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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 06/02/09 � � , .�.�� CITY OF PALM DESERT ��•�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES . . JUNE 2, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Barnard convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Chairman Michael Barnard Commissioner Julie Munson Vice Chair Roger Dash (Munson on Leave of Absence) Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hafl Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Guests: CITY COUNCiLACTION Robert Spiegel, Mayor APf'�nvF:� ni:l�t�n Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Rrcrrvrn��`/� o7'f�t�'.tt Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District pATE -a 7-�' ' Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation DistrictMF�''T'[NG Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert AYrs: � �sz�� F�- s F�� � // . ',� Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun �����"�'' -N`�`��- �R��;r��1�;'T': ��r�e- III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ��"`'�'A��v:—�`�onr_ __ t�r���r�t��:�� t�v: �JC �� - <9ri!��r��9 on ��iie �vit�► �ity �icrl:'s t;�`f'ic�� •c � Ms. Adair, Desert Recreation District, announced that their summ�r camps are starting on June 15 through August 24 at Christian School of the Desert. There will be the similar activities as the previous year serving ages 7-16 years of age. The district will have an aquatic program that starts on June 22 at Palm Desert High School. They will also have a tiny 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 tot program going on at the Palm Desert Community Center along with some other programs. Ms. Paula Simonds, Family YMCA of the Desert, communicated that the YMCA are also starting with their summer programs along with some childcare. She listed several camps scheduled at the San Pablo YMCA. They will have the Health and Fitness component during the summer. She noted that they have changed the items in the vending machine to healthier ones. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM MAY 5, 2009 Commissioner Hall mentioned that she was not sure if the minutes were incorrect or if the status report was incorrect. She noted that the minutes on page 16, Commissioner Guyer states ". . . moved to recommend that Staff look into converting one tennis court at the Civic Center to either two or four pickleball courts and presenting it to the City Council." She then stated that the status report of May 26 states ". . . Staff will meet with Courtmasters (court builders) to receive a cost estimate on painting pickleball lines on the Freedom Park tennis courts." Ms. Steele answered that they are both correct. She explained that when it went to the City Council, the Council did not want to convert one of the Civic Center tennis courts. The City Council directed Staff to do a couple of other things and to bring it back to them. Commissioner Hall mentioned that there was discussion about Freedom Park being too windy for pickleball. She asked if it made sense to have pickleball there if it is too windy. Ms. Steele responded that Councilwoman Benson requested that Staff check Freedom Park. Staff posted a sign for a month at Freedom Park that pickleball lines would be painted on the tennis courts, and the City has not received any complaints. Staff did receive positive feedback from pickleball players that they would appreciate the courts being painted and that they would use them. Ms. Steele noted that they could paint the lines at a very low cost. Commissioner Hall commented that since there is a problem with tennis players and the lines on the pickleball courts, can the lines be painted in a different color. Ms. Steele responded that the lines are in a different color. Commissioner Dawson stated that the third paragraph from the bottom read, "Commissioner Dawson inquired if there was a cost for the shade 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minuteslfr2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 structure frame." He believed that he said, ". . . if there is a cost for inspecting the shade structure frame." Minutes of the meeting from May 5, 2009, were approved with the change made by Commissioner Dawson on page 3 as stated above. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Hall, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Discussion and recommendations regarding information provided on the economic impact of parks and recreation. Ms. Steele stated that at the last Commission meeting Staff brought information and asked for some feedback from the Commission. She noted that she included the feedback in the agenda packet. Commissioner Dawson suggested being informative about Palm Desert specifically to Palm Desert residents, but make it also available to the Visitor Center so that people know well in advance what is happening and what they would be able to participate in or watch. Commissioner Dawson commented the he personally does not understand that things are happening until the day before or the day after, which may have been something he wanted to participate in. He noted that doing something like this; they would be promoting the parks. This is from a standpoint of active recreation as opposed to passive recreation. Ms. Steele clarified what Commissioner Dawson just mentioned, which is market what they are currently doing. She mentioned, for example, there are a lot of tournaments and lots of different sports that the City may not do a good job of adding to a centralized calendar on the City's website and at the Visitor Center. With a calendar, people could go see a tournament if they want. Commissioner Dawson interjected that even if they do not want to watch a tournament, people would realize that things are active in Palm Desert. This would translate to home sales and economic stimulus. Chairman Barnard agreed. He stated that there was a national flag football tournament in Palm Desert, and heard about it afterwards. If he would have known about it, he would have gone to watch since he used to play flag football. He mentioned that there are a lot of times you do not find out about it until later. 3 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutesl6-2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Commissioner Dawson commented that another vehicle for presenting the information is the Palm Desert Sun on Thursdays. Commissioner Hall asked if that is done through press releases. Mayor Spiegel responded that it is done by the two Palm Desert reporters. If the City gives them the information, they should be able to put it in. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele if the flag football was a last minute thing. She replied yes. Commissioner Guyer stated that he feels it is important to tie the programs into the parks as opposed to having people think that they are coming from outside areas to be done. He stated that things the City is doing for the residents need to be clear. He thinks that sometimes the residents do not see what is being offered to them. Commissioner Dawson stated that his other point is to utilize Civic Center Park with events that are well publicized so that people can go to the park and enjoy each other, enjoy entertainment, and performing arts. Once the amphitheater structure is rebuilt, it should be a grand venue for all kinds of things. Mayor Spiegel commented that the City is having a Fourth of July celebration this year that is going to cost between $40,000 to $50,000 for the entertainment and the fireworks. With that said, there is still concern that there is not enough going on in the parks from an entertainment standpoint. In the past, there have been concerts and movies in the park, but the summers seem to get hotter and hotter. Unfortunately, when it gets really hot nobody wants to go out for a concert or a movie. Mayor Spiegel stated that he has a meeting set with Councilwoman Benson, Ms. Sheila Gilligan, Ms. Pat Scully, and Ms. Steele to discuss his thoughts about what to do in Palm Desert parks. He is suggesting that due to the economy and people needing something to do, having a concert or movie on alternate nights every Saturday beginning in September. The City may just have to work around the re-seeding schedules. Commissioner Schukart noted that the College of the Desert does not re- seed the football field until the third week of November, and that it looks okay up though the end of football season. The seed does take late in the fall. Commission Guyer mentioned that you do need something to do in the summer, for that reason it is critical the City build an aquatic center. Mayor Spiegel joked that it does not look like it is going to be this year. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minu[es162-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Chairman Barnard inquired if anyone has ever looked at having a concession/snack bar/little restaurant in the Civic Center Park. Mayor Spiegel responded that E & E Pels generally comes out when there are events. Chairman Barnard mentioned that parks in big cities have a cafe, deli, or coffee bar. Mayor Spiegel commented that there was a proposal ten years ago to put a restaurant underneath the pool. He stated that he does not know if the City is big enough or wants to maintain a restaurant in the park. Commissioner Guyer added that it is a good opportunity for tocal merchants to get involved to make a few extra bucks. Commissioner Housken asked what the policy with selling food in the park is. Ms. Steele responded that there is an ordinance that says you can not do business in a City park. She noted that there are groups that sell such as the youth sport organizations during tournaments, which help support the program or not for profit organizations. In addition, special events in the park have to be approved by the City Council. Commissioner Babcock inquired who makes the suggestions for the music in the park. Ms. Steele answered that currently it is done by Ms. Pat Scully. Commissioner Babcock commented that he felt last year the City has been eliminating music for the older people. Mayor Spiegel interjected that they are trying to appeal to all groups. He explained that the City is also working on a budget with a deficit so the City has to look at costs for entertainment. He noted that in the past they had the Riverside Symphony Orchestra, and they are too expensive. Mayor Spiegel reiterated that there has to be a mix of entertainment because there are families and retired people that are living here. Commissioner Hall mentioned that because of the music they have had over the years, the perception is mostly an older audience. But as time goes on and people realize that the City has a different mix, the size of crowds is going to increase with more young people and families. She stated that if you target the teenage group (16-24) and they realize what is going on, they will start attending. Mayor Spiegel stated there is not much of a crowd now because it is too hot. 5 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes16-2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Mr. Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District, announced that they are looking at having movies in the evenings in the Palm Desert Community Center gym this summer, and would be happy to discuss it with the City. Mayor Spiegel replied that would be terrific. Commissioner Hall communicated that an integrated calendar would be helpful so people can see what is happening within the park. Mayor Spiegel noted that Ms. Scully has a list of what movies are available, and that they are not expensive. Commission Guyer asked how many people could fit in the gym. Mr. DeWitt responded that easily 300. Commissioner Housken inquired if there is already something printed at the Visitor Center concerning the parks and what is available at each of the parks. Ms. Steele responded that the brochure is available at the Visitor Center. It was noted that information on the hiking trails, biking trails, dog parks, disc golf, Palm Desert Community Center, and YMCA is also available. Commissioner Guyer stated that the information also goes to the hotels. He commented that the only problem with the programs is that they are not held on a regular basis. Commissioner Housken agreed with Commissioner Dawson's comments regarding marketing. She asked if the City is meeting the needs of the senior and retiree population with regards to programming. She feels that the City is doing well in the parks less the aquatic center, but with programming she does not know, and it is an unknown to her. She recounted that at one point the Commission received one report from the Desert Recreation District on usage and numbers. Other than that, she feels it is an unknown unless she goes, sits, and sees what kind of people and the demographics of who is attending the various programs. Commissioner Housken stated that she does not know if they are meeting the residents' needs. Chairman Barnard communicated that one of his challenges when he was running the senior center was that there are a lot of gated communities that have many activities within their community, and the seniors did not have a need to go out. He feels the City's competition is Sun City and the mobile home parks. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes162-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Commissioner Guyer added that the communities have their own exercise classes, bingo, etc. Ms. Steele communicated that one positive comment that came out of the original survey was that there are unmet needs for seniors. She believes because the Joslyn Senior Center is there; the City relies on them a great deal to provide programming. Ms. Steele noted that she received a call on a unique opportunity that she will bring back to the Commission in July. The Riverside County Office of Ageing wants to work with the City to get a grant from Kaiser to put in the exercise equipment they've been talking about, and target the 50+ people. Staff has been looking at the different parks to see where the best place would be for the equipment. The County wanted to know if the City would be interested in partnering, which she said yes. If they decide to go for the grant, Staff will discuss where to install the equipment then take it to the City Council for approval. Vice Chair Dash questioned if the City is addressing the needs, and sees two questions being raised. One is if the City is providing recreation for the current population, and number two is if the City is recruiting a retired population that may be able to add our economy. The two questions would require two different approaches. We assume that the recreational needs of gated communities are being provided for when in fact they may not be. And are we meeting the needs of the "grampies"? Mayor Spiegel asked if the Commission should invite someone from the Joslyn Senior Center to attend every meeting to find out what they are doing. Ms. Steele responded that they could. Commissioner Guyer asked what Vice Chair Dash meant by recruit. Vice Chair Dash responded that he is referring to retirees. He stated that the state of Florida puts in great efforts and money attracting people from the northeast to retire. He noted that Arizona did it recently and is still doing it. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele if the county perceived a demand for this or is basically trying to get grant money to do something. She responded that Department of Ageing has a focus from 2009 to 2012 to provide more exercise and fitness activities for adults over 50 as part of the park research that was done. They are looking at providing something in the valley. Ms. Steele noted that the county is seeking $43,000.00 in grant funding. Commissioner Housken commented on sports tourism that was part of the informational items that was given to the Commission. It talks about partnering with the tournaments that come into town. She noted that there was only one hotel that stepped up and were interested in working with 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12009 Minutesl6-2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 these organizations. Commission Housken inquired if there are partnerships with the hotels during the Senior Games. Ms. Adair, Desert Recreation District, responded that before she came to the district there was a heavy involvement with some of the hotels in Palm Desert. They have tried the last couple of years, but since the games are in February they are told that the hotel is in high season. Commissioner Housken stated that overall it is a good idea to partner with hotels for sports tournaments in town. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. STUDENTS AT COMMISSION MEETINGS Discussion and recommendation to have students attend Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. Ms. Steele stated that at the last meeting the Commission requested to add this item to the next agenda for discussion. Commissioner Dawson communicated that he envisions finro to four students from Palm Desert High School being half female and half male to be ex officio members of the Commission. He explained that they could be full participants, receive the same material, participate in the meeting and subcommittee meeting; but would not be able to vote. Students would be selected by the school. The advantage for the student is that they would be able to see how city government works in a real time basis, how interactions take place, and how decisions are made. The students would bring with them some input from their own experiences, and ideas from their friends. Commissioner Dawson stated that the Commission would gain the students input because of age and experience, and enrich the Commission's discussion. Mayor Spiegel commented that there is a very strong Youth Committee with the City. He noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission is an open meeting and anyone could attend and/or give their input. Mayor Spiegel stated that there might be a problem with the hours since kids are in school at 8:30 a.m. Commissioner Guyer asked Commissioner Schukart if the College of the Desert (COD) has any parks and recreation programs. He replied yes. Commissioner Guyer suggested having college students attend the Commission meetings, and they could possibly receive credit. Commissioner Schukart responded that the COD could look into it. 8 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12009 Minutesl6-2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Commissioner Housken commented that it is a great idea getting the involvement. She thought that the first step is to attend the Youth Committee and check if any of them have flexibility in their schedule to attend the Commission meetings. She mentioned that her son is in high school and is very busy. She can not imagine seeing him leaving for a meeting. Commissioner Housken again suggested contacting Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) home school department. Chairman Barnard stated that the Youth Committee is a great place to start since there is someone already involved with the City. Mayor Spiegel suggested also contacting COD. Commissioner Schukart indicated that he would check with the college recreation coordinator of programs. He noted that they have a lot of internship opportunities on campus, and students have the opportunity to attend meetings and board meetings to be involved. Ms. Steele clarified that she will approach the Youth Committee to get some feedback from them on what they think, to see if it is possible, or if they have a recommendation. She will also check with the home school department at DSUSD to see if they have a recommendation. Ms. Steele stated that she would work with Commissioner Schukart concerning COD. Commissioner Dawson moved to have City Staff approach the Youth Committee for their recommendation, contact DSUSD home school department, and work with Commissioner Schukart concerning students from COD. Commissioner Housken seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. VII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. CALIFORNIA PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY MARKET RESEARCH Ms. Steele communicated that she felt it was important to include valuable research information happening in the State of California. She noted that she did not provide all of the information because the survey was very long, but if anyone wanted a copy to please let her know. The information is also available online (www.cprs.org). She listed notable findings that are included in the agenda packet. Ms. Steele mentioned that the City should do another survey for Palm Desert. She did not want to add it to the 2009- 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 MinuteslG2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 2010 budget due to the economy, but once the economy starts to turn around she will take a look at it. Commissioner Hall commented on one of the items listed being "space that is minimally developed, in a nearly natural state." She stated when they are looking at putting new parks in new areas to consider having more of the natural parks in their natural state with walking trails. She mentioned that she likes to walk in areas that are not developed, and be able to see the little critters run across the path. She thought that economically it preserves the natural landscape, and it should not be as expensive to develop. Commissioner Babcock stated that Palm Desert has most of the trails. He noted that there is dog poop that is not picked up on the trails. Commissioner Dawson noted that Ironwood is nice place to walk, but not with dogs. Commissioner Hall clarified that she was thinking about having more open space that is not developed. Commissioner Guyer communicated that the other problem they always come up against is with the parks and programs mixture. It becomes challenging to provide for activities in a park, and you end up utilizing a lot of that open space for something that is a needed activity. He noted that with Freedom Park they ran into a problem with the ball fields over taking the park initially and had to scale it back. Commissioner Guyer stated that he understood Commissioner Hall, but that you have to meet the needs of the activities with the park then try to do the open space stuff with something else. Commissioner Hall stated that it is just something to keep in mind especially because there are people that do not have children or do not play sports, but they do want to be able to go outside and walk around. She does not want to take away from the younger groups, but would like to have open space that doesn't necessarily include trails, but paths. Commissioner Housken agreed with Commissioner Hall. She communicated that to her Ironwood Park is very different from Homme/Adams and Cahuilla Hills Park. At Homme/Adams and Cahuilla Hills you get sand in your shoes, and that Ironwood is at a smaller scale enjoyed by all ages. So if there is a way to maintain that in a park, it is a plus. ' 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12009 Minutes16-2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Commissioner Hall commented that when she lived in Manhattan Beach, they developed some pocket parks that were too small by taking out the weeds and adding a couple of benches. People would walk around and just sit. She stated that the parks were very popular with very minimal maintenance. Commissioner Dawson inquired how many acres the City had at the end of Haystack on the Portola end. Mr. Niemczak replied that at the very end of the area is approximately a quarter acre. Commissioner Housken asked who owns the land where sometimes there is big equipment parked. Mr. Niemczak indicated that where Marrakesh ends, there is a little piece of vacant land by the drainage ditch. The City does not own the land. B. FREEDOM PARK FIRE LANE Mr. Niemczak reported that when Freedom Park was built, the City was required by the Fire Department to install an access lane from the parking lot to the snack bar. Staff notices people driving into the park to unload at pavilions, ball fields, etc. on a regular basis. Staff had a discussion with the Fire Department about adding bollards to block the access fire lane. The Fire Department had no problem with it. Mr. Niemczak stated that Staff will be installing the removable bollards. Commissioner Dawson inquired what the people that de�iver boxes of stuff to the snack bar are going to think. Ms. Steele responded that Staff works with them. She communicated that it is more the people having weekend picnics. Mr. Niemczak added that people drive their cars into the park, and leave them parked there. C. IRONWOOD PARK AND JOE MANN PARK RESTROOMS Mr. Niemczak mentioned that the restrooms at Ironwood Park and Joe Mann Park were recently given a facelift. They were painted and partitions were replaced. Work was completed on May 15. Commissioner Housken commented that she noticed that the partitions at Ironwood Park have gotten rusty. She thinks it happens when the restrooms are hosed down everyday, and they do not dry out well. She suggested the restrooms squeegeed a little better. 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes162-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 D. MAY PARK INSPECTIONS There were no comments or questions regarding the park inspections. E. MID VALLEY BICYCLE PATH Mr. Niemczak informed the Commission that he provided in the agenda packet a copy of the Mid Valley Bike Path Alignment study. A final study will be completed in June or July. Commissioner Schukart inquired if the study is for the path along the I-10 and the railroad track. Mr. Niemczak answered that was correct. Commissioner Guyer asked if the group knows who the owners are. Mr. Niemczak responded that the group is still trying to determine that. He noted that most of it is owned by the railroad, private business, and the casino. Commissioner Guyer stated that he finds it very unusual because it is all predicated upon being able to get easements so why spend the time and money to do it if you cannot get an easement. Mr. Niemczak explained that it is not the group's job to negotiate, but to identify who to talk to. Commissioner Babcock inquired if the path is for bicycles only. Mr. Niemczak replied that it is for bicycles, pedestrians, and carts. Commissioner Hall commented that COD students used a map that looked the same as the bike trail for a project they worked on. Chairman Barnard stated that a final report will come back to the Commission. F. PALM DESERT YOUTH SPORTS OPENING DAY Ms. Steele commented that it may be a little late, but she showed a video of the Palm Desert Youth Sports Opening Day event. Mayor Spiegel asked who is going to be next year's honoree. Ms. Steele responded that Mr. Ricardo Torres would like it to be Mr. Johnny Bench. Mayor Spiegel stated that whoever it is, he hopes they will make it to the Senior Games. Ms. Steele commented that she would bring some names forward for a recommendation. 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 MinuteslG2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 Commissioner Hall mentioned that it is very extraordinary to have a Youth Sports Day in Palm Desert for the community, and asked how many flyovers and Marine bands do you usually see at an opening day for youth sports. Ms. Steele communicated that the parents and the president of the league are volunteers that make it happen. G. STATUS UPDATES Ms. Steele went through some of the updates. The shade structure bids were opened, and they all came in at under $400,000. She noted that the contractor will evaluate the frame to see if there is any additional damage that could be provided to the insurance company. She reminded the Commission that the insurance company is reimbursing the City $215,000.00 for the shade structure. Ms. Steele mentioned that the Public Works Department assisted in removing the remaining canvas so it does not look so bad. Commissioner Guyer asked if they noticed any damage while they were up there. Ms. Steele replied no. The lift they used does not reach the top. Ms. Steele announced the award of contract would go to the City Council on June 11. Due to fabrication, the new shade structure would not begin until November and completed by December. Commissioner Housken asked Ms. Steele for an update on the Local Artist Showcase. She responded that the City Council requested a list of bands and genres. It should go back to the City Council the second meeting of June. Ms. Steele pointed out that the San Jacinto Santa Rosa Monument Visitor Center hours have changed till the end of September. They will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and open Thursday through Monday due to the economy. Ms. Steele mentioned that there are some renovations being made at Lincoln Elementary, and there will be some drilling at the back of Oleson center field. Sports teams that use the fields have been notified. She commented that City Staff is in the process of ineeting with all the different user groups regarding scheduling and cohesiveness. Ms. Steele stated that she would update the Commission on the meetings in July. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that park maintenance contract was awarded to Tessera, and they would begin July 1, pending that all 13 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 MinuteslG2-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 contracts are signed. She requested for the Commission to let her know if they see anything in the parks that needs to be addressed. She noted that the park inspections are going to be more important for the first couple of months. Chairman Barnard clarified that there were three separate contracts, and Tessera was awarded all three. Ms. Steele responded yes. Commissioner Dawson inquired if the contractor has a performance bond. Ms. Steele said yes. Mayor Spiegel stated that if they do not perform satisfactory, the City will get someone else. Ms. Steele commented that Staff met with the superintendent and the person that submitted the bid. Staff feels comfortable with the superintendent. Mr. Niemczak added that Tessera told Staff that they have the manpower, and would be buying all necessary equipment. Ms. Steele reported that the City Manager has asked her to provide him with some aquatic center information. She is providing him with the information, and hopefully by the July meeting she should have some idea of what the City Manager is thinking. Information that she is providing are capital and operational costs. Commissioner Hall mentioned that she is not going to be at the July 21 St meeting, and requested that information on the aquatic center is e-mailed to her. Ms. Steele invited Commissioner Hall to meet with her before or after the meeting to fill her in on the information. Chairman Barnard asked Ms. Steele if she met with the City Manager regarding the aquatic center on May 20 instead of March 20 as reported in the May 26 status report. Ms. Steele responded that they met on May 20, and that March 20 date was an error. Ms. Steele mentioned that additional pickets were added befinreen the small and large dog parks due to small dogs putting their heads through the fence. Mr. Niemczak updated the Commission on the palapas for Homme/Adams Park. The bid was awarded to a company in San Diego. He added that the shelter at the Civic Center Park, Parks Staff is working with Public Works 14 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes162-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 to demo the concrete pad and re-pour a new concrete pad that would save the City quite a bit of money. Ms. Steele communicated that the City's Risk Manager and some dog park users have mentioned that people fly by the dog park trying to get to baseball games or not sure why. City Staff has installed "Dog Crossing" signs by the dog park. She also mentioned that an issue may come up concerning small pools that people bring into the dog park. Ms. Steele stated that the pools are not healthy, and Staff has never really liked them in the dog park. After some research that the pools are not healthy, Staff posted signs at the dog park that they are not allowed. She noted that if the pools show up, Staff is removing them from the park. Commissioner Housken inquired about the Desert Recreation District contract. Ms. Steele answered that the item would be on the July 21 agenda. VIII. COMMENTS Commissioner Guyer commented that there was a letter to the editor from a Palm Desert resident. What caught his eye is that the resident was saying that they understood the reduction in parks and maybe other services by the City, but they did not understand Councilman Ferguson's trip. Mayor Spiegel interjected that there were five or six people asked to speak in their area of expertise. He explained that Councilman Ferguson's area was energy conservation. The trip was all paid for by France, and not by the City. Mayor Spiegel noted that the other item in the newspaper was the homeless shelter that is being built in Palm Springs. The City had already committed $102,000.00, and is in the budget this year. He noted that Palm Springs has also committed funds. Other cities have not, but the county has come up to the plate with over $500,000.00. He noted that $1.8 million is needed to completely staff it and so on. Palm Desert will find out in a month where it stands. Ms. Steele announced that the Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws went to the City Council and were approved. Staff does not have an official signature on the resolution, but will include a copy at the next meeting. She reminded the Commission that the next meeting is July 21 and dark for the month of August. 15 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes162-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 2, 2009 IX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, the meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m. �._�� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 16 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes162-09.min.docx