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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 12/02/08 � �� ; � CITY OF PALM DESERT ��•��� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES , . DECEMBER 2, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL � , i I E Present: Absent: � ' Chairman Gerald Dawson Commissioner Ro e' da h Vice Chair Michael Barnard � � Commissioner Phill Babcock ! Commissioner Randy Guyer �.� �� � Commissioner Deborah Hall �-, "" �= Commissioner Kim Housken K" �= � .� � � Commissioner Julie Munson = � � L Commissioner Terry Schukart j � v r � � ► � Staff Present: � � v Bob Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem ,�� �J � � Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services � �, 3 .� � Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager � ,�W � � �„ Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager fy^� �.A,� L v �. a � Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary �; � ? !�.1. E"' z `� � � --� �- fU � �,�., � � Guests: �� `� � �' � `� `� �" d1D �. � �„ O � � W '� Van Tanner, City of Palm Desert Planning Commissioner 4 �� � 4 '� ¢ ¢ > O Craig De Wi tt, 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 III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Babcock commended Mr. Niemczak and the Parks Inspectors for their work at Freedom Park during the Veteran's Day Celebration. He noted that he meant to mention it at the last meeting. Mr. Ballew, YMCA of the Desert, announced they are offering overnight babysitting New Year's Eve. V. PRESENTATIONS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. NATIONAL MONUMENT VISITOR CENTER PROGRAMS Discussion and recommendation to support a partnership between the City of Palm Desert and the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Ms. Steele stated that she did not realize how many programs the National Monument Visitor Center offers. She noted that all programs are not in Palm Desert, but programs are free. Staff is requesting to pursue a partnership with the National Monument Visitor Center to offer additional programs that will benefit the citizens of Palm Desert. She mentioned promoting the programs through the City's website. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele what she envisions as far as time and money. She responded that Staff is already meeting with Mr. Foote once a month. She stated possibly setting regular meetings with the Visitor Center's staff and volunteers, and perhaps advertising for more volunteers along with the programs on the City's website. She made clear that she is not overlapping any programs that are being provided by the YMCA or Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD). The programs are more outdoor activities that meet the goals of "No Child Left Inside." She mentioned that Mr. Niemczak and she are not hourly employees, and they would only need to make time to visit the center and meet with them, organize materials, and provide them with ideas and facilities. Commissioner Guyer asked if they came to the City for money. Ms. Steele replied no. Commissioner Guyer inquired how they currently market their programs. Mr. Foote responded mostly through a couple of websites. 2 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 Commissioner Housken asked if there is information in the BrightSide. Ms. Steele responded that she was not sure. Commissioner Housken commented that the programs could be mentioned in the BrightSide. Commissioner Schukart moved to recommend City Staff pursue a partnership with the National Monument Visitor Center. Vice Chair Barnard seconded the motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commission Dash ABSENT. Chairman Dawson suggested to the Commission to visit the National Monument Visitor Center. Commissioner Babcock inquired who "staff' is. Chairman Dawson responded Ms. Steele, and everyone that reports to her. B. SLUGGERS PARTNERSHIP Discussion and recommendation to support a partnership between the City of Palm Desert and Sluggers Training Center. Ms. Steele provided information from Sluggers. She noted that they have offered coach clinics, training sessions, and other programs to the Palm Desert softball and baseball leagues. She stated that Sluggers could possibly run some camps for the City during the holidays or summer. Staff is requesting the Commission's support to pursue a partnership to potentially provide additional activities in City parks in addition to current programs. Commissioner Housken asked who really controls the fields. Is it through Palm Desert Youth Sports Association (PDYSA)? Ms. Steele responded that the City has the ultimate final decision on anything. She explained that the fields are scheduled the same way as the picnic shelters, which is done through CVRPD at the Palm Desert Community Center. Most of the reservations are done by Ms. Brenda Nutcher at the Community Center, and they work very closely in scheduling the fields with user groups. The District has a scheduling program that prints out a report of what is going on in the fields. Ultimately it all goes through CVRPD, and noted that they also collect items like insurance. Commissioner Housken commented that the City does a lot with the PDYSA and for a while there was a president who thought he was the king of the fields and controlled access to the fields. She stated that her concern is that she is reading that the Slugger's group has several travel 3 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 teams listed on their website. She stated that she is starting to see a conflict of interest where you have a for-profit group coming in that are now using Palm Desert fields for their own travel teams and wonders who is regulating which travel team is going to use the fields. Commissioner Housken indicated that before it used to be one person that would say, ". . . . oh no, you can't use it." She noted that she has been on both sides of the teams where one did have fields to use, and once where they were ping-ponged to different sites to use fields for a Palm Desert travel team. Ms. Steele stated that she has been working on the scheduling of fields with CVRPD. They have worked on trying to figure out where the youth sports programs are and to bring them in. That way they can let the groups know that they don't have control and they don't schedule the fields. Also to let the groups know that is what the City does. Ms. Steele stated that Staff has been working diligently on the scheduling of fields for the past couple of years. She noted that they are not completely through the process and that it has been very tough. Ms. Steele did state that the final word comes from CVRPD and herself working closely and saying no. For that reason Staff set meetings in the spring so that the user groups can be given all the regulations, and all requests would be received in advance so that everything can get scheduled. Ms. Steele disclosed that with the youth baseball/softball programs, over time they have had one travel team that they support which has emerged from their All Star program. The reason for that is they do not want their recreational leagues to go away. They believe that everyone wants to travel, because parents think their kids are ready to travel, and they are really not ready. She mentioned that she attended a PDYSA board meeting two weeks ago, and stated that PDYSA like the fact that Sluggers are doing different age group travel teams because they are taking the pressure off people who are requesting the travel teams through PDYSA. Commissioner Housken asked if it is now down to one age group. Ms. Steele communicated that each age group has one travel team. She noted that there is one travel team in each age group that is supported by the PDYSA. She also noted that some of the kids that are playing with Sluggers have the ability to play with PDYSA, but they choose not to because they rather play with different kids. Ms. Steele stated that PDYSA is working on improving their recreation leagues, and encouraging participation in local tournaments. She noted that it can all be very confusing. Staff is looking at what Sluggers can do for the City such as camps or other things like that, and not to compete with baseball. She noted that the fields Sluggers are using in Palm Desert, they are reserving and paying for them. 4 G_IDevSeiviceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 Commissioner Guyer clarified that Staff is looking at using Sluggers for recreational programs and not teams or leagues. Ms. Steele replied yes. Commissioner Guyer inquired if they would be using their facilities or the City's facilities. Ms. Steele responded that maybe a little of both. Commissioner Housken asked if Sluggers is now paying for fields for their own travel teams, can anyone create their own travel teams and who would be deciding who has priority with field use. Ms. Steele explained that there is a level of hierarchy, which PDYSA, YMCA, and CVRPD programs have priority. Then other requests have to be brought in advance to schedule field space for what is left open. Commissioner Housken stated that some people go through PDYSA and go to their website for the contact person for a travel team; the "king" is the field guy who will tell you there is no field space. Unless you know to go one step further. Ms. Steele interjected that currently soccer is more of a problem than baseball, and Staff can only tackle one thing at a time. She feels that they have done pretty good with baseball. They are making headway, but it is a long process. Commissioner Hall suggested that Staff find out first what Sluggers is offering, then bring it back to the Commission. Ms. Steele replied absolutely. She first wanted to make sure if the Commission felt it is a good idea. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired if it is kind of like The First Tee, but for baseball. Ms. Steele replied that it was not. Commissioner Hall interjected that it is for-profit. Ms. Steele made clear that Slugger's do have a business in Palm Desert. Staff is only looking for more opportunities in the City for kids. Commissioner Schukart moved to recommend for Staff to pursue possibilities of partnering with Sluggers to provide programs to the City of Palm Desert residents, and report back to the Commission with any progress that has been made. Commissioner Guyer seconded that motion, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Dash ABSENT. 5 G:IDevServiceslMonira LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 Commissioner Housken wanted to make clear and asked if the information would come back to the Commission. Ms. Steele replied yes. C. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS Discussion of the City of Palm Desert's Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws. Chairman Dawson stated that he hoped that the Commission had a chance to review the bylaws. He asked the Commission to look closely to Article VI, ". . .Officer Appointments, which states that at the first meeting in January of each year the Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chairperson." He stated the Commission should plan for the first of meeting of January to elect a new Chair and Vice Chairperson. If anyone is interested in one of the positions, please let it be known. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired how many members can be on the Commission. It was mentioned nine members. Chairman Dawson noted that there are no alternates, and asked if it would be appropriate to recommend to the City Council people that might be alternates. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied that the Commission could make that recommendation. Chairman Dawson stated if anyone knows of other good people have them attend a meeting and fill out an application. Commissioner Guyer commented that he thought the bylaws were revised so that the Vice Chairperson became the next Chairperson. He asked if the bylaws provided are the most recent. It was mentioned that the bylaws are the most recent. Chairman Dawson recommended forming a subcommittee to update the bylaws, and recommending the changes to the City Council. Commissioners Guyer and Hall volunteered to be on the committee to update the bylaws. Commissioner Guyer asked Staff to check if there are any amendments to the bylaws. Chairman Dawson requested that the bylaws be continued and added to the next agenda. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 6 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min_docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. GRILL REPLACEMENT AT CIVIC CENTER PARK Mr. Niemczak reported that the grills in the Civic Center Park are used heavily and get worn out, and informed the Commission that twenty-four grills have been replaced. Twenty-four were done out of thirty-five. Staff will eventually work on replacing the rest. Mr. Niemczak also reported that they have ordered new picnic tables for the park. Commissioner Hall asked what type of tables were ordered. Mr. Niemczak replied that they are recycled plastic tables. B. JOE MANN DOG PARK FENCE REPLACEMENT Mr. Niemczak reported that Staff requested bids to replace the chain link fence at Joe Mann Dog Park, which has outlived its useful life and is often in need of repair. He referred to the pictures in the agenda packet showing the current chain link fence and a picture of what it is going to look like. The new fence will match the iron fence that surrounds the playground that is more durable and attractive. The contract will be going to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Babcock inquired at what time of the day problems occur at Joe Mann Park. Mr. Niemczak responded that it was happening real early in the morning at one point, and then it was late at night. Staff hopes that most of the problems were taken care of through efforts from the Police Department, the neighbors, and the trimming of bushes so people can see into the park. He noted that problems have calmed down a bit. Commissioner Schukart commented that the fencing at the Civic Center Dog Park has been retrofitted in the past, and asked if the fence at Joe Mann Park will have the same design so they would not have to go back and retrofit. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. Commissioner Guyer asked if there are separate dog parks at Joe Mann Park. Ms. Steele answered that Staff separated the park approximately two years ago. Chairman Dawson inquired if there is a way to expand the Joe Mann Dog Park. Mr. Niemczak responded not really because it is located on the 7 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 north end of the rose garden, which is owned by the Palm Desert Country Club Association. Commissioner Babcock mentioned possibly having the Police Department driving by the park more often. Mr. Niemczak responded that the police are great at responding. In the past, the Police Department would park at Joe Mann Park to write their reports. Ms. Steele noted that there has been activity in the Rose Garden so the Police Department is back patrolling more often. Mr. Niemczak interjected that cutting back some of the bushes has helped. He mentioned that he will talk to the Police Department to continue patrolling the area. C. TRENDS IN PARKS AND RECREATION Ms. Steele stated that she has provided the Commission with several Trendscan issues. The publication has information regarding emerging trends within parks and recreation agencies. Ms. Steele listed and referred to some important points for the City of Palm Desert in the staff report. She asked the Commission if they see something they would like Staff to pursue, please let her know. Vice Chair Barnard commented that Trendscan has a lot of interesting information that they can use if they are going to move forward with the community center. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele how often she receives the publication. She responded that she could pull them off the website once a month. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the information is repetitive every month. Ms. Steele replied not really. Some might be along the same lines such as studies and surveys. Commissioner Babcock asked how the swamp area is coming along. Ms. Steele explained that there was a plan, but it was put on hold based on the community/aquatic center project potentially being located in the Civic Center area. It was either going to be combining the CVRPD and YMCA building and possibly the need to move some park amenities or parking into that swamp area. She noted that Staff is trying to accommodate petanque and other amenities at the Hovley Soccer Park. s G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 D. COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE Chairman Dawson thanked Ms. Steele for providing the staff report with the community center history and timeline. He commented that they could be better prepared for the Study Session. He stated that he requested the information so that the Commission could look through it to determine if there is any way they can improve their deliberations and interactions with the City Council. He indicated that from looking at the report they go through long periods of time then the City Council makes a decision, then again, go through long periods of time and the City Council makes another decision and continues in the same cycle. He stated that he put together a single sheet of information that only deals with the City Council involvements. He provided the Commission with a copy. He noted that the Council accepted the community and aquatic center that the Commission recommended a year and half before they agreed to it. They accepted the leisure, zero-depth pool, and competition lap pool that the Commission recommended. Chairman Dawson commented that he wonders what the Commission has learned from the whole process. Chairman Dawson stated that one thing he has learned is that touring locations helps the Council visualize the Commission's recommendations. So they should take advantage of better visualization of where they are going and what the Commission's thoughts are. He added that for the next citizens' survey, the Commission has to do a better job of explaining the survey to the City Council. He noted that there is information in the survey that appeared to be ignored by some members of the City Council for about a year and half; they caught it and then ran with it. Commissioner Schukart commented that looking back at the history of the initial pool and what they learned from that (pool that was going to be located across the street with slides) they summarized the recommendations from the survey pretty well. He feels what they did not do is boil it down to the least common denominator very well. The Commission gave the Council pools, buildings, trails, parks, and programs, which might have been too much for the Council to digest. He commented that they should have phased in the recommendations. It might have given the Commission more mileage. Commissioner Hall stated that she was not a Commissioner at the time the survey was done. When she became a member, she received a copy of the survey and was surprised by some of the questions that were asked in the survey. She felt that the questions were leading to one direction. 9 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08_min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 Ms. Steele interjected that the questions were reviewed by the City Council and the Commission. She indicated that if they do another survey, Staff will include the Commission and Council in the process again. Commissioner Guyer added that it was first started with the premise that it was a recreational survey. Commissioner Housken commented that she did not know the indoor pool had moved outdoors, and asked when that happened. Ms. Steele answered during the Study Session in May. The City Council mentioned to Staff that they want wanted the pool outdoors and not indoors. She commented that they spent a lot of time letting them know that Staff wanted to cover and protect the pool, and that is when they discussed using a trellis. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that Commissioner Schukart's comments were good. He stated that it is hard to get five people to agree to anything. When you take ten different things; there is not going to be an agreement. He thinks if you take it a piece at a time there might be a better chance. Commissioner Housken mentioned that one of the things from the survey is that people wanted more of an indoor pool, and did not recall the discussion during the Study Session. Vice Chair Barnard asked who is leading the Study Session. Ms. Steele responded Mayor Jean Benson with a presentation from gkkworks. She noted that Staff is meeting with gkkworks to go over the presentation. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel noted that the City Council has already seen the presentation. Not all together, but individually. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the presentation includes any of the survey results. Ms. Steele replied no. She communicated that gkkworks was asked to look at a site selection based on what they would have in the community center as well as put a cost to what it will cost to build what they are talking about. She noted that at the May Study Session, the City Council directed Staff to move forward with the components that were presented. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel interjected that based on Commissioner Schukart's suggestion to first make a decision on the site, then the pool, and then whatever comes next. He feels that the site is important. 10 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES � DECEMBER 2, 2008 Ms. Steele mentioned that Staff recently had to update the City Council's strategic plan, which she will bring back to the next meeting. She noted that every six months the Council wants to know how they are doing. She mentioned that site selection and identify costs was there number one goal to complete. Ms. Steele stated that after the Study Session, Staff will come back to the Commission to discuss a recommendation on the site to take to the City Council at the January 8, 2009, meeting. Once a site is selected, Staff could move forward with the design-build process. Vice Chair Barnard asked if information on combining the District and YMCA buildings going to be presented. Ms. Steele replied yes. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented for the Commission to consider, that with the bad economy, the community/aquatic center will be built with Redevelopment dollars, but then it has to be manned. So the cost of operations is important. He mentioned that Nordstrom's is coming to Westfield, and that may also require Redevelopment funds. He excused himself to go to another meeting. Commissioner Hall inquired if there is an estimated cost to maintain the community center. Ms. Steele responded that she provided that information in the first reports, and she also provided the Commission with disks that has information from Facility Design School. The figures from the reports are pretty close. Commissioner Hall asked if every year Staff would have to go to the City Council to request funds to operate the community center. Ms. Steele answered that it would probably come out of the parks budget, and would go through the yearly budget process. Mr. Croy reminded the Commission that if the community center is approved, Staff would have to hire a contractor to operate the facility. Commissioner Babcock inquired how much money has been spent on surveys for the pool. Ms. Steele responded that only one survey has been done, and feasibility was done many years ago. Mr. Tanner interjected they paid $30,000 for the initial study in the 1990's. Ms. Steele reminded the Commission that the most recent survey completed was not only based on the community center and pool. She clarified that the community center and pool came out of the survey. She felt a survey was important because she was new to Palm Desert, and a survey had not been done and she felt it was important to know what the 11 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08_min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 community wanted. She noted that generally parks and recreation departments will do surveys about every three to five years; ideally every three to see how you are doing as part of the master planning process. The cost of the recent survey was $24,000. Vice Chair Barnard asked if the goal of the Study Session is for the City Council to say "yes" or "no" concerning the site. Ms. Steele communicated that the Study Session is an informational meeting. Mr. Croy made clear that a Study Session is not for decision making. A Study Session is to get educated. Commissioner Guyer commented that in order to recover costs, you have to have programs and amenities. In his opinion, the City Council has to decide if they want to put out money every year to support a pool or whether they want to build something that is somewhat self-supportive and has a broad base of amenities. He hopes that this comes up in the Study Session because if you do not have a broad base of amenities to appeal to a broad base of residents, you will have a pool that appeals to a few people and never be able to raise enough money without adding amenities. He stated that if you want to be able to recover costs, you are going to have to be able to offer something beside a pool. He is afraid that the Commission has worked their way into a situation where they are trying to cover all the bases at the same time and end up with a very cramped facility that they are going to be stuck with. He hopes they don't go down that path at the Study Session. Vice Chair Barnard stated had that he had the same thoughts as Commissioner Guyer. He does not think that they should limit themselves on what they can do by squeezing into a little spot at the Civic Center when they can look at a different site and not settle. Commissioner Guyer mentioned the possibility of building a good aquatic center now, and later come up with a good activity center. Or change and expand the current community centers rather than trying to lump everything together into one project. Ms. Steele stated that most community centers are not successful without an aquatic component. Commissioner Guyer responded that he agrees, but the City needs a good aquatic center. Somehow, to the City Council, the aquatic center became a water park and shut the whole project down. What the City needs is a really good municipal aquatic center. He noted that there are 12 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 some cities that are the same size as Palm Desert that have a successful aquatic center, and have very little or no activity center attached to it. He thinks Palm Desert can do that to. Commissioner Hall stated that she is under the impression after the last Study Session, it was discussed that the City have an aquatic and community center with components recommended by the Commission. She asked if they are going in the right direction. Commissioner Guyer stated for that reason he wanted to see the massing study. If you are taking all the components that you want and shrinking each one of them down so they can fit into the site, he does not see that as a direction to go. Vice Chair Barnard commented that gkkworks took the components that the City gave them, and it would fit at the Civic Center. He feels that parking is going to be a concern, and does not think they are reducing anything from what they wanted. Commissioner Guyer indicated that features to recover costs have been reduced from the aquatic center. Chairman Dawson explained to the Commissioners that have not been on the Commission as long that a subcommittee was formed to discuss a facility to be possibly located at the north end of town (Portola and Gerald Ford). Somehow it ended up being back at the Civic Center site. Ms. Steele stated that at the previous Study Session, a facility at the north part of town was discussed, but the City Council directed Staff to look at the central part of town. The City Council did not want them to look at the north side of town. Commissioner Hall inquired if anyone has seen the massing study to see if it is being crammed in. Ms. Steele replied that is why they are having the Study Session on December 11. Chairman Dawson noted that the City Council has seen the massing study and the Commission has not. Ms. Steele clarified that the City Council and the Commission will view the massing study at the study session. The Commission will have a meeting and discuss a recommendation for the City Council. She mentioned Staff was directed to take the massing study to the City Council first, and 13 GIDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 mentioned that gkkworks was able to get a good idea of what they were looking for. E. NEWS ARTICLES Commissioner Guyer commented on one of the articles concerning soccer parks. He mentioned that one of his customers commented to him that her kids could not play soccer this year because it cost too much. For two kids, it was going to cost $190 that was not in their budget. He stated that cities are struggling to maintain parks, and Palm Desert needs to keep that in the back of their mind on how they can help with that. Ms. Steele mentioned that there was a big lacrosse tournament at Hovley Soccer Park during the weekend. When she returned from Kansas City, the Palm Springs airport baggage area had an archway that said, "Welcome National Field Hockey Players." She stated that she did not realize it was a national tournament and could have capitalized on it. So maybe the City can capitalize on it next year. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Housken asked what the fees are to use the baseball fields. Mr. DeWitt, CVRPD, responded that there are different fees for different levels of groups. He would need to look at the fee schedule to find out what they are. Ms. Steele commented that she has that information and could bring it back to the Commission. Commissioner Housken stated that the tournaments generate lots of money for Triple Crown. She believes that the entrance is approximately $500 per team, and they have 40 to 60 teams. She stated that someone is making big money on baseball tournaments. Ms. Steele interjected that the fees go to CVRPD and not to the City. Commissioner Housken feels that there needs to be a fair way to reserve the fields to profit-making tournaments. It seems that Triple Crown has a lock on Palm Desert. Commissioner Hall asked when the University Park openings are. Ms. Steele responded that the openings are set for Saturday, December 13, at 10:30 a.m. She listed some of the activities for the openings. 14 G:IDevServiceslMonica Lo�edolWord DatalPa�ks8ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2008 Chairman Dawson commented that Joe Mann Park is named after Joe Mann, and he has no idea of who is Joe Mann. He wondered if when a park is named, is it possible to have something there that explains who and why it is named that. Commissioner Guyer mentioned that Palm Desert Country Club approached the Commission to name the park Joe Mann Park. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Schukart, seconded by Vice Chair Barnard, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m. �rwC_�. �.��r'� Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 15 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12008 Minutes112-2-08.min.docx