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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks & Recreation Commission 03-02-2010 CITY OF PALM DESERT �'1�'�� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION � � MINUTES '�� , . MARCH 2, 2010 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dash convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chairman Roger Dash Commissioner Michael Barnard Vice Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Terry Schukart Commissioner Christopher Thomas Staff Present: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works Beth Longman, Administrative/Recording Secretary Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager � C N � J Guests: � � �� `-= Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District � � � v c:: [— � � Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert � � , =� Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District �, � � � Dr. Donna DiCarlo, Resident p � �, �: David Erwin, City Attorney U � , v Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Q � :: Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District ►� �' °� � s �• E- c <, Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District z �^ ^ �, � �'? ? � Arlene Rosenthal, Opera Arts � �:�: ~ r� � �' .. � � Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman U � ? � � `' `� `�=� � Van Tanner, Planning Commission Liaison � � �' �' f �= � � = -� �.,. �.. V `" L: � u: J: '.� �r � ^ . . U <CCL i � �: � � :-- C 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 2. 2010 ill. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Jim Foote, BLM, mentioned that the Wild Flower Festival is being held Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center and he distributed a flyer. Mr. Foote also distributed information regarding dogs on the hiking traits. He stated that there seems to be discrepancies on this issue and would like to get this item on the agenda for an upcoming meeting. Dr. Rita DiCarlo, a Palm Desert resident and dog owner, requested that signage be installed at the University Dog Park stating that no alcohol and/or food be allowed. She stated that a group serves mimosa and sells food at this dog park every Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. She further stated that dogs aren't being watched and that one dog was recently killed. She's asked them to stop this activity and even offered to donate money to them instead. Ms. Steele reported that Code Compliance was out there last Friday and will be there every Friday and has stopped the activity. In regard to the dog that died, Ms. Steele reported that the Code Compliance investigation found that two dogs had been playing in the small dog area; and several hours later one of them died at home as a result of a lung puncture that occurred during play. It was ruled that the other dog was not vicious and it wasn't a mauling. Dr. DiCarlo disputed the report, and stated that the owner of the surviving dog had been asked to leave four times that morning. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM JANUARY 5, 2010 A Motion was made by Vice Chair Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Dawson, that the Minutes of the meeting of January 5, 2010, be approved as presented. Motion carried 8-0-1 with Commissioner Barnard absent. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None VI. NEW BUSINESS - None VII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A. PRESENTATION BY CITY ATTORNEY David Erwin, Esq., City Attorney, provided a presentation on what the commissioners' responsibilities are under the established bylaws and the 2 G:IPubWorkslLandscape Services DivisionlPARKS and REC COMMISSION1Minutes12010 Parks-Rec Minutes103-02-10 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 2. 2010 Brown Act. They have the power to make recommendations to the City Council regarding all matters pertaining to all parks in the City. The commission's duties and responsibilities are very broad, and anything pertaining to the parks is to first be brought to the commission for review. He further noted that the commissioners are each assigned a park to inspect and report back to the commission prior to each meeting. The Brown Act, known as the open meeting law, states that all of the public's business should be done in the open in pubic; therefore, this commission is open to the public. Mr. Erwin emphasized to be very careful about the use of e-mail. The Brown Act was modified in January to state that if a quorum gets together and discusses matters over which it has jurisdiction ( i.e., the chairman sends out an e-mail to commissioners and one person replies to everyone), it constitutes a discussion and is an official meeting. Use extreme caution in e-mails. Don't discuss via e-mail items over which the commission has control. B. OPERA ART Ms. Arlene Rosenthal, President of Opera Arts, reported that the Festival of Opera & Art will be held in Civic Center Park on April 11, 2010, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be representatives from entertainment venues, singers, a variety of food vendors, and activities for all ages. She noted that working with Palm Desert has been a very good experience. Approximately 2,000 thousand people are expected to attend the event based on the advertising and media coverage they are receiving. Parking issues are not anticipated based on past events in the park on Sundays. C. AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE Ms. Steele provided an update on the current status of the on-going design of the aquatic center. Meetings have been held with Gould Evans and Associates, the selected designer, who is also teamed with Mr. Ken Moeller of Arch Pak Aquatics. Staff, council members, parks and planning commissioners, and the designers are meeting on a regular basis on various aspects of design. A joint session of the Planning Commission and City Council and a Public Hearing will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The session is to discuss design and environmental assessment and clearance. A fee study is also being performed, but fee recovery estimates will not be available at the March 24 session. The intent is to break ground in the fall of 2010. It is expected that the project will go out to bid in June, and open on Memorial Day 2011. Vice Chair Guyer stated that the media is reporting that the Redevelopment Agency is trying to spend money quickly. Mr. John Wohlmuth stated that we try to allocate funds to specific projects in an 3 G:IPubWakslLandscape Services DivisionlPARKS and REC COMMISSIONIMinutes12010 Parks-Rec Minutes103-02-10 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 2. 2010 attempt to keep the funds for use in the City. There are very aggressive programs to spend redevelopment funds so that the state cannot take the funds. Vice Ghair Guyer asked why there is such an aggressive push now for the aquatic center when there wasn't in the past. Councilman Spiegel noted that it was because previous plans were not acceptable to council members at that time. D. PARK VANDALISM Ms. Steele reported that there has been an increase in major vandalism including the wiring and up-lighting at Freedom Park; several fires, broken skylights, roof damage at the Soccer Park, and increased graffiti. It appears that the Soccer Park has had the heaviest vandalism. The police department and park patrols have been increased. Councilman Spiegel asked if video cameras have been considered. Mr. Greenwood stated that the installation of video cameras should be agendized for this commission to consider. Mr. Greenwood alsa suggested inviting Lt. Andrew Shouse, Frankie Riddle, and Citizens on Patrol (COPS) to a meeting. Commissioner Hall asked that there be a presentation on the responsibilities of park ambassadors. Ms. Steele stated that it would be included at the next meeting. Dr. DiCarlo commented that when she spoke to the park patrol he said it's difficult to get to the parks as often as they'd like. She asked if there could be a "lifeguard" at parks. Councilman Spiegel and Ms. Steele both said no. Mr. Greenwood suggested that COPS may be a good source for patrolling the parks. E. CITY OF PALM DESERT ARBOR DAY Palm Desert is celebrating Arbor Day "A Growing Tradition" on April 24 at the Visitor Center/Henderson Community Building from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a tree planting, tours of the Eric Johnson Gardens, planting demonstrations, and vendors. On April 22, Earth Day will be commemorated by staff, volunteers, and James E. Carter Elementary School second graders who will be planting a tree and seedlings they have been growing. F. PALM DESERT YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION Opening day ceremonies are Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Civic Center Park. The Marine Band will be playing, the War Birds will do a flyover, and the 2010 Humanitarian Award will be presented. G. CALIFORNIA AND PACIFIC SOUTHWEST TRAINING CONFERENCE The conference is being held in Palm Springs March 9 - 12. All of the commissioners are registered to attend the conference, some will be 4 G:IPubWakslLandscape Services DivisionlPARKS and REC COMM/SSIONIMinutes12�10 Parks-Rec Minules103-02-10 Final Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 2. 2010 volunteering to work in various capacities, and Commissioner Thomas is making a presentation. The Mayor of Palm Springs has extended an invitation to the commissioners to attend the Mayor's reception. H. PARK EVENTS Ms. Steele reported on upcoming park events. I. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Rob Ballew distributed information on the after school "Y Be FiY' program. Fitness and nutritiona! elements were included in the program. There were 34 children who consistently attended the program, and the results showed an increase in fitness and ability over the course of the program. BMI was difficult to track because of the fact that children grow. At the end of the year-long program, parents reported that the program helped them to make changes in their families' fitness and nutritional routines. Mr. Ballew believes the program is important to the valley and wants to expand the program to other cities; and all of the schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District now want to participate. There is nothing being offered in the Desert Sands Unified School District at this time, but they hope interest will be generated. He also reported on upcoming YMCA activates. J. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Mr. Craig DeWitt reported that there were 16 racers at the soap box derby on February 27. The rain affected the turn out as did the late start. The event ran smoothly and it was a great venue. A more detailed report will be made once all of the numbers are finally tallied. K. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY PARK INSPECTIONS Commissioner Dawson asked if it were permissible to e-mail park inspection reports to Ms. Steele. Ms. Steele stated that it is permissible, and noted that they can also be faxed to her or dropped off. L. NEWS ARTICLES Vice Chair Guyer noted the article regarding San Diego's 100-year old Balboa Park deterioration. They are forming a non-profit group to raise fund for the park's maintenance. He thinks the commission should discuss how to earmark funds for future park maintenance. - 5 �:IPubWorkslLandscape Services DivisionlPARKS and REC COMMISSIONIMinutes12010 Parks-Rec Minufes103-02-10 Fina!Minutes.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 2. 2010 VIII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Babcock stated that he and his wife attended the January "Get Fit Palm Desert" with Mayor Finerty. He stated that the Mayor was so far out in front that they never saw her until she was getting into her car to leave. His point being that if you're going to get fit with the Mayor, you better be in shape. Commissianer Thomas commented on the website for the parks and thanked staff for updating the site. He noted that there's a statement that four new parks are being considered on the city's north side. Ms. Steele stated that this will be removed because two of the parks have been built, and the other two are on hold pending additional development. Mr. Greenwood stated that the funds are set aside for these two parks. Commissioner Thomas also noted that the Parks and Recreation Guide needs to be updated. Ms. Steele distributed packages of dates grown in the City's date grove. Mr. Wohlmuth reported that this is the last year the City will harvest the grove. He stated that it's too expensive to continue to harvest and package the dates, and that the aquatic center will be using the area under the trees for parking. Commissioner Housken asked if there were another way to continue to harvest the grove. Mr. Niemczak also stated that it's expensive and difficult to find someone to harvest such a small grove. IX. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m. ��` Beth Longm , Recording Secretary 6 G:IPubWorkslLandscape Services DivisionlPARKS and REC COMMISSIONIMinutes12010 Parks-Rec Minutes103-02-10 Final Minutes.docx