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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 11/04/08 �� .�+r*+��� CITY OF PALM DESERT ���—� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:28 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: CITY COUIVCILACTiON Chairman Gerald Dawson APPROVF,D DF,NIT:D Vice Chair Michael Barnard RF,CEIVED � � _~ OTHF.R Commissioner Phill Babcock MF.F,TING DATE �'�a- Commissioner Roger Dash Av�S: � Commissioner Randy Guyer N���, Commissioner Deborah Hall A�3srNT: �-� �n Commissioner Kim Housken ABSTAIN: ����.- Commissioner Julie Munson VERIFIF.D IiY: - I�Di�C. I t'�1 Commissioner Terry Schukart priginal on File with City Clerk's Ort7ce Staff Present: Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary Guests: Craig DeWitt, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Laura McGalliard, Coachella Valley Recreation & Park District Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM OCTOBER 7, 2008 Minutes of the meeting from October 7, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Schukart/Dash, and carried by a 9-0 vote. B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM OCTOBER 21, 2008 Chairman Dawson stated that he had a correction on page 3, under the Park Inspections report; "contractors" should be changed to "inspectors." Minutes of the meeting from October 21, 2008, were approved with the above-stated change. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Barnard, and carried by a 9-0 vote. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, communicated that Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) cut their budget to the junior high school program in sports. The YMCA and DSUSD worked out a relationship to provide four sports series in January 2009. Commissioner Schukart asked Mr. Ballew what four sports will be offered. He responded basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked what the age group is. Mr. Ballew replied that it is for all junior high school kids. Ms. Housken asked if it is District-wide. Mr. Ballew explained that all junior high school afterschool sports were cut back, and every junior high school in DSUSD is going to participate. Ms. Housken commented that in the past her kids participated in a track meet that was held at Desert Mirage High, and stated that they have a beautiful facility even though it is in a different district. It would be a great place for a track meet. 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWoid DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslll-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 V. PRESENTATIONS A. THE FIRST TEE OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Jan Hagan, Executive Director of the First Tee; and Ms. Teal Guion, Assistant Director of Programming and Operations of the First Tee. They will be giving an update on The First Tee. Mr. Hagan thanked the Commission for giving them the opportunity to return to give an update on The First Tee. He presented to the Commission an update of where they have been in the past few months, and what they are now involved in through a Power Point presentation. After the presentation, Mr. Hagan encouraged the Commission to visit their website at www.thefirstteecoachellavallev.org. He thanked the Commission for their support and asked if they had any questions. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired if there was a breakdown of the 260 members by city. Mr. Hagan responded that Palm Desert has the largest constituency at this time; followed by La Quinta and Indio. They have one student from Desert Hot Springs, a couple of kids from Palm Springs, and one from Coachella. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they have a van that they use for transportation. Mr. Hagan replied that they have two vans. The vans are being used to go back and forth between the schools. As they expand, they will be able to transport kids with the vans. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that he would like to see a lot more done down valley. Mr. Hagan agreed, and that their push is to grow to the east end of the valley. Vice Chair Barnard asked Mr. Hagan where they are getting their funding from. He replied that funding is coming from the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD). The initial funding from CVRPD was start up funds to get the program up and running. He also noted that there is a Foundation where the 501 c3 resides. Funds from fundraising will go to the Foundation, specifically for The First Tee. Mr. Hagan explained that in some cases, money is set aside for golferships. Golferships are for kids that are not able to afford the program even though it is affordable. 3 G:IDevServiceslMonira LoredolWord DafalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslll-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Vice Chair Barnard asked if the foundation is a First Tee Foundation or a CVRPD Foundation. Mr. Hagan responded that it is neither, and that it is the Community Recreation Foundation. He explained the every dollar that goes to the foundation is directed to The First Tee and goes back to The First Tee. He noted that the CVRPD is providing all of the administration for the Foundation and funds. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that he had the understanding when The First Tee was first started retired, professional football players had a lot to do with making the program successful. He inquired if there is any involvement from retired football players in the Coachella Valley. Mr. Hagan responded that in the Coachella Valley there are discussions currently occurring with other partners. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there is a timeframe on the sponsorship that is being provided by the CVRPD. Mr. Hagan explained that CVRPD has committed to a period of up to seven years. The First Tee's obligation is to make sure they follow up on fundraising. Their goal is sustainability for the program. Mr. Hagan again thanked the Commission for their time. Chairman Dawson thanked Mr. Hagan and Ms. Guion for their presentation. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. SENIOR SOFTBALL REQUEST Discussion and recommendation for the Senior Softball League to be allowed to utilize fields at the Civic Center at no charge. Ms. Steele stated that the request is not new or different. Mr. Jones with the Palm Desert Senior Softball League was present to answer any questions. She communicated that the League is requesting that the City donate field space beginning January 6, 2009, through March 24, 2009. If the Parks and Recreation Commission support the request, she will take the request to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Guyer moved to recommend to the City Council allowing the Palm Desert Senior Softball League to utilize fields at the Palm Desert Civic Center from January 6, 2009, through March 24, 2009, at no charge. Vice Chair Barnard seconded the motion, and carried by a 9-0 vote. 4 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslll-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Commissioner Hall inquired how many people play in the league. Mr. Jones replied approximately 100. Mr. Jones stated that they appreciate the Commission's support. Commissioner Guyer noted that it works out great since the group utilizes the fields when nobody else is using them. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. UNIVERSITY PARK NAMES Discussion and recommendation concerning the names for the University Parks. Ms. Steele stated that Staff was asked by the developer of the University Park area along with other City Staff members to consider different names for the University Parks. The developer thought it would be a good idea to go with the street names so people know where they are going. She noted that the two parks that are getting ready to open are on the corner of University Park Drive and College Drive, which is confusing. The other recommended names are the following: Tulane, Cambridge, Berkeley or Emory, and Westwood or Wooden. Chairman Dawson inquired if the whole area is being called University Park. Ms. Steele responded that University Village Park is the commercial area. Ms. Steele referred to the map in the agenda packet that displayed the four park locations. Commissioner Housken asked if the housing development is going to be called Tulane along with the other names. Ms. Steele replied that just the street would be named Tulane. Commissioner Dash communicated that there should be a theme or thread. Commissioner Hall asked about the people that do not live in the area. It is going to be confusing for them if it is named after the street. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that the Commission does not have to decide on a permanent name at this time. If the Commission goes with the University Park West, East, Central, and University Dog Park, the Commission could later revisit the names once housing has developed. 5 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslll-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Commissioner Hall asked if there would have to be signage. Ms. Steele responded that they do not have to make permanent signage. Staff could install temporary signage. Commissioner Babcock commented that he does see why they have to change the name. He indicated that the parks are identified by University with West, Central, East, and Dog Park. It is also identified by the area and the Universities. Commissioner Babcock commented that he felt it would be more confusing utilizing other names. Commissioner Schukart inquired about the developer's hesitation with the names that the Commission initially discussed. Ms. Steele replied that she did not know. Ms. Steele, for now, recommended taking "Village" out of the name since it does not represent where the parks are located. Chairman Dawson clarified that the parks would be named the following: University Park West, University Park Central, University Dog Park, and University Park East. Vice Chair Barnard moved to retain the original names, but eliminate "Village," and revisit the name when housing starts to develop. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion, and carried by a 9-0 vote. VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION Ms. Steele introduced Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist. She will provide an update on plans for the 2009 Arbor Day Celebration. Ms. Hollinger communicated that Arbor Day has been organized by Mr. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager and herself. She indicated that it should also be part of Parks and Recreation, and have a community outreach. She mentioned that Staff is forming a committee for Arbor Day. The committee would consist of City Staff and volunteers, who would come up with different ideas and venues to get everyone in the community involved. Arbor Day is scheduled for April when the weather is perfect. Ms. Hollinger stated that she was looking for a volunteer from the Parks and Recreation Commission to join the committee. 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-4-08.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Commissioners Housken and Munson volunteered to be on the committee. Commissioner Babcock suggested showing designs and plants that take a less amount of water during Arbor Day. Ms. Hollinger agreed with Commissioner Babcock. She noted that is one of the reasons why they want to form a committee so that they can come up with different ideas. � B. FONTANA PARK Ms. Steele reported that Mr. Niemczak, Ms. Loredo, and she visited the Fontana Park because it looked a lot like what Palm Desert is trying to do. She decided that it would be worth taking a look at it, and check if it would be of value for the Commission and City Council to make a field trip. She noted that at this time, Staff decided against it. Ms. Steele commented that Staff did take pictures of the park. She displayed the pictures by Power Point. She pointed out some things that were good, and others that they did not like so much. Amenities and information were provided in the agenda packet. She suggested if anyone is in the area to stop by and visit the community and aquatic center. She noted that their website is also provided on the flyer in the agenda packet. Commissioner Barnard asked if Staff could find out what their costs were. Ms. Steele replied that she would find out and bring the information back to the Commission. Commissioner Housken inquired if the skate park is also a BMX park. Ms. Steele responded that they have some days where they allow bikes in the skate park. The schedule is similar to the Palm Desert Skate Park. Commissioner Guyer asked what the population is in Fontana. The population is 189,000. C. FREEDOM PARK MARKETING Ms. Steele reported that David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) are very proud of Freedom Park that they worked on with the City. She noted that DEA provided City Staff with two articles that mention and/or showcase Freedom Park. She also noted that the October 2008 issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News has an eight page article that includes photographs and information about Freedom Park. Copies are included in the agenda packet. 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 � She reminded the Commission that there is a Veteran's Celebration scheduled at Freedom Park on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. D. PLAYGROUND SURFACE REPAIR AT WASHINGTON CHARTER Ms. Steele reported that the playground surface at Washington Charter is in need of immediate repair. Staff met with school officials, and decided that the Thanksgiving break would be the ideal time to make the repairs. She noted that only a patch would be repaired. To have the whole playground surface replaced, it would be a big capital improvement project and require City Council approval. Ms. Steele mentioned that if they ever go to replace the surface, they would have to meet with the school district to assist with the costs. E. REPAIRS AT THE CIVIC CENTER SKATE PARK Ms. Steele reported that repairs were made to some cracks and the concrete caps at the Skate Park. She noted that every area was made to skate on at the Fontana skate park, which she forgot to mention before. Commissioner Guyer commented that he thought the skate park at the Civic Center is the same. Ms. Steele said that it kind of is. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the repairs are a usage issue or material issue. Ms. Steele answered that she believes it has to do with time. Mr. DeWitt, CVRPD, added that it was not damaged from the bikes. It just started to wear out. F. COMMUNITY/AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE (ORAL REPORT) Ms. Steele communicated that there was a meeting with College of the Desert (COD), and Mr. Einy from gkkworks gave a presentation. Mr. Schukart stated that one of the designs or options presented would include pushing San Pablo to the west on to college property. He mentioned that COD administration wanted to know what was going to be involved. Is it going to involve the whole driving range or what is the situation? He continued to state that it turns out that the options presented included coming out away from the driving range into San Pablo, re- routing the road. The discussions were good. He noted that Mr. Einy did a great job going through the massing studies and letting COD know that 8 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 they are just ideas at this time. He stated that Mr. Patton, President of COD, is interested in the viability of pulling some of the college programming onto the site, and doing that with college funds. As they move forward, there will be some discussions about if it reasonable and viable to have a center between the college and the City where funds from both institutions will share the costs. Ms. Steele commented that Staff is working on scheduling a Study Session so that everyone can see the presentation at one time. Once she has a date, she will give the information to the Commission. Commissioner Babcock asked if there is a date set for a final. Ms. Steele asked him for a final on what. Commissioner Schukart explained that there is a strategic plan where the City Council has some ideas about time frames, but they are not to the point where they are nailing down specific dates. Ms. Steele interjected that they are only looking for a site, which was the first goal of the Council's strategic plan. Mr. Croy mentioned that part of the three-year plan that the City Council has for their long range goals includes the community center as one of the projects. Even though it is a three-year time period, that does not mean the City cannot meet that time period but at the same time the City may put it out another year. He noted that things may take longer since negotiations might have to be considered with partners. He communicated that first a site has to be decided, and he briefly explained the design-build process. Commissioner Hall asked if COD is also discussing sharing operational costs. Commissioner Schukart responded that they have not gotten to those discussions. Commissioner Guyer asked Commissioner Schukart if COD is interested in the aquatic center for programming or the entire center. He replied that it would be various aspects of the center. He gave an example, such as having college aerobics class during the morning in the aerobics room. Commissioner Guyer interjected if it would be an addition to what they offer now at the college. Commissioner Schukart responded that what they offer now is limited. 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslll-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Commissioner Guyer asked if the college is looking at an activity center for their programs in addition to the aquatic center. Chairman Dawson inquired if that would change the massing for some of those functions. Commissioner Schukart replied that it could. He noted that there are other options they are considering. One option is COD building a new gym on campus, another option would be to have some sort of a facility as Option B (moving San Pablo) and allow COD access on a programming basis to the facility, and the last option would be for COD to enter the planning stage and build a separate facility on site that would be for athletics and physical education at the college. The three options would require a lot of examination and a lot of scrutiny and investigation. Commissioner Guyer inquired if there would be a Commission meeting in between the Study Session and City Council meeting. Ms. Steele responded that it depends when the Study Session is scheduled. She clarified if he meant a Commission meeting after the Study Session. Commissioner Guyer clarified after the Study Session and before the Council meeting. Ms. Steele replied that there can be. If the Commission would like it to come back to the Commission before the City Council after the Study Session, Staff can schedule something. Ms. Steele clarified that there is only going to be a recommendation going to the City Council on a site, and not on a design or anything else. Commissioner Guyer asked if the City Council would have the Commission's recommendation. Ms. Steele responded that the Council would only have the comments from the Study Session. Commissioner Housken asked if the Commission will be at the Study Session. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mr. Croy reminded the Commission that the City Council and the Commission have agreed upon a wish list on what they would like to see in the community/aquatic center. gkkworks has done a massing study that will be presented to the City Council and Commission at the same time. Commissioner Guyer interjected that the City Council will not have the Commission's recommendation of where the site should be in the Civic Center Park. He feels that is not right. He feels that the Commission should come to an agreement on the massing study and make a 10 G:IDevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12008 Minutesll f-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 recommendation to the City Council whether they accept it or not. Ms. Steele responded that they certainly could do that. Several Commissioners agreed with Commissioner Guyer's comments. Mr. Croy also mentioned that there will still be a lot more discussions. After a site is decided on, they will need to discuss who is going to operate the facility. Commissioner Guyer stated that he just wants to make sure that the City Council gets the recommendation of the Commission as a group, and they could take it or leave it as they have done before. Vice Chair Barnard inquired where the selection of the operator would fall under because he feels it is a big piece, and at some point it would have to be addressed. Ms. Steele responded that she believes that it has to come during the development of the design-build, simultaneously. Commissioner Babcock commented that from hearing the discussions on the size of gym they are talking about, the center may have to be built somewhere else in the City besides the Civic Center. Commissioner Dash requested clarification because he thought at one point they were talking about one pool that was going to be used jointly with COD. He noted that he is in support of helping the college, but then at the previous Study Session Commissioner Housken was able to get one of the Councilmember's to agree to two pools. Commissioner Guyer responded that the City Council agreed that it could be looked at. But at the time of the Study Session, they were looking at one pool. Ms. Steele also clarified that some of the blocks (components) that were presented at the Study Session got bigger. Then gkkworks added an additional 5,000 square feet for circulation. So when they are doing the blocking study, they will have a rectangle that represents the competitive pool and a circle that represents the recreational pool. All the original recommendations from the Commission are still there. The original sizes are still there. Right now only the features that were presented during the Study Session in May are being looked at. gkkworks was only looking at a site where all the components would fit, to determine a potential cost, and a parking study at the Civic Center. She made it clear that none of the components have been taken out and the program has not been expanded. Nothing has changed, only that they did meet with COD. 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minuteslll-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Commissioner Dash commented that he was elated when Councilman Ferguson stated that funds were available to provide the college with a pool, but then they would also have a pool with an aquatic center. He asked if he was wrong getting that feeling. Commissioner Schukart explained that of the two designs that the architect will bring to the City Council and the Commission, the decision is, are they going to put the gym, the recreation center, and the two pools on San Pablo or by the a remodeled YMCA and Palm Desert Recreation Center buildings. That is what the City Council wants to know at the next meeting. Both sites that the architects are presenting include the 35-meter by 25-yard pool; and the recreational, kids, zero-depth pool. So either site would have both pools. Chairman Dawson asked Commissioner Dash if that explanation puts him more at ease. He responded that he has a better understanding. He thought there were going to be two different pools; a community pool for family activities and a competitive pool on COD property. Commissioner Schukart stated that a couple of years ago, that was the direction they were going but for a number of reasons they have detoured from that idea. Due to the pool's pumping and heating systems, they need to be adjacent to each other. It was explained that there would be a competitive pool and a leisure pool next to each other. Ms. Steele added that if you separated the pools, you would have to have two separate staffs. She stated that if anyone needs more explanation to please call her. There was a brief discussion on joint ventures, and the library was mentioned as an example. Mr. Croy commented that a community center is not comparable to a library system. They are two completely different ideas. He noted that sports and education are two different things although they are still combined in the university system. A sports/athletic center seem to drive more people into that arena. He feels that there is a great divide between a library system and a sports facility. He noted that they can build a better center for both people. It would be a plus for the City and COD. 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-4-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 4, 2008 Ms. Steele stated that the key to this project is a good center director or manager that is going to be able to coordinate, communicate, schedule, and work with all the different groups. G. NEWS ARTICLES Ms. Steele asked the Commission if they had any comments regarding the news articles. Chairman Dawson thanked Staff for providing the articles. He mentioned that if anyone sees an article that they would like to include to please give to Staff. Ms. Steele noted that the articles are important because Staff has found activities going on in the park that they did not know about or programs that they are not capitalizing on. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson reminded the Commission to complete their park inspections, and elevate their inspections to what they could do differently. Commissioner Dash inquired if the golf cart parade route change is permanent or temporary. Ms. Steele responded that it is temporary due to the construction. Vice Chair Barnard commented that the senior VIP area was very successful. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Schukart, seconded by Commissioner Hall, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m. ��C�r���--�fiC'��-� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 13 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12008 Minutes111-4-08.min.docx