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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 01/06/09 � CITY OF PALM DESERT ��•�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES . . JAN UARY 6, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Chairman Michael Barnard Commissioner Julie Munson Vice Chair Roger Dash Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Mayor Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Guests: Lt. Andrew Shouse, Palm Desert Police Department c a l� � Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District � w " Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District � � � Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District � C o i Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun O � � v .. � �' v U � Q :. a �- � .. �. �. �'s U w < � �; .^ � � W �� � � " c UC � � F" � � >" aw wv � � '¢ � _ F- � c` w �"�,�- C � ..^^`�.� �.-�.� 'L 1 t� Qx z ¢ zQQ > C PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2008 Minutes of the meeting from November 18, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Barnard, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM DECEMBER 16, 2008 Minutes of the meeting from December 16, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by SchukartJGuyer, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Loredo for the December 16 meeting minutes. She did a wonderFul job. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE V. INTRODUCTIONS A. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE Ms. Steele introduced Lt. Andrew Shouse. She noted that he joined the City on September 28, 2008. Lt. Shouse communicated that he appreciated the invitation to be introduced to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He stated that he has been a resident in Palm Desert for 10 years, and lives near Freedom Park. He noted that he is familiar with most of the issues in parks. He has been working closely with City Staff concerning the vandalism at Joe Mann Park. Lt. Shouse stated that he has vested interest in making sure that the parks in Palm Desert are crime free and a safe place to go. He asked the Commission to let him or Ms. Steele know if there is something that they would like to the Police Department to address in the future. Commissioner Schukart asked Lt. Shouse if he knows where the Art Smith trailhead is located. He replied yes. Commissioner Schukart mentioned that he has noticed vehicular traffic near where the fence is located. Garbage has been dumped there recently. He asked if that is an area that the Palm Desert Police has in their jurisdiction. Lt. Shouse responded that it is within Palm Desert city limits. He noted that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) patrols most of 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalPa�ks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes11-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 the trailheads and trails. He said that they will keep an eye on the area, and contact BLM in regards to the illegal dumping. Ms. Steele also suggested contacting Code Enforcement Department. Lt. Shouse commented that if officers see any dumping going on, they will make an arrest. Commissioner Hall asked Lt. Shouse if his office is located at the corner of Highway 111 and Monterey. He replied his office is located at the Palm Desert Civic Center. He mentioned that the location on Monterey is a substation. There is another substation on Washington Street in the Albertson's shopping center. Chairman Dawson thanked Lt. Shouse for coming by. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR APPOINTMENT Nomination and appointment of Chair and Vice Chair for 2009. Chairman Dawson asked for nominations for the 2009 Chairperson. Commissioner Guyer stated that he would like to nominate Commissioner Munson. Commissioner Schukart nominated Commissioner Dash. Chairman Dawson nominated Vice Chair Barnard, and asked if there were any other nominations. Ms. Steele commented that she feels that they should first ask Commissioner Munson since she is going through some medical treatments, and for that same reason she was unable to attend today's meeting. Commissioner Guyer retracted his nomination for Commissioner Munson after hearing Ms. Steele's comment. Commissioner Schukart moved to close nominations for the 2009 Chairperson position. Commission Guyer seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minuteslf-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 The Commission was asked to vote on a piece a paper. Ms. Steele counted the votes, and announced that Vice Chair Barnard is the new Chairperson. Nominations were opened for Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Schukart nominated Commissioner Dash. There were no other nominations. Commissioner Schukart moved to close nominations for the 2009 Vice Chairperson position. Commissioner Guyer seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. Chairman Barnard and Vice Chair Dash filled the 2009 positions, and the meeting was turned over to Chairman Barnard. Commissioner Dawson stated that it had been a wonderful opportunity to serve as Chairman for the past 12 months. Chairman Barnard commented that a lot has happened in this past year. He stated that Commissioner Dawson did a good job in keeping the meetings on track, and hopes he will be able to do the same. B. FITNESS EQUIPMENT AT HAYSTACK Discussion and recommendation on installing outdoor fitness equipment at the Haystack greenbelt area. Ms. Steele stated that at the last Commission meeting Staff was asked if it would be possible to install fitness equipment along the Haystack greenbelt area. She explained that the area is part of the Canyon Cove Landscape and Lighting District. Any proposed changes will need to be approved by a majority vote of the residents. She stated that process will be notifying the residents and letting them know the City's intent of installing equipment, hold a formal meeting, and if there appears to be support, the residents would be balloted. Ms. Steele noted that she provided a website in the staff report that has information on the fitness equipment. The approximate cost of equipment would be $18,000 to $20,000. Staff requested direction from the Commission. Commissioner Dawson asked how large the landscape and lighting district is. Mr. Stendell responded that it is the whole greenbelt from Highway 74 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DalalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutesl1-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 to Heliotrope. Residents included are the entire development north of Haystack to Deep Canyon Tennis Club that was built in early to mid-80s. Mr. Stendell communicated that the way the law reads there has to be a majority of the responding votes in the affirmative. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there has been an interest from the residents to install fitness equipment or was it something that came out of the Commission meeting. Ms. Steele responded that it came from one of the Commission meetings. Mayor Spiegel suggested asking the City Council first to see if they are interested. Mr. DeWitt, Desert Recreation District, commented that the District installed equipment at Thousand Palms and the La Quinta Community Center Park, and the equipment at both locations are highly used. Mayor Spiegel asked Mr. DeWitt what kind of equipment it is. He responded that it is a variety of outdoor exercise equipment such as cardio and weight equipment that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Mayor Spiegel inquired if the equipment is vandalized. Mr. DeWitt responded that the equipment is very vandal proof. Mayor Spiegel recommended taking it to the City Council with the information on how successful it has been in other areas before going out to bid. Ms. Steele said that she would before beginning the ballot process. Commissioner Dawson moved to recommend Staff to take the equipment information and its success in other areas to the City Council for direction on whether they would like to move forward in installing fitness equipment at the Haystack greenbelt. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. Commissioner Hall inquired if the City has ever asked the residents about doing anything at the greenbelt before. Ms. Steele replied no. Mayor Spiegel noted that the area has been controversial in the past since the residents property taxes are billed for maintenance. He also noted that there is a member from the Palm Desert City Council that lives in the area. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE 5 G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutesll-6-09.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. COMMUNITY/AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE Ms. Steele reported that Staff provided the Commission with a copy of the staff report recommending a site for the community and aquatic center that is going to the City Council on January 8, 2009. She commented that if anyone is able to attend the City Council meeting, they are welcome to be there. She also mentioned that Staff has the Bureau of Land Management contract on the Council agenda. Commissioner Schukart asked what the meeting time is. Ms. Steele responded the meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. Chairman Barnard encouraged the Commission to all be there. B. CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARKS INSPECTORS WORK AREA Ms. Steele reported that the construction of the Parks Inspectors area is almost complete. She announced that there would be an open house held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She mentioned that the area is a nice change, and it came in at half of what they expected it would cost. Staff is happy with the new space. Commissioner Guyer inquired why it came in at half the cost. Mr. Niemczak responded that Staff had budgeted $340,000, and for some reason the bid came in at $123,000 or$125,000. Ms. Steeled added that even with the furniture, it was going to be under $150,000. C. JOE MANN PARK VANDALISM Ms. Steele stated that there has been vandalism at Joe Mann Park. The Police Department has started to pay more attention to this area. Public Works as well as other departments in the City have agreed to go through the park when they are in the area. Staff installed signs and surveillance cameras to see what is going on at the park. Mr. Niemczak displayed a picture of the sign that was installed, and commented that the signs have helped in other areas. Wording on signage is "Security Notice: This Property Is Protected By Electronic Surveillance." 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12009 Minuteslf-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 Chairman Barnard inquired how much is the cost to replace the sink and other stuff that were torn off the wall. Mr. Niemczak responded that he did not see the bill, but he guessed it would cost $1,000 to $1,200. D. MID VALLEY BIKE PATH Mr. Niemczak reported that the Commission was interested in the progress of the mid valley bike path. He stated that City Staff met with the group (RRN Design Group) that is going to complete the feasibility study. They walked the entire route from Washington Street to the Aqua Caliente Casino along the I-10 corridor. The group is going to look at the easements that are needed. The feasibility study should be completed in mid June 2009. Mayor Spiegel asked what happens when you get to an overpass. Mr. Niemczak responded that there has been discussion about going under or around. They also discussed possibly installing crosswalks, and noted that the group is looking at different options. Commission Dawson inquired if the bike path would go into Rancho Mirage land. Mr. Niemczak replied that eventually it will. He commented that the consultant was only hired to study the stretch within Palm Desert. Commissioner Guyer asked if the stretch from Monterey to Bob Hope Drive is in Palm Desert. Mr. Niemczak answered that the consultant would find out who owns that stretch of land. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there is a time limit on the grant funds that were recently redirected to the bike path. Mr. Stendell responded that he would need to find out because he did not know. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT UPDATE Ms. Steele commented that an update from the Desert Recreation District was included in the agenda packet as an informational item. Ms. Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District, updated the Commission on the International Sports Festival. The cutoff date for registration is January 23. The District has received 80 registrations so far. She mentioned that she is working with City Staff to get the roads by University Park for the 5K, which is a very popular route. The dinner is at the Living Desert on Friday, February 6. She also mentioned that they are looking at adding more pickleball courts at the Civic Center tennis courts because they anticipate increased numbers of pickleball players. Ms. Adair mentioned 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutesll-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 that Mr. Steve Garvey is the honoree this year, and that Mr. Don Sutton might be the emcee. Ms. Adair reminded the Commission that the Fitness Day in the park is this Saturday. Mayor Spiegel asked how Staff is coming along with the pickleball courts at the soccer park. Ms. Steele responded that they received some bids, and Staff is currently working on some final contract bonds before Mr. Niemczak takes it to the City Council for approval. F. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT UPDATE Ms. Steele communicated that the YMCA also had an update, which was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, commented that they are focusing on childcare. He noted that basketball is starting soon. Ms. Steele asked Mr. Ballew how the New Year's Eve event went. He responded that it went well; the kids and parents survived. Chairman Barnard asked Mr. Ballew how many kids they had. He replied 28. G. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele stated that a copy of the new park assignments and forms have been included in the agenda packet. She also included park inspections for the last couple of months. For the first meeting in February, Staff will have the park inspections with the Commissioner's name and park assignment, and whether anything occurred per Commissioner Dawson's suggestion. Commissioner Guyer requested to have the forms e-mailed to him in MS Word format. Ms. Steele responded that she would e-mail the forms to the Commission. Vice Chair Dash commented that on his last park inspection sheet for Joe Mann Park, he had suggested steam cleaning the eating area. He inquired if there are enough funds in the budget to do an annual cleaning of the eating areas at all the parks. Mr. Niemczak replied that the contractor is required to power wash. s G:1DevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12009 Minutesll-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 Ms. Steele mentioned that there were some tables that would not clean after a power wash and the steel was coming through so Staff will be replacing those tables. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Barnard commented that he saw fencing was installed at the Freedom Park soccer field, and that one of the players mentioned to him that the fence was a nice addition. He also commented that with all the tournaments that go on at Freedom Park, the trash gets piled up and looks really bad. Mr. Niemczak responded that Staff has addressed the trash issue with the contractor and the Desert Recreation District. Staff hopes that it will improve. Ms. Steele announced that there is a bicycle lane Study Session scheduled for January 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. Mayor Spiegel stated that the Public Works Department feels it is important that the City widen Cook Street to six lanes versus four due to the amount of traffic coming in and out of the City. If widened, there is a problem with the bike lane on Cook Street, which bicycle enthusiasts do not want to give up. The Public Works Department is suggesting that they use the sidewalk as a bike lane. If not, the widening of Cook Street is going to cost a fortune. Ms. Aylaian, Director of Community Development, commented that City Staff is going to take a broader look at the use of bike lanes throughout the City. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there is a timetable for the extension of Portola and the overpass. Mayor Spiegel responded that he talked to Mr. Ortega before he retired, and he mentioned that President Elect Obama is going to throw money at cities for infrastructure. But he is going to throw money to cities that have plans, and the City has not completed all the plans. Mayor Spiegel mentioned that they are looking at remodeling the Monterey overpass to make it easier to get on and off, and they may use the funds for that since plans are pretty much completed. Ms. Steele added that funds might also be available for the community and aquatic center. Commissioner Hall asked if it is legal for golf carts to use the bike lanes. Mayor Spiegel replied yes. 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutesll-6-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2009 X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 a.m. Monica oredo, Recording Secretary 10 GIDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutesll-6-09.min_docx