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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 10/06/09 � CITY OF PALM DESERT ��----� � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk „ �FROM: Beth Longman, Administrative Secretary � DATE: November 6, 2009 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached is a copy of the approved Minutes from the October 6, 2009, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. This meeting was a special meeting called to discuss the aquatic center. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY COUNCILACTION flNl'i20V[:D I1�;titi'4) REC[;IVED.i Fr��' ()'b'fi[?IZ MF,1�'�'ING UATC - -L � AYF.S•Y-5��15G�1r �F��,� e l�c,�lF�e% -��7e!' -� NO.F,�;: �� AI3SENT: Nd�1�_ ABSTAIN: �d� 'e-- VF,RI�IED BY: �� �� Original on File with City Clerk's Office G:\PubWorks\Meetings\Parks and Rec Commission\Minute Transmittal.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES . OCTOBER 6, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Barnard convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. �1. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Chairman Michael Barnard Commissioner Julie Munson Vice Chair Roger Dash (Leave of Absence) Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager � Mark Greenwood,�Director of Public Works � Beth Longman, Administrative/Recording Secretary Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst - Guests: Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Glenn Miller, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Mayor Van Tanner, Chairman of Planning Commission Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2009 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Stan Ford introduced Mr. Glenn Miller, the new Executive Director of The First Tee. He has been with the La Quinta Resort for the last three years, and was with Indian Wells for twenty-one years. In regard to The Golf Center, Mr. Ford announced that Arnold Palmer Golf Design has offered their services for the redesign of the course on Cook Street. Mr. Ford stated that they are getting ready to host the Coachella Valley Pet Parade in La Quinta. He distributed a chart of their valley wide events. Commissioner Hall stated that she thought that the Golf Cart Parade is actually a Chamber of Commerce event. Mr. Ford said that it is and they have traditionally participated, but they are not entering a cart this year. Commissioner Babcock commented that the September 11 program in the Civic Center Park had the best acoustics he's ever heard. It was one of the better shows that he's seen in ten years of coming here. Mayor Spiegel asked Ms. Steel� to find out what sound system was used. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2009 � The Minutes of the meeting of September 15, 2009, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Schukart, and carried by a 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. - V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. LEGENDS FIELD COLUMN HONOREE RECOMMENDATION Ms. Steele stated that she's not officially nominating Johnny Bench, but noted that he's been on the list for a few years. Mr. Stendell stated that they have attempted to contact him through Johnny Bench Enterprises and they have not had funds available to pay for his appearance. They also received recommendations for Bill Sudakis and Chris Clapinski. Ms. Steele noted that there was not a lot of information available for either of these two individuals. Mr. Clapinski went to Palm Desert High School, 2 G:IPubWorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009110-06-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2009 played AAA ball, and has done work with the La Quinta High School baseball team. Mr. Ford stated that someone he works with knows Mr. Sudakis and could contact him. Ms. Steele asked for other nominations or recommendations. Chairman Barnard asked when a decision is needed. Ms. Adair stated that they hope to have their marketing books out in the next two weeks. They don't need the honoree included in their marketing books. They will be doing other advertising and can include the honoree later. There is some time before the final decision needs to be made. Commissioner Guyer asked if they were looking at sports figures other than baseball for a local legend. Chairman Barnard said they had considered other sports, but decided to stick to baseball because the Legends Column is near the baseball fields. He further noted that after having Steve Garvey last year, we should take time in considering this year's choice. Ms. Steele stated that while Steve Garvey did a good job with the baseball opening, but he did not attend the actual International Sports Festival event. It would be good to have an honoree who will attend the event. Commissioner Housken asked if any of the three people mentioned thus far live in Palm Desert. Ms. Steele was not certain, but could find out. Mr. Tanner noted that he works with Darol Salazar, the Athletic Director for Palm Desert High School, and suggested we speak with Mr. Salazar to see if he has any recommendations. He also noted that Chris Clapinski is only 30 years old and wondered if he really is a legend. He also mentioned that Steve Garvey might be a good contact for reaching Johnny Bench. Ms. Adair stated that she has left a message for Don Sutton to see if he can help. Mr. Niemczak noted that a city staff member knows Mr. Sutton and he'll talk to him before the next meeting. Ms. Steele asked if Commissioner Schukart was aware of anyone. He will check with one of College of the Desert's coaches who may have some - recommendations. Commissioner Dawson suggested that recommendations be given to Ms. Steele well in advance of the next meeting so that detailed information on the recommendations can be included for the Commissioners to analyze before the next meeting: VII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. AQUATIC CENTER Ms. Steele reported that the Commission's recommendation to the City Council for the design concept and site for the aquatic center was 3 G:IPubWorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission12009Wgenda-Minutes12009110-06-09 Final Minutes.docx - PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2009 approved on September 24, 2009. They also received authorization to proceed with the request for proposal. The vote was 3 in favor and 2 opposed. Mayor Spiegel commented that he was one of the dissenting votes because he feels that the competition pool is too large and didn't like the diving boards. He noted that other pool operations visited by the Commissioners had provided usage information indicating that they have greater usage of the recreational pools and their amenities, while the 50 meter pools were mainly unused. Mayor Spiegel noted that Councilwoman Benson also voted no because of the cost. Discussion regarding the various advantages and disadvantages of different size pools and amenities ensued. Chairman Barnard noted that while the recommendation made by the Commission and approved by the City Council is not exactly what they originally wanted, it is a balance and each side made concessions. Mayor Spiegel stated that the City Council will never approve a design with only a 25 yard pool. Commissioner Guyer noted that this may be the only opportunity to get a municipal aquatic center built in the City of Palm Desert. He believes that iYs imperative to include as many amenities as possible in order to appeal to as many people as possible while working within the approved design. B. CIVIC CENTER PARK LANDSCAPING Mr. Niemczak noted that CVWD began tiered water rates in September. Staff is working on the Calsense watering programs and converting turf areas to desert landscaping. The areas being slated for conversion are small islands of turf that are difficult to maintain. Commissioner Dawson noted that the areas selected will not be noticed by the public, and that additional areas for conversion should be periodically reviewed. C. HOVLEY SOCCER PARK RESTROOM PAINTING Mr. Niemczak stated that staff had identified this restroom as needing paint and the work has been done. Commissioner Housken asked if extra paint was kept for touch up. Mr. Niemczak stated that there is extra paint, and that they are trying to standardize paint colors. D. BALL FIELDS IN PALM DESERT Mr. Niemczak stated that staff assesses and repairs fields on an annual or semi-annual basis. The Palm Desert Youth Sports Association has requested that turf be added to the infields, and that a homerun fence is erected on two fields. Commissioner Guyer asked if it would be a permanent fence. Ms. Steele said probably not because there is too much cross usage of the fields. Commissioner Schukart asked about material being considered for the fence noting that COD has had collapsible PVC 4 G:IPubWorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009110-06-09 Fina/Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2009 and it's oniy good for about two years. He would not recommend using PVC. Commissioner Housken stated that turf infields are useless turf areas. Commissioner Schukart noted that COD's infield maintenance is an issue and he is opposed to adding turf to the infields. Commissioner Housken asked if it would be better to wait until spring to perform maintenance on the clay infields at Freedom Park. Ms. Steele stated that there are a lot of tournaments coming up and it's also a safety issue. Usage is slow this time of year and now is the appropriate time to perform maintenance. Commissioner Housken asked if the fees collected for light fees and field rental go into a fund for field maintenance. Ms. Steele said it goes to the Desert Recreation District because they administer the fields. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT No comments. F. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Ballew provided an update on upcoming events sponsored by the YMCA. G. SEPTEMBER PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele reminded that everyone turn in their park inspection reports. H. NEWS ARTICLES No comments. VIII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Ms. Steele noted that although she had previously reported that Commissioner Munson resigned, her resignation was not accepted. She asked Mayor Spiegel to provide an update. Mayor Spiegel stated that the interviews for people for various committees and commissions would not occur until December, and he suggested that Commissioner Munson stay on the Commission until the interviews are conducted. If her circumstances change she can remain a commissioner, or a replacement can be selected at that time. Commissioner Hall asked if the dog parks can be rented out. Ms. Steele said that they are not typically rented out. 5 G:IPubWorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009110.06-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 2009 Commissioner Hall noted that the canvas and fencing adjacent to University Park is coming down and needs repair. Commissioner Hall commented that the shade structure on the Community Garden at Freedom Park is and odd color. Mr. Niemczak stated that it was selected by the Director of Special Programs. Commissioner Schukart asked what the plan was for determining the amenities for the aquatic center. Ms. Steele stated that the design team has not yet been hired, but the Commission will be involved. If there are any suggestions or recommendations, get them to her. Commissioner Guyer asked how much of the area the aquatic center will occupy. Ms. Steele noted that it will use all of it. He also asked if the wash area could be used. Mr. Greenwood said that it would add too much expense to the project. Commissioner Hall asked if the design was approved. Ms. Steele stated that it was the conceptual design that was approved not the final design. The process will be design, bid, build. Vice Chairman Dash noted that the closing of Eisenhower therapy pool has created concern in the senior community. Ms. Steele stated that they are interested in partnering with others to possibly use the pool for therapy sessions. Ms. Steele noted that amphitheater will be closed for renovation from November 10 to December 11. IX. ADJOURNMENT � Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m. � � �C..�,�� �ylz'' �,�;�--..._.. Beth Longman, R ording Secretary 6 G:IPubWo�kslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes120 091 7 0-06-09 Final Minutes.docx