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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 09/01/09 �--�--� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk � FROM: Beth Longman, Administrative Secretary ( �" DATE: September 17, 2009 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached is a copy of the approved Minutes from the September 1, 2009, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additionat information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) c�T��c��T�����,n��r���,r A1'1'i:t��'�, �:..__.._. _,..__--_ ����a� '¢� R�i: r.��'E�,�3 �_�L��.—____(a ������;a� _._.___.�_ 1��t�:�:��'�°�f, ��r�'��t�. C%-- -L�% 7 A�'€-'�;:�r�s��.__._�q�i5o ' �' e / ��� ; ii'�'6���:�;: /�'o,�►� T�. A.9i�`'s���:i'�i"C: NL3l! '�. A 1��;'T',1,�'�1. � �E'_. Vi?RI��I�;1) l3�': r Origina!on File with City Clerk s Uf#ice G:\PubWorks\Meetings\Parks and Rec Commission\Minute Transmittal.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT ��T�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES . SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Barnard convened the meeting at 8:30 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 Absent Commissioner Randy Guyer None 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: Robert Spiegel, Mayor Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Aaron Bonner, College of the Desert Student Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Paula Simonds, YMCA Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Steele introduced City staff members Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, and Beth Longman, Administrative Secretary. Both are new to the Commission and Ms. Longman is now the Recording Secretary. She also introduced Aaron Bonner, a student at College of the Desert majoring in political science. Mr. Bonner has completed an application to become a Parks and Recreation Commissioner. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JULY 21, 2009 Commissioner Housken noted that at the top of page eight, the reference to "65%" should be "65" when referring to the number of people in the age range of 35 to 49. With the noted change, the Minutes of the meeting of July 21, 2009, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Dawson/Schukart, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. CIVIC CENTER PARK EVENT SCHEDULE Mr. Niemczak reported that staff met with the Mayor and City Manager on August 17 to tentatively set up a schedule for fall events in the park. Kristy Kneiding, Marketing Manager, put the schedule together and they are working with her to finalize the events and staffing. Hopefully, this will be the final schedule. Ms. Kneiding has assumed Pat Scully's responsibilities for these types of events. Commissioner Guyer inquired about the amphitheater construction schedule. Ms. Steele stated that construction is scheduled to begin on November 9 with completion within 21 days. No events are scheduled for this time period. � 2 G:IPub WorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009109-01-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 B. COMMISSIONER TRAINING Ms. Steele noted that on November 14, 2009, La Quinta is hosting a Commissioner Training session sponsored by the California Park & Recreation Society. She noted that these sessions provide good, valuable information and the opportunity for commissioners to meet with peers from other cities. Mayor Spiegel noted that the City will pay the $25 fee, which includes lunch. If interested in attending, respond to Ms. Steele by September 26 and she will handle the registration. C. HOVLEY SOCCER PARK GRAFFITI Ms. Steele noted that the photos provided were mild compared to the actual graffiti. Ricardo Torres, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, noted it was the worst graffiti he's ever seen in the park. A police report was filed and Lt. Andrew Shouse says patrols in the area have been increased; there haven't been any additional incidents at the soccer park. Commissioner Hall asked if there were any leads. Ms. Steele stated that the police believe that it was committed by a specific gang from east Indio and they are following up. Commissioner Guyer noted that soccer parents appreciate how quickly the graffiti was removed. D. IRONWOOD PARK VANDALISM Ms. Steele reported that police patrols in this area have also been increased, and there have been no further incidents. Commissioner Schukart asked if it the vandalism at Ironwood Park was committed by the same group who did the graffiti at Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele stated that it does not seem to be the same. Commissioner Dawson asked if the shade cloth could be reached from nearby play equipment. Mr. Niemczak noted that this was not possible, and that the person would have had to stand on the handrails. E. MIKE SCHULER TRAIL KIOSK Mr. Niemczak reported that on June 18 a contract was awarded to AA Masonry to construct the kiosk at the base of this trail. The kiosk is a duplicate of the ones at Cahuilla Park and Homme/Adams Park, and those plans will be used for this kiosk. Due to the age of the plans, they are being reviewed by a structural engineer prior to being submitted to Building and Safety for approval. It is estimated that this will be accomplished within the next week. Jim Foote from BLM has surveyed the trails and has recommended where directional signage and mileage markers should be installed. Mr. Foote is willing to work with Mike Schuler 3 G:IPubWork5lMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009109-07-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 on the installation, which will not occur until the weather is cooler. The kiosk should be done by that time. F. PICKLEBALL Mr. Niemczak reported that the courts at Freedom Park have been painted, and bids are being obtained for the courts at Civic Center Park. The City Council will then be updated on this matter. Commissioner Schukart asked if the tennis courts at Civic Center Park were being totally converted or were lines simply being added for pickleball. Mr. Niemczak confirmed that lines and removable sleeves for pickleball posts and nets were being added to one tennis court, which creates two pickleball courts. Desert Recreation District staff will be responsible for the set up and removal of the pickleball equipment based on court reservations. There have been minimal comments from the public regarding the line painting at Freedom Park, and those that have been received have been positive. No complaints have been received from tennis players. Ms. Steele noted that notices regarding the addition of pickleball markings were posted well in advance, which probably has resulted in the minimal level of comments. Commissioner Housken asked about informational signs regarding how to play pickleball and who to contact to reserve a court. Ms. Steele will work on providing signage and information. Commissioner Schukart noted that College of the Desert is offering indoor classes and the response has been good. He will provide information on numbers to the Commission. Ms. Steele noted that the YMCA is also considering offering classes. Ms. Adair stated that the Desert Recreation District is also hosting a clinic. G. JULY AND AUGUST PARK INSPECTIONS There were no questions on the inspections. H. STATUS UPDATES Ms. Steele noted that interchangeable football/soccer goals are going in this week at Freedom Park, and that the Palm DesertJLa Quinta Football Club will be holding their home games there as originally planned. Commissioner Dawson inquired about the land swap with the school district. Ms Steele reported that Bo Chen, City Engineer, and Page Garner, City Surveyor, have been working on the matter. It is recommended that just a portion of the Rutledge strip will be swapped out with the playground at Magnesia Falls City Park. The agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is now being reviewed by the school district. 4 G:1Pub WorkslMeefingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009109-01-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 Ms. Steele noted that the CVWD tiered water rates are now in effect and have affected the soccer park significantly. Staff continues to meet with CVWD to lower the bills particularly during the summer months when water intensive turf maintenance takes place. She also noted that College of the Desert is doing research on the best time to perform overseeding. This research could be useful, although park activity schedules dictate when certain maintenance is performed. Commissioner Guyer asked if tertiary water could be used. Mr. Niemczak replied that Freedom Park is plumbed for that type of use, but the water is not available at this time. Chairman Barnard asked about the status of the aquatic center. Ms. Steele stated that the City Manager intends to take the matter to the City Council on September 24, and that a special meeting of this Commission will be called for September 15 to discuss the topic. Chairman Barnard asked if Ken Moeller (Arch Pac Aquatics) would be attending that meeting. Ms. Steele will see if he is available. I. NEWS ARTICLES No comments. VIII. COMMENTS Commissioner Hall complimented the Desert Recreation District on their new catalogue. She stated that it is well written and one of the most informative that she has seen. Commissioner Housken asked about the status of the circuit fitness equipment for seniors. Ms. Steele has not heard anything and will follow up. Commissioner Housken shared a photograph and mentioned that she saw a dog park in New York City that was very small and all concrete, but they had rocks for the dogs to climb on. Could this be a solution for areas in our dog parks where grass is difficult to grow? Ms. Steele will research the request. Commissioner Housken shared photographs she took in Cartagena that shows a soccer field on concrete with no nets. She commented that we are fortunate to have such good playing fields in our parks Commissioner Guyer asked Mayor Spiegel for an update on Palm Desert Country Club. He stated that they are in Chapter 11 bankruptcy and that the City will not do anything until the bankruptcy is resolved. The renovated golf courses and clubhouse have spurred homeowners to 5 G:IPubWorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes12009109-01-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 improve their properties. When the bankruptcy is settled, it is hoped that the residents will agree to form an assessment district to provide funds to maintain th�e courses. They continue to water the golf courses and the clubhouse remains open. The only matter to go to the City Council was the course owners' request for monetary assistant, which was denied. Commissioner Schukart reported that College of the Desert has renovated the driving range and TaylorMade Golf was supposed to provide service; however, they backed out last year. 3-D Motion, who did open, is now out of business. They are now working with local firms to bring in a small food service operation, and a golf related retail service (Golf Smith and Pete Carlson). The range is in good condition and attendance last season was good. Commissioner Dawson wanted the minutes to reflect and to recognize the good work that Monica Loredo did in her capacity as Recording Secretary for the Commission. Commissioner Dash asked that a note be sent to Ms. Loredo from the Commission. Mayor Spiegel noted that 20 positions at the City have been eliminated over the past month primarily through early retirement. Nothing was eliminated from fire or police protection. It appears that with the savings achieved through the positions being eliminated, the City's budget will now be balanced. Ms. Steele stated that she would provide the new organization chart at the next meeting. Mr. DeWitt thanked the Commission and City Council for supporting the district's new fees and charges, and for the use of the amphitheater for the concert series. Commissioner Babcock asked if children who are not athletically talented are still able to participate in organized programs. Mr. DeWitt stated that it is a priority to ensure that all programs are open to all children regardless of their ability. He also noted that a majority of Palm Desert children use the Palm Desert parks rather than going to other parks. Ms. Steele noted that all of our youth-based organizations have scholarships, and serve recreational needs first. IX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Guyer, the meeting was�adjourned at 9:15 a.m. 1 � �,� � 2�?:�.. Beth Longman� ecording Secretary 6 G:IPubWorkslMeetingslParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minute512009109-01-09 Final Minutes.docx