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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 08/19/08 � ,�.•�,•'rr"'Mr CITY OF PALM DESERT ��''� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Barnard convened the meeting at 8:35 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Vice Chair Michael Barnard Chairman Gerald Dawso� � ` Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Phill Bab k � Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah I � Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Julie M n Commissioner Terry Schukart �' � � Staff Present: � � Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem La Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Q �y � Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager �� Ricardo Torres, Parks Maintenance Supervisor W � `'' Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Q Q �� �:�; Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary � �� o , H � Guests: H �j Van Tanner, Palm Desert Planning Commissioner � � � Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District a ,- � " s� Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District � _ W _ � � � " Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun � ca a �' ., � � � III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES U� � E�-+ irs rsi w � ►�-+' y�" A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JUNE 17, 2008 ��GG �� 2� � � � Minutes of the meeting from June 17, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by GuyerlHousken, and carried by a 5-0 with Chairman Dawson and Commissioners Babcock, Hall, and Munson ABSENT. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JULY 1, 2008 Commissioner Housken stated that on page 12, first paragraph, she clarified that she meant to say, ". . . there is not a lot of venues for local talent." Minutes of the meeting from July 1, 2008, were approved with the above-stated amendment made by Commissioner Housken. Motion moved/seconded by Housken/Guyer, and carried by a 5-0 with Chairman Dawson and Commissioners Babcock, Hall, and Munson ABSENT. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Gary Lueders, Desert Bicycle Club and Coachella Valley Community Trails Alliance, thanked the Commission for their part in encouraging the City Council for installing bicycle lanes that were recently done`this summer. He noted to the Commission to keep on the forefront the issue of keeping bike lanes on Cook Street. Mr. Lueders mentioned that the League of American Bicyclists has a program called, "Bicycle Friendly Communities." The League is identifying cities around the country that are bicycle friendly. He stated that the process takes quite a while to receive that designation. It requires a staff member to work on the demographics, and an application must be completed. He stated that if the City would like to pursue that program, he would be happy to assist. He noted that the League of American Bicyclists have a website, which could be Googled. He last mentioned that before the meeting an Urban Trails & Bikeways Map was given to the Commission. The maps were done by the County. He stated that the maps are being called a prototype because during the process the names of the streets were not printed in bold print, which makes it hard to read. Mr. Lueders stated that 6,000 copies are going to be printed, and distributed to bike shops, map stores, visitor centers, and possibly the Chamber of Commerce. He was not completely sure of all the locations. Mr. Lueders thanked the Commission, and that he was also happy to see bike racks on the agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked City Staff if the City's little map showing bike lanes is up-to-date. Ms. Steele responded that it is not. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that it has to be done. Ms. Steele agreed. 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1�19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard commented that he has also noticed the new bike lanes. He stated that the bright color paint makes the lanes visually stand out to see the division between bikes and cars. Ms. Paula Simonds, Family YMCA of the Desert, Director of Community Programs, announced that they are offering a free concert at the YMCA. The band is the Morris Brothers from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. this evening. She invited the Commission to attend. Commissioner Dash asked in regards to Bicycle Friendly Communities, how widespread is the distribution of the information that is being identified as a bike-friendly city in terms of tourism. Mr. Lueders responded that when a city receives that designation, the city is allowed to put a road sign at the entrance of the city saying that it is bicycle friendly. In addition, it is publicized in all of the bicycle magazines. He noted that there are no cities in the valley that have that designation. Commissioner Dash asked what involvement is required from the City. Mr. Lueders responded that there is a long list of items that cities must meet. He mentioned that the city would need a staff person to handle the program, the demographics have to be done, there must be a bicycle education program, and the list goes on and on. Mr. Lueders added that there are different levels of Bicycle Friendly Communities (gold, silver, and bronze). He noted that there is more information on their website. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel suggested adding more information regarding the program to the next agenda. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. 2009 LEGENDS FIELD (SENIOR GAMES) HONOREES Discussion and recommendation for the 2009 Honoree. Ms. Steele stated it is the time again to select a potential honoree. Staff included a couple of names that were mentioned last year: Billie Jean King and Rosie Casals. She also mentioned Dr. John Carlos who recently received an ESPY award and lives in Palm Springs. Commissioner Guyer commented that the Commission has discussed building columns by the tennis courts for tennis legends. He asked if the Commission is still looking at that idea. Ms. Steele responded that Staff is 3 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-08_min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 looking at building more columns at Legends Field, and she is not sure about the tennis area. Commissioner Guyer could not recall if the discussion was dropped or if it � was tabled to discuss at a different time since they had another baseball honoree. Mr. Niemczak replied that he budgeted for four more columns by the current columns. He was going to have two columns built this fiscal year, and two more the following fiscal year. Commissioner Housken inquired how many more honorees can be accommodated at the ball field entrance. Mr. Niemczak answered that is enough space for four more columns. Commissioner Schukart asked what the timeline for the current selection is. Ms. Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District (CVRPD), responded that they would like to send the registration book out to print by the last week of September or first week of October. Commissioner Dash mentioned that last year there was a question about Billie Jean King. Ms. Adair responded that she was not living in the area at that time, but was part of a project that is being built in the valley. Commissioner Guyer inquired if Rosie Casals is a resident. Ms. Adair replied that she lives at Indian Ridge. Commissioner Housken noted that she did not realize that they both played doubles together. Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they would like to have two honorees. She noted that it is not set in stone on what they do. Commissioner Guyer questioned if they would feel slighted because they were not chosen individually. A couple Commissioners felt that they might feel slighted. Commissioner Guyer asked if there are any baseball names leftover from the previous year. Ms. Steele responded that she believes the only one left is Steve Garvey. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that last year pon Sutton opened the youth sports games and they loved it. Ms. Adair mentioned that Don Sutton would like to be the emcee this year. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl&19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard stated that they will continue this item to the next meeting. He asked the Commission if they had any names to please forward the information to Mr. Niemczak. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. BICYCLE RACKS Mr. Niemczak reported that Chairman Dawson suggested that Staff look into adding bicycle racks in parks where there are none available. He noted that Commissioner Babcock assisted Staff pick out a bicycle rack that would be suitable for users. He also noted Parks Staff was directed to complete an inventory of all the parks and suggest where they can install additional bike racks. Mr. Niemczak stated that the recommendations are listed in the staff report, and Mr. Torres is present to answer any questions. Commissioner Guyer asked if the bike racks are an addition to what is already there. Mr. Torres responded that racks will be added where they are not available, and at some parks they will be adding additional racks to what is already there. Commissioner Guyer pointed out that the picture shown in the staff report is different from the racks that are already installed. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if the racks that are the kind that the people like to use. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. It is what Commissioner Babcock suggested. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the racks are one sided and going against a building. Mr. Torres answered the most are going to be against a wall, and that there is no space for a double-sided rack. Commissioner Guyer commented that the rack that is presented is kind of freestanding. The racks might get in the way and people might trip over them. He noted that the pictures for Hovley Soccer Park would have the racks freestanding. Mr. Niemczak said that they could find a place against the wall. The Commission suggested placing the racks at a different location for the Hovley Soccer Park. 5 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-OS.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 B. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Ms. Steele stated that Vice Chair Barnard; Mr. Tony Bagato, Assistant Planner; and herself attended the Facility Design School. She stated that for the next meeting, she will present a slide show of pictures of some of the things they saw. She mentioned the City Council's strategic plan to complete an indoor recreation center with a pool. At the Council's June meeting, they split a few objectives into three. Objective No. 1: Develop and present to the City Council for action specific criteria, alternative sites, associated costs, and financial resources needed. Staff has selected and met with a consultant to do some site master planning. They have a second meeting scheduled. A target date is set for October 9, to present the information to the City Council. Objective No. 2: Present to the City Council a site. A target date is set for October 23, 2008. Objective No. 3: Recommend recreational partners. Ms. Steele stated that she will keep the Commission updated. Commissioner Barnard commented that it was his first time visiting community centers and recreational facilities outside of Southern California. He was shocked at the number, quality, and the size of facilities; it is embarrassing in comparison to what is located here. He noted that they went to Kansas City, and within a 50 miles radius of the city they went to nine different community centers that were nicer than anything that he has seen in California. He mentioned that they all visited Coronado, but it was still middle of the road compared to what they saw. He stated that there were towns of 5,000 people that had 60,000 to 70,000 square foot centers with beautiful architecture, all indoor aquatics with lap pools, play features, basketball, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and a high level of technology. He stated that they met with architects and pool designers, and received lots of good information. Vice Chair Barnard stated that the City has a great opportunity to make a statement. He noted that most of the community centers in Kansas City were built next to city hall to be shown as a showpiece and draw more people. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard indicated that he was in the meeting with gkkworks, the consultant, along with Commissioner Schukart. He stated that he was impressed with them, and it seemed like they really know what they are doing. He is looking forward to hearing their recommendations. Commissioner Schukart added that he was impressed the way gkkworks dug their teeth into the process. Commissioner Guyer inquired on how the centers in the Midwest financed their projects. Ms. Steele responded that one was done with a casino tax. She mentioned that in Missouri, they allowed cities to pass a parks/storm water sales tax, but it did have to go the voters and pass by a vote of two- thirds (2/3). Ms. Steele added that all the information on each community center is on a disc. She has made a copy of the disc to give to the Commission. On the disc is information on how they paid for it, size, budget, staffing, employee manuals, job descriptions, and more. Vice Chair Barnard commented that some of the processes took eight to nine years. He mentioned that a lot of them focused on cost recovery. He noted that some had a 100% recovery, and others had a 70% to 80% recovery. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if some of the centers broke even. Ms. Steele replied yes. She stated that the center that stands out is the one that has a joint use agreement with a local YMCA. Vice Chair Barnard added that most of them were run by the cities except for the center that was run by the YMCA, but that the contract was done through the county. C. FREEDOM DOG PARK Mr. Niemczak reported that when Freedom Park was build, the shade structures for the dog park were not included. Staff requested bids for shade structures. He noted that there are pictures included in the agenda packet. He also noted that the contractor mistakenly installed a tan shade cloth, but will be changing it to the correct color (blue). Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if a misting system is going to be added. Ms. Steele answered that they have not planned to. She mentioned that they have a lot of issues with the misting system at the Civic Center dog 7 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 park. Staff prefers not installing a system. If they start getting requests, Staff will bring it back to the Commission. D. LOCAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE AT THE CIVIC CENTER PARK Ms. Steele stated that there is a proposal regarding the local artists showcase in the agenda packet. She communicated that she mentioned it at the last meeting in July. There is an intern in the Public Works Department that approached Staff with an idea to have concerts in the park during the summer months. The bands are local talent from the Coachella Valley that are young, and would not be able to play in bars. They would reach the 15-26 age groups. Ms. Steele stated that this is a joint effort with the City to find a place for them to play, which will be City hosted with music in the park. If it goes well, they would look at stepping it up next year and put more money in the budget to advertise. She mentioned that there have been two concerts in the park, and that she will have Mr. White return in September to talk a little about the concerts and have a recap. Commissioner Schukart asked if two bands have played in the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele answered it has been two concerts with three bands playing on one day. Commissioner Schukart asked if it is free admission. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired on the turn out. Ms. Steele responded that the first week was a little slow, and last week it was busy as any movie night the City has had. She noted that Staff is present during the concerts along with Park Ambassadors just to make sure that everything is under control. For the future, she recommends a sound system for the amphitheater. Commissioner Guyer asked if the sound system was the same the second time. Ms. Steele replied that she thought the second time sounded better. Commissioner Schukart inquired if there were any associated security type issues. It was mentioned that as they grow, security may have to be added. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they have insurance. Ms. Steele responded yes. Staff worked with the City's Risk Manager to provide insurance. s G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes1�19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if there was police presence during the concert. Ms. Steele replied no since the concerts have been relatively small. If it becomes a problem, she will talk to Lt. Taylor. E. MIKE SCHULER TRAIL UPDATE Ms. Steele reported that at a previous meeting it was mentioned that there was an article in The Desert Sun that indicated the City of Rancho Mirage was considering widening the Mike Schuler Trail. She stated that Staff met with the City Manager to let him know that Rancho Mirage had set a public meeting to discuss the Bump and Grind and the widening of the trail. She noted that the City Manager wrote a letter to the City of Rancho Mirage, and is included in the agenda packet. Ms. Steele indicated that Mr. Ryan Stendell, Vice Chair Barnard, and herself attended the meeting. At the meeting, Rancho Mirage mentioned that they received Palm Desert's letter from the City Manager. They also assured Palm Desert that they would contact the City before proceeding any further. Vice Chair Barnard inquired if the gates have been installed. Ms. Steele replied no. Commissioner Guyer referred to the map in the agenda packet, Item I, he asked if that was the boundary of Rancho Mirage and the City of Palm Desert. Ms. Steele answered yes. She noted that she believes the area they want to widen is at the trailhead. Mr. Stendell commented that the other concern is Palm Desert wants to make sure Rancho Mirage observes the environmental approvals that were in place for that size trail. Even if it is in Rancho Mirage city limits, they need to have full environmental approvals. Vice Chair Barnard listed Commissioner Babcock's concerns since he was absent. Following are his concerns with widening of the trail: erosion, maintenance, and water damage. Commissioner Babcock would also like to have a discussion during a study session before any widening of the trail. Vice Chair Barnard commented that he believes everyone has the same concern, but that they will wait until Rancho Mirage contacts Palm Desert Staff. 9 �:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 F. TRAIL WASHOUTS Mr. Niemczak reported that with the recent rains some of the trails were washed out in various places. City Staff attempted to contact Mr. Mike Schuler to request a cost for the repairs. Mr. Stendell interjected that Mr. Schuler and his son were going to try to hit most of the big areas of the trail and catalog all the washed out areas so that he can give the City a cost. Since there has been no maintenance done to the trails, City Staff also requested that Mr. Schuler go from one end to another since, and give the City a cost proposal. Staff has not yet received information back from Mr. Schuler. G. UPCOMING PARK EVENTS Ms. Steele announced that on September 11, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a concert in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater. It is being put together by the Sister Cities Foundation in conjunction with the Fire Department. She mentioned some of the other activities for that evening. On September 19, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., the Symphony Orchestra of Michoacan will also be perForming in the amphitheater, including performances of Indian dances. Commissioner Guyer asked who is bringing the symphony to Palm Desert. Ms. Steele responded that it is not anyone from the City, but a person by the name of Mr. Rosalio Plata. Mr. Plata is local gentleman from Cathedral City with Club Juan Colorado, a non-profit cultural association. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the City solicited for them to perform here. Ms. Steele replied no. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Guyer asked for a status of the amphitheater. Ms. Steele responded she needs to check with the City Council to get their comments. Commissioner Schukart announced that he is officially no longer on a leave of absence from the Commission. The Commission welcomed him back. 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-OS_min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard commented that he was at Freedom Park, and he saw within fifteen minutes two balls kicked out into Country Club Drive with the guys out chasing after the balls. He feels that Staff needs to look at some fencing quickly before someone gets hurt. He also noted that balls were going into the park entrance area and the community gardens. Vice Chair Barnard stated that he was surprised to read in the newspaper the relocation of the Gus Macker. The last he heard was Mr. Craig DeWitt, CVRPD, giving the Commission a presentation on having it on EI Paseo. He mentioned that he called Ms. Steele to ask her about it, and she did not know until the night before he called her. He was surprised that there was no better communication from CVRPD considering all the time that was spent laying out the site. He is not sure what the history was or why the change was made. Mr. DeWitt communicated that when the decision was made, hours before their board meeting, and before the board could make a decision on the location; there was no time to contact Palm Desert. He stated that it was unfortunate how it happened, but the timing was such that the board had to make a decision to keep the plan going. Mr. DeWitt stated that it was not handled the best as it could be, and the whole situation could have been handled a little better. They hope that when the local tournament happens in the future years, they will be able to bring it to Palm Desert. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. DeWitt if they were originally trying to have it at the Tennis Gardens, but they wanted too much money. So then CVRPD approached the City of Palm Desert, and the City of Palm Desert said okay. Then CVRPD found out that the Tennis Gardens were not going to charge so CVRPD went back to Indian Wells. He asked Mr. DeWitt if that was pretty much right. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel expressed his dissatisfaction. Mr. DeWitt said he wished that he could say something different. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that he does not want him to say anything different, he thinks it stinks. Mr. Tanner, Planning Commissioner, commented that he also made an announcement at a Planning Commission meeting that CVRPD had met with the EI Paseo Committee and had received their approval. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel voiced that the Commission is not picking on Mr. DeWitt, but that he needs to take it back to his boss. 11 GIDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Mr. DeWitt explained that they met with the EI Paseo Committee, and they thought it was a great idea. When they met with the City, the City suggested San Pablo, and was asked why they were not involved with the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens because that was really the best location. The Tennis Gardens later became more accommodating. Ms. Steele commented that she will be on vacation Thursday and Friday of this week, and the following week. She asked that if anything comes up for the next Commission meeting, to please direct them to Mr. Niemczak or Ms. Loredo. Mr. DeWitt announced that September 25, is the first of the District's Desert Rock concert series at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired when the overseeding begins. Ms. Steele responded that it starts immediately after the District's concert. She stated that they will provide the schedule at the next Commission meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m. �1��-�- Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutesl8-19-08.min.docx