could be a nice seating area. Mr. Niemczak added that there is water and utilities there already. Commissioner Housken said that when she revisited the area, she thought having a desert tree that provides shade for a quiet seating-reading area and desert landscape would be nice. The idea of the palapa is quick and it provides instant shade, but she was concerned with the potential for vandalism. Mr. Niemczak commented that a palapa stands a better chance at Palma Village than at Homme/Adams Park because Homme/Adams is a more secluded park. Commissioner Munson asked if anything else was vandalized at Palma Village Park. Ms. Steele answered that like in any park they have graffiti, and people skateboarding on tables. Mr. Niemczak commented that the art that was originally placed in that area was two ceramic benches and the kids were grinding on them. Ms. Steele added that it was mostly skateboard damage to the art piece. 2 G:IDevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWord DafalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-OS_min_doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Commissioner Guyer suggested that since there is already water in that area, how about a small water feature for little children. Mr. Niemczak responded that that was the original suggestion. Ms. Steele noted that there is already a water feature by the playground. She offered to get some costs for the small water feature. Mr. Niemczak noted that the piece that was going to go in there was a bubbly ceramic piece, but was rejected because children could get cut on the jagged pieces. Chairman Dawson asked if that area is used predominantly by older people as supposed to children. Mr. Niemczak thought so. Commissioner Hall offered that the shade would probably make the most sense, because with water features there is maintenance costs involved, and since there is already a water feature in the park then a tree or a steel palapa would work. Chairman Dawson asked if they were to install a palapa that is large enough to give some shade; a mister can also be installed so that there would be water, color and shade. Mr. Niemczak offered to obtain costs for the palapa. Chairman Dawson asked if it could be made with steel material. Ms. Steele noted that this type of palapas are already made for pools, like umbrellas in all shapes and sizes. Mr. Niemczak will bring information with the cost for the palapa to the Commission. Commissioner Hall moved to have Staff bring costs and information for the palapa at Palma Village Park. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Barnard, passed by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Schukart ABSENT. (Schukart on LOA) VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. AMPHITHEATER DESIGN UPDATE Ms. Steele indicated that she had just received the Amphitheater updated design, and this item will be presented to the Amphitheater Committee, but since the Commission will be dark until the end of August, she thought it would be a good idea to present the initial renderings to the Commission. She proceeded to explain the drawings. 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Commissioner Dash asked about the fabric and its capacity to sustain strong winds. Ms. Steele indicated that there is not a big difference from the current fabric. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel noted that the current fabric ripped. Ms. Steele indicated that the vendor guarantees the material, and also there are a lot of different pieces the wind can go through and not grab it all and rip it. She believes that is one of the reasons the piece was designed this way. Ms. Steele added that the vendor is aware that the piece has to withstand strong winds. Commissioner Dawson noted that since there are different pieces, the wind flows are disrupted as it goes to the next piece so it does not have lift capability. Commissioner Babcock asked if the poles will remain the same. Ms. Steele answered yes. Commissioner Hall asked what color would it be. Ms. Steele said a light color, something similar to off-white or egg-shell. Commissioner Guyer asked if there is any possibility of utilizing the framework. Ms. Steele answered yes. She indicated that they need to finalize the design, so the engineering can be done. Commissioner Hall asked if this makes more sense as opposed to non- fabric material. She wanted to know why it is fabric material. Mr. Homer Croy, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, indicated that was the direction of City Council, they would like to continue with the same type of designs with the same type of fabric as opposed to metal. The metal structures have a higher maintenance cost over time, and the fabric structure offers more versatility and how it can be architecturally laid out. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel corrected that not the City Council, but the Committee. Mr. Croy corrected himself to indicate the Committee. Mr. Niemczak noted that the new Holiday Inn Hotel in Palm Springs on Highway 111 has a similar very small structure, but one can get the feel for what it looks like. The new plaza across the Holiday Inn has a similar design also. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08_min_doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Commissioner Housken asked if it is designed to acoustically project the sound. Ms. Steele said not really. Chairman Dawson noted that this design should project sound more than the current one. Commissioner Housken added that the design looks great. Planning Commissioner Van Tanner asked what type of material is it. Mr. Niemczak answered that it is woven steel threads. Ms. Steele indicated that she could forward that information by e-mail; she noted that she had that information at the last meeting but she did not have it with her. Mr. Croy commented that the vendor had multiple life-wear products. The Committee decided to go with the middle-of-the-road quality. Ms. Steele added that she believes this material has a 25 year life warranty. Chairman Dawson summarized that the design will be presented to the Committee and then to City Council. Ms. Steele indicated that it will be presented to the Commission and then to City Council. Commissioner Guyer asked if this project was part of the budget. Ms. Steele answered yes. B. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Ms. Steele wanted to update the Commission and give them a broad idea of where things were. She indicated that the City Council met to follow-up and assess where things stood from the initial strategic planning retreat back in January. Out of the five year goals that the City Council identified as being a priority for the next three years, the one that pertained to the Commission was the completing an indoor recreation center with a pool. She explained that attached were the objectives broken into three, and prior to that they were broken into two. Ms. Steele indicated that Mr. Croy, Mr. Niemczak, the Planning Director, the Public Works Director, and she met with the City Manager to discuss where to start and what he wants them to do. Out of that meeting an informal proposal for a Master Plan was created; it lists out what Staff is doing. Staff received proposals on Friday, hopefully the City Manager can review it and he will be able to sign off on it. This will then be ratified by City Council to get moving and start looking at site possibilities so that a site can be nailed down, and construction costs calculated. Staff will bring back some potential plans and building massing studies to see how it would lay out and what the costs would be. 5 G:IDevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Staff will meet with the Community Center Committee and the consultant so that everyone can be involved. She invited the Commission to communicate with Committee Chair Barnard. Ms. Steele indicated that the goal was to keep the Commission updated. She added that Staff will conduct as a first objective, a study session on the potential sites, presenting all the information found, costs on different sites, etc., and at the second City Council meeting in October, Staff will bring a site proposal. Vice Chair Barnard asked when is it anticipated to have the meetings with the consultant. Ms. Steele indicated that throughout the summer. Ms. Steele added that if possible a meeting could take place by mid-July and that she would contact members of the committee for their availability. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked who is part of the committee. Vice Chair Barnard answered that Commissioners Dawson and Guyer, Planning Commissioner Van Tanner, Rob Ballew from the YMCA, Craig DeWitt and himself. Ms. Steele added that Mr. Rittenhouse from the Joslyn Senior Center would like to be involved as well. She indicated that Commissioner Schukart was also part of the committee. She invited Commissioners to join the Committee. Commissioner Hall asked to be part of the committee. Commissioner Guyer asked what the alternative sites are. Ms. Steele answered that the sites identified in the study session were as follows: (1) combining the buildings at Civic Center Park. Staff is also looking at the street connection with the College of the Desert (COD) land, and may evaluate a north sight as well. She indicated that these three were the locations considered and that they are leaning to the Civic Center Park area, as this is what the City Council seemed most interested in. Commissioner Guyer clarified that there are two different schemes for the Civic Center area, and one alternative site. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel added that there was some discussion about realigning San Pablo and taking it over to the west, and coming around and taking some of the COD land that was given to the City to make this a larger facility. Commissioner Guyer asked what a massing study is. Ms. Steele answered that it indicates where the buildings are going to be, how they are going to lay out with utilities, traffic pattern, etc. This is like a footprint. Chairman Dawson asked if there were any further questions or comments. 6 GIDevService5lMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if the informal request for proposal has been prepared. Ms. Steele answered that it already went out and came back on Friday. Staff is reviewing and working on a report for the City Manager. Vice Chair Barnard asked how many proposals were received. Ms. Steele said that not very many. She indicated that she talked to a few firms, and a couple of the responses they received involved firms that were interested in doing the design-build portion but does not do the site master planning. Some firms are very busy right now, and they would rather participate in larger projects. Planning Commissioner Van Tanner asked what the amount of the bids received was. Ms. Steele answered $25,000. Mr. Niemczak added that the firm that won the bid has done a lot of recreation facilities, and they even worked with La Quinta in their City Hall renovation, so they had a good recommendation from them. Ms. Steele added that they also worked on the La Quinta Art Museum renovation. Planning Commissioner Van Tanner asked if there were any local bidders. Mr. Niemczak answered not really. They were from Los Angeles or Ontario. C. DOG PARK IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Niemczak presented a brief update on the improvements performed at the dog park throughout the year. The most recent being adding rock around the shade structure to reduce the mud in the small dog area of Civic Center Park. At the request of the dog park users, Staff has added sand to fill holes dug by their dogs, installed a mister by the shade structure in the large dog area that did not have one, and more frequent pressure washing of the area to maintain cleanliness. Staff is trying to take care of the dog park users' needs. Ms. Steele added that Staff is re- sodding the dog park. Chairman Dawson asked if dog park users were happy. Mr. Niemczak answered that they are. He added that there was a request to have the blue fire hydrant removed from the small dog park. Chairman Dawson noted that it is nice to have a dog park where users feel committed to. Mr. Niemczak agreed that they are very committed to it. 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Planning Commissioner Van Tanner asked if there is an emergency number for problems. Ms. Steele answered yes; it is on the entry sign. Mr. Niemczak indicated that it is the sheriff's number and park ambassadors. Ms. Steele added that there are dog park flyers everywhere, and that users know how to get a hold of Staff. She mentioned that these flyers were very successful. Last August, 5,000 copies were printed and we are down to a very small stack. A second run is being printed right now. Commissioner Housken noted that she talked to the guys about the dog park and they love it, but during the winter people turn on the misters too early in the morning. Would it be possible to have the mister in the dog park set up for different times during the winter. Mr. Niemczak indicated that Staff could look for a timer. He indicated that the misters are turned off in the winter, but perhaps not early enough. D. PALMA VILLAGE PARK PICNIC TABLES Mr. Niemczak indicated that the picnic tables installed at Palma Village are made of recycled plastic material that resembles wood, and due to children jumping on them the planks have cracked. Staff installed metal tables. Mr. Niemczak referred to the before and after pictures of the park tables. Planning Commissioner Van Tanner asked if these tables conduct heat differently than treated plastic. Mr. Niemczak answered that the tables are under a shade structure. He added that the tables at the Soccer Park and Joe Mann Park are similar and the heat fades the plastic. Commissioner Guyer asked if there are any of the plastic tables in any other parks. Mr. Niemczak said no. He added that those tables are made so that a handicapped person could wheel under the edge, which leaves a large area of unsupported space. E. UNIVERSITY PARKS Ms. Steele indicated that Staff is trying to finish the work at university parks. The grand opening will be held in October over at CSUSB in conjunction with a building dedication. Staff has prepared a preliminary punch list. Ms. Steele indicated that the one thing they are waiting on is the turf, because they are using the same stolens out there that they used at Freedom Park, so it is going to take a lot longer for the grass to germinate, grow and look nice. Ms. Steele added that Staff is looking to get it to a maintenance period pretty soon that will be extended by 30 days until that grass is fully in. 8 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08_min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Ms. Steele mentioned that this is an update to the Commission that Staff is going through the punch list, getting ready for the 90-day maintenance period and for taking the parks over. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if additional staff is needed to take the parks over. Ms. Steele answered that not parks staff, because these are included in the parks maintenance contract that was just extended, but at some point parks ambassadors will have to be increased. She indicated that she budgeted for that eventuality, and that it is getting to the point where they have to have some additional patrol supervision. Chairman Dawson asked if the commissioner responsible for the university parks inspection could forego that inspection for now. Ms. Steele indicated that is correct until further notice. F. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele added that Staff combined a couple of months of parks inspections, and thanked the Commission for turning them in. Ms. Steele noted that she added another park inspection assignment sheet to make sure that everyone has one. She also updated the inspector checklist to add suggestions and recommendations. In the action form she changed it to say "Deficiencies and/or Recommendations" and "Correction action taken or recommended action." She offered to e-mail a new form to the Commission. Commissioner Munson asked to be included in the next parks inspection schedule. Chairman Dawson asked how many people use the checklist. He asked if there were any further comments on the parks inspections. Ms. Steele asked if Commissioner Munson would like to take over Commissioner Schukart's schedule for the time being. Commissioner Munson agreed. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson stated that he is unfamiliar with the number of bicycle racks and their location in the parks. He added that if the goal is to encourage people to stop increasing the carbon footprint and start using their bike more often. More bicycle racks should be installed in the best locations in all the parks. He asked Staff to study the situation and see 9 G:IDevSeivicesVNonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08_min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 where bike racks are currently located, where they should be located, and come back to the Commission with some suggestions. Commissioner Babcock offered that there are a number of different types of bicycle racks. He added that there are some that are difficult to use, so he cannot make a recommendation on any particular one. Ms. Steele invited Commissioner Babcock to assist Staff in identifying proper bicycle racks. He agreed to assist. Commissioner Guyer mentioned that there used to be a sign at the Mike Schuler Trail, which is now gone. He asked if the sign was vandalized or will it be installed again. Mr. Niemczak answered that Staff is going to build a kiosk there similar to the one at Homme/Adams Park. Commissioner Guyer asked if there is enough room in there for a kiosk. Mr. Niemczak added that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is forming a trail committee to which Commissioner Babcock was appointed to, and the BLM representative suggested Staff waiting to install the sign until there is a uniform sign system. Staff is waiting for further direction. Commissioner Hall commented that she noticed that in Palm Desert there are two stations where to recharge golf carts; one is at the Target shopping center, and the other one is at the Civic Center. The Civic Center one is always occupied by a non-electric vehicle. Ms. Steele noted that she is not even sure the charging stations are operational. Mr. Niemczak offered to check with Public Works. Mr. Croy stated that these stations where desired for the cars at that time and the plugs are specialty plugs. Staff has been looking at possible recharging stations in some of the parking stalls, but they need to figure out how many will be needed and these stalls must be designated for electric cars. This is part of the upcoming projects for this upcoming budget year. Commissioner Hall added that she has noticed that more people are starting to use their golf carts. Mr. Croy commented that he has received requests for special parking stalls for energy-efficient cars. However, that may be a specific need that may not be addressed. Commissioner Housken indicated that when she was inspecting the skate park at Civic Center she talked to the CVRPD staff person who was manning the station, and it was suggested to have a misting system for the children because there is really not a lot of green grass or trees to cool 10 G_IDevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 MinutesV-Ol-08.min.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 off the area other than the shade structure. She added that if we are able to mist the dogs, there should be a system to cool off the skate park. Ms. Steele pointed out that water in the skate park could be very dangerous. She asked if there is an idea where they would want it. Mr. Niemczak offered that Staff talked about installing it around the shade area. Commissioner Housken added that maybe it could be installed outside the park, by the fence before they step into the park. Perhaps even a portable evaporative cooler system for the summer, anything that can help the kids. Mr. Niemczak said that he looked at some systems at Home Depot. He will investigate if there is a better misting system. Commissioner Munson asked what is the particular concern with water in the skate park. Mr. Croy answered that the concern is the concrete and skate parks. Kids move quickly and they may slip and fall. He added that if a misting system were to be provided, it would be necessary to have a grass area where children could sit under in a misting condition but they could not use their skate boards. That would reduce the City's risk. Commissioner Housken noted that the Commission would agree with that, and they would not want the misting system on the cement, but since there are gates before the kids could walk in, it could even placed by the gates. Ms. Steele commented that a student intern in Public Works suggested to her a programming idea. He is looking for a place to showcase local bands and local talent. They thought the amphitheater is a great place to do that. This suggestion represents little or no cost, as the bands would bring their own equipment. Ms. Steele asked him to do a presentation, and given that the Commission does not meet until August, she would like to know if any of the Commissioners is interested in attending his presentation. Ms. Steele thought that this would be a good thing to do, to go through the political process, and he is interested in doing something nice for the valley. Ms. Steele spoke with the Risk Manager, and both agree this is a good idea. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if anyone was interested in listening to this presentation and provide some feedback. Commissioners Munson, Guyer, Dash, Barnard, and Van Tanner expressed interest in the presentation. 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 MinutesV-OI-OS.min_doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 1, 2008 Commissioner Housken said that there is not a lot venues for local talent. Ms. Steele commented that this group supports a local talent pool, and he has even considered the economic impact value of this type of concerts. He is a political science student, and recognizes that there is a gap in service programs for 16-24 year-olds that do not play sports. Chairman Dawson thanked the Commission for supporting this suggestion. Ms. Steele sadly notified the Commission that Mr. Barnes passed away. She offered to find out more details and share with the Commission. Chairman Dawson indicated that he will not be present at the August 19 meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Munson, seconded by Commissioner Hall, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m. ��� ��Q� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl7-01-08.min.doc