Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec Cmsn - 12/01/09 � .... � i �—�--� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Beth Longman, Administrative Secretary DATE: January 5, 2010 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached is a copy of the approved Minutes from the December 1, 2009, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) C17'Y COUIVCILACTION AP�'RnVED DF.NIED Krcr�v���f i�� OTHCR P✓iF,ET[NG DATE --_ �`���-�/C� AYF,S:J�.S�'Q, t'r'�i.lSb ,�i��iL� L //1 P/' �' NOES: � �� ' A�3SENT: ABSTA(N: ` '�- VEI2IFIED I3Y: ? � Original on Fi1e with City Clerk's O fice G:\PubWorks\PARKS\Parks and Rec Commission\Minute Transmittal.doc r * ' . � " CITY OF PALM DESERT ���'� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Barnard convened the meeting at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chairman Michael Barnard Vice Chair Roger Dash Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Terry Schukart Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Randy Guyer (Leave of Absence) Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Staff Present: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Beth Longman, Administrative/Recording Secretary Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Guests: Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Mayor Van Tanner, Chairman of Planning Commission Chris Thomas, Pickleball Ambassador 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM NOVEMBER 3, 2009 A Motion was made by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Guyer, that the Minutes of the meeting of November 3, 2009, be approved as submitted. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioners, Dash, Munson, and Schukart ABSENT. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. RECOMMENDATION OF THE APPROVAL OF AN RC TRACK LEASE Mr. Ryan Stendell reported that a local hobby shop is interested in reopening the remote control (RC) track located behind the Desert Crossing Shopping Center. The track had previously been operated by Hobby Town USA, but has been unused since they closed in 2008. There were a few minor problems during the approximately five years that Hobby Town USA operated the track; however, Mr. Stendell feels that this type of use for the location is acceptable. Uncle Don's, which is the only remaining hobby shop in the area, and a local RC enthusiast have teamed up and formed Palm Desert RC Raceway and are interested in reopening the track. A one-year lease at $1 per year is proposed with the tenant carrying full insurance and maintaining the property. The rental of $1 per year is the same that was paid by Hobby Town USA, and the short-term lease of one year provides the opportunity for both parties to see how the arrangement works without a long term commitment. Commissioner Hall asked if the track was open for use by the public, and if there would be a fee charged for use. Mr. Stendell stated that it would be open to the public and there would be a small fee. However, the operator is not looking to make money on the venture, but rather to have a venue where RC cars can be operated. Commissioner Housken asked if large events would be scheduled at the site. Mr. Stendell stated that they would be limited. 2 G:IPubWorksIPARKSIParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes112-01-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 Chairman Barnard asked if Uncle Don's was a for-profit company that was receiving a break on the lease terms. Mayor Spiegel stated that they were a for-profit company, but there is no other viable use for the site. Commissioner Guyer asked if there was a sanctioning body that regulated this type of operation. Mr. Stendell stated that there was such an organization, and that its members are required to comply with certain requirements for their cars. He also believes that anyone operating a RC car at the site would be required to comply with those requirements. Commissioner Housken commented that she is not comfortable with a for-profit company making money on the site. Mr. Stendell stated that the operator doesn't expect to make money, and that the track will attract RC enthusiasts who will spend money in Palm Desert. Ms. Steele stated that conditions can be added to cover these concerns. Commissioner Hall thinks we should have oversight, but not so much that it makes it difficult for the operation to succeed. A Motion was made by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, that the recommendation for the RC track be approved as presented with conditions added to cover the concerns discussed. Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioners, Dash, Munson, and Schukart ABSENT. B. APPROVAL TO PREPARE TO RE-SUBMIT A "BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY" APPLICATION IN 2010 Matter continued to a date uncertain. Although the matter was continued, Commissioner Babcock commented about the locations in the City where it is necessary for bicyclists to get off of their bicycles to operate the buttons to trigger the traffic signal. Mr. Greenwood noted that there are required set backs that dictate the distance from the curb, and asked Commissioner Babcock if he was referring to specific locations. Commissioner Babcock will provide the list of locations that he has compiled. VII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. AMPHITHEATER Ms. Steele reported that the structure is up and they are completing the final touches. She reminded the Commissioners of the December 11 rededication that will begin at 7:30 p.m., and that The Side Street Strutters will be performing. 3 G:IPubWorksIPARKSIParks and Rec CommiSsion120091Agenda-Minutes112-O7-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 B. CALIFORNIA AND PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RECREATION AND PARK TRAINING CONFERENCE Ms. Steele announced that Palm Desert is participating as part of the host committee for the California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Training Conference being held in Palm Springs on March 9-12, 2010. There will be a Mayors' reception on March 9 and she'd like all Commissioners and officials to attend if possible. Ms. Steele is looking for volunteers to assist with the administrative tasks at the conference. Volunteers are eligible to attend training sessions for free. If anyone can assist, please contact her or use the sign up sheet available at the meeting. Chairman Barnard noted that a good source for volunteers is the RSVP program. He'll get contact information to her. C. PICKLEBALL Mr. Niemczak reported that the tennis courts at Cahuilla Hills Park have been resurfaced and pickleball lines have been added. He also reported that one of the tennis courts at Civic Center Park has been converted into two temporary pickleball sites, and can now be used for both tennis and pickleball. Mr. Chris Thomas stated that he recently met with Mr. Jeff Ronci with the Desert Recreation District, and they are working on getting the courts and equipment ready for play. Desert Recreation District personnel will handle equipment set up. Mr. Thomas noted that they hope to offer free clinics for people who want to learn how to play the game. Chairman Barnard asked about pickleball usage at Freedom Park. Mr. Thomas commented that the have a 10-to-1 pickleball to tennis ratio so the turn out is good. Chairman Barnard asked if there had been any complaints from tennis players. Ms. Steele noted that there had been one complaint at Cahuilla Hills Park. Commissioner Housken noted that there are now pickleball courts at a�l the parks that have tennis courts. D. JOE MANN IRRIGATION CLOCK Mr. Niemczak noted that a Calsense irrigation controller was installed at Joe Mann Park. All City-owned parks and landscaped areas are being retrofitted with this type of controller. It is a centrally operated, computerized system that senses needs and adjusts irrigation accordingly. Commissioner Guyer asked if Baja Park was also on this system. Mr. Niemczak stated that it is on a Solatrol system because there's no electricity at that site. Washington Charter School Park is also on a Solatrol system. Commissioner Hall asked why there was standing water at Washington Charter School Park. Ms. Steele stated that the park was recently overseeded, which could account for the water. She will look into the matter. 4 G:1PubWorksIPARKSIParks and Rec Commission12009Wgenda-MinutesU2-01-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 E. PARK EVENTS Ms. Steele reported on recent and upcoming park events. F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Ms. Steele noted that the general manager's reports are included in this month's report. She reported that there is a meeting scheduled with the District to discuss the contract. Commissioner Housken asked who is Mark Moran and Associates. Ms. Laura McGalliard stated that they are a contract firm doing work for the District. G. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Rob Ballew provided an update on YMCA activities. H. NOVEMBER PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele noted that the new inspection assignments and copies of the inspection forms are included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Hall commented on the fact that she believes the glass in the dog park at University Park was intentionally thrown into the park. It was different shades of glass and it was in the grass areas. Ms. Steele noted that some park users had reported the glass and it has been cleaned up. Commissioner Hall stated that if it happens again, the . Sheriff's Department should be notified. She further stated that the park ambassador commented to her that no one had reported it to him. He told her that he doesn't go out on the grass, but rather observes from a distance. Commissioner Hall says he should be taking a much more active role as a park ambassador. I. NEWS ARTICLES No comments. VIII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Babcock commented that at Homme/Adams Park he'd like to see stronger wording�on the signs advising people to pick up their dog's droppings. Also, he has been talking to people on the trail and has told them where dogs can be on or off leash. No one is obeying these rules. The sign stating the leash rule is off to the side and people don't see it. Commissioner Babcock asked why the police aren't patrolling better. Ms. 5 G:1Pub WorksIPARKSIParks and Rec Commission120091Agenda-Minutes112-01-09 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 Steele noted that Mr. Jim Foote, from the Bureau of Land Management, was in attendance and they provide rangers for the parks. Ms. Steele and Mr. Foote will follow up on the matter. Commissioner Guyer stated that he recently played volleyball at the Anaheim Senior Games. He said the men's division had a total of 14 teams, which is equivalent to the number of teams at the Palm Desert games. Commissioner Housken asked when the landscaping was going to be completed at the Bighorn/Chia well site. Mr. Niemczak stated they have requested a landscape plan for the front portion. Once the plan for the front portion is approved, they will proceed with the landscaping. He will check with Mr. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, on the timing of the plan check process. Mayor Spiegel thanked all the Commissioners for the work that they do throughout the year. In appreciation of their service, he distributed certificates to the Commissioners. Commissioner Guyer asked if anyone went to the recent training in La Quinta. Ms. Steele replied that Commissioner Dash attended and is going to provide a report to the Commission at the January meeting. Ms. Steele noted that nominations for the 2010 chair and vice chair will be taken at the January meeting. Chairman Barnard asked about filling the open seat on the Commission. Mr. Greenwood stated that interviews would be scheduled soon. IX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Guyer, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 a.m. � �� v L�'1.-- Beth Longman, ecording Secretary 6 G:IPubWorksIPARKSIParks and Rec Commission12009Wgenda-Minutes112-O7-09 Final Minutes.docx