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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Cmsn - 09/07/2010 �-�---. CITY OF PALM DESERT � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Bertha A. Gonzalez, Senior Office Assistant DATE: October 5, 2010 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached for your records are the approved Minutes from the September 7, 2010, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ptease let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY CnUNCIL ACTION APPROVF,D ���"�'li:l) �._�._ RF.CEIVED E F� ��- (?"1'��d?dt� .__ MF,ET(NG DATE ��%"�y"�L/(U AYI;S• ' <n�n FiP�ll fSt G� � L� SD���f1�f-�-�✓ NOF.S: N �n� � —T_ ABSENT: �����' AI3STAIN: N o�c . VERIFIED BY: L� Original on File with City Cle 's Oftice CITY OF PALM DESERT ����� MINUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING ' � TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 I. 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 Christopher Thomas Staff Present: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works Bertha Gonzalez, Recording Secretary H. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Guests: Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Van Tanner, Planning Commission Liaison Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun Tatiana Hinkle, Desert Recreation District 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ADDQ�1\/GI'11lA1Al11TCC Sentembe 2010 IIi. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010 Approve as presented Upon a motion by Chairman Dash, second by Commissioner Dawson, and 7-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP — SOAPBOX DERBY RALLY RACES Tatiana Hinkle of the Desert Recreation District (DRD) presented a proposal asking the City of Palm Desert to co-sponsor the two soapbox derby rally races that will be held within the City. The proposal is very similar to the previous year with the exception that it proposes two separate two-day races instead of one two-day race. The first race is scheduled in the fall, November 6-7, 2010, on Gateway Drive, which was chosen due to its "C" shape, minimal impact to residents, easy accessibility, and close proximity to businesses. The second race is scheduled in the spring, February 26-27, 2010, on Cortesia Way. Cortesia Way consists of an "S" curve, making the race more interesting, and can be closed with minimal signage. The City was asked to make a total investment of $1,450 per event. Currently, staff has no funds available in the budget, but should the Commission make the recommendation to co-sponsor the event, it will be submitted to the City Council for approval. Responding to Commissioner Housken's inquiry, Ms. Hinkle stated that two races will be held on the first day of each event and one on the second day. On the second day only one race will be held due its low attendance. Commissioner Thomas asked if there was enough time to advertise for the fall event to attract enough of an audience since it was still going through the approval process. According to Mrs. Hinkle, the most recent DRD catalog lists both events without exact dates, but does list contact information for any inquiries. She also stated that the events have already been listed on the various websites reserving the dates as pending for City Council approval. 2 � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ADDQfI\/Gll IIAlAl11TCC� Sentember� 2010 Commissioner Housken stated that the lack of advertisement that was given to the City of Palm Desert on the DRD catalog concerned her last year and continues to concern her this year. She has received the most recent DRD catalog and the City is not advertized nearly as much as the City of La Quinta. She asked why this item wasn't brought to the Commission at an earlier date, so proper co-sponsorship advertisement could have been included in the catalog. Mr. Ryan Stendell took partial credit for the delay and assured the Commission that any future events will be brought to the Commission for recommendation at the earliest possible convenience. Ms. Hinkle added the City's logo will be on all of the events paperwork. Responding to other concerns, Mr. Stendell informed the Commission that the impact on staff will be minimal, the businesses on Gateway would most likely welcome the additional business during the race and that there will be little to no impact on Cortesia Way. Commissioner Housken questioned whether this event was right for the City, especially since only two Palm Desert residents participated last year. � She added that she would prefer for the City to donate the money to co-sponsor a few residents to participate in the race. Commissioner Hall agreed and added that although she would like to endorse the race, with the current conditions of the economy she doesn't believe City funds should be used for this type of event. Commissioner Thomas disagreed, stating he does not believe there is any conflict with the number of Palm Desert residents that participate in the race; therefore, he would support the race. Commissioner Housken stated that due to her concems, she cannot support the race in the fall, but is willing to support the race in the spring. Upon a motion from Vice Chair Guyer, second by Commissioner Thomas and a 4-3 vote of the Commission, the Commission recommended the City Council's approval to co-sponsor both races in the amount not to exceed $3,000 with special consideration that the Desert Recreation recognizes the City of Palm Desert's co-sponsorships to the same degree as other cities in their catalogs. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE Commissioner Housken informed the Commission that at the last City Council Meeting the awarded contractor did a presentation of the Aquatic Center Project. She added that she would have liked it to be presented to the Commission at an earlier meeting due to its informational value. She described the following items that were of concern to the City Council: 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROV�^ �""`���r�c Sentember_Z, 2010 • One of the City Council's main concerns was what the Aquatic Center's concession stand will offer. According to Councilman Spiegel, employees from City Hall and the office buildings have nowhere nearby to obtain lunch; therefore, the concession stand will be the closest place employees, and even park users, could get lunch. The Council wanted to ensure that the concession stand could be expanded if needed. Commissioner Hall expanded on the idea of the concession stand by stating that she believes it should be a cafe scenario. Mr. Stendell informed the Commission that the kitchen area is large enough to implement ideas. • Councilmember Benson was pleased with the idea of an easy entry to the therapy pool, but questioned whether it could be rented to other facilities, especially since the Eisenhower Medical Center has closed its therapy pool. Councilman Spiegel clarified that Eisenhower is planning on reopening its therapy pool and adding a new one in the next couple of years. • The City Council also noted their concerns with the high salaries that were presented in the study for the Aquatic Center managers/supervisors. Commissioner Housken added that the rates for non-residents should be higher. • Councilman Spiegel expressed his concern of losing $600,000 a year of general fund money for the maintenance of the center. Commissioner Hall stated that because this lose could become a serious issue, she was worried about the possibility that the City could cancel the construction of the pool. • According to Councilman Spiegel, staff will soon realize that the center is not large enough for the children and it will probably need to be expanded very soon. He noted that due to the current economy, travelers attended Knott's Soak City instead of other parks; therefore, he was concerned that the amenities offered by the Aquatic Center will not match the ones offered by Knott's Soak City. Mr. Stendell reiterated that the study was presented as a worst case scenario; therefore, there was enough room to implement ideas and modifications in order to increase revenue. He also stated that it will be the operator's responsibility to state how they will be using the facilities and who they will be using for the concession stand (i.e. a franchise). In response, the Commission suggested that staff consider the ideas before the construction of pool commences. Commissioner Dawson inquired how the operator will be chosen and what criteria will be used. Mr. Stendell answered that this item will be presented at the next meeting, but as a preview he stated that a Request for Proposals will be issued, the proposals will be opened and reviewed by City staff, and finally the selection will based on qualifications, not the lowest bid amount. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 7. 2010 In response to Commissioner Thomas' concern, Mr. Stendell stated that should the concession stand be expanded there is more than ample parking to accommodate visitors. Commissioner Hall inquired how a contractor could submit a proposal for $7.6 million, when the project had a budget of $11 million. Staff responded that this is possible due to the current economy. According to Mr. Mark Greenwood, the successful bid amount was for $7.6 million, but because staff requested five alternate items on the bid and four out of the five alternates were recommended for approval, the amount increased to $7.7 million. The approved alternate items are: provide and install the kitchen equipment; a cooling system for the recreational pool; a standing seam metal roof instead of a built-up roof system; and a viewing well. Commissioner Hall inquired if solar water heating will be used. Mr. Greenwood responded that the pools will not have a water heating system. '`*Misstated** Ta that statement, Commissioner Guyer asked how the therapy pool will be heated; staff will research. On a separate note, Commissioner Housken asked where the viewing well will be installed and will someone be required to go down into it. Mr. Greenwood responded that the underwater viewing well will house a camera to view underwater diving and/or swimming and it will be installed near the future location of the diving tower. **Upon further research, staff faund both pools of the Aquatic Center will include a water heating system. ** VII. OLD BUSINESS A. DOG PARK WATER USAGE In an effort to address the water issues at University Park, staff installed a timed water faucet with a three foot hose in gravel pit. Recently, staff was informed that a group of users had bypassed the faucet and added a sprinkler hose. Staff addressed the issue by informing the group of the tiered water constraints and muddy conditions left by prolonged water use. The group was also informed that if they wish to contest staff's direction, a formal, written request will need to be submitted to the Commission. Staff received an email that listed the names of six users requesting the use of a hose/sprinkler system so dogs could be cooled off when temperatures reach 85 degrees. Staff recommended that the Commission deny the request, due the abovementioned concerns and the fact that should the Commission approve the request, it would need to be implemented in all the parks. Due to the aforementioned constraints, staff cannot endorse the request. On a separate note, the group requested additional shade 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 7� 2010 trees in the park. Staff stated that the request could be contemplated at the end of the fiscal year. Upon a motion from Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Hall and a 7-0 vote of the Commission, the request was denied with a recommendation for staff to consider the addition of shade trees at University Park. VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. SKATE PARK BICYCLE HOURS At the previous meeting, the Commission was informed that additional bicycle riding hours were given to the BMX riders. Recently, staff has received a second request for additional bicycle riding evening hours. Staff has accommodated the request by offering an additional full day of BMX hours (Tuesdays). Should ridership hold strong, staff will recommend an alternate day schedule (i.e. Monday: BMX, Tuesday: Skate, Wednesday: BMX, Thursday: Skate, etc.) He also added that there is a potential for issues if half-day schedules are kept, since it is left to management to enforce the changeovers between users. In response to Vice Chair Guyer's inquiry, Mr. Stendell stated that freestyle is no longer very popular. B. TRAIL SIGNS Due to previous vandalism of the trail signs, the City's maintenance crew has fabricated and installed a "Dogs Prohibited" vandal proof sign on the trail head on Painter's Path behind target. The sign has been holding strong for three weeks; therefore, should it prove to be durable, staff will install additional signs in other locations. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Rob Ballew of the YMCA informed the Commission that the Annual Golf Cart Parade will be held on October 31, 2010. This year the Marine Band will be perForming and the children will be participating in a costume contest. He also stated that the summer programs went well. The afterschool childcare program had 284 participations, including 100 children at Lincoln Elementary School, which the City helped fund. The Healthcare District is assisting with the "Why Be Fit?" program and they are in the midst of flag football registrations. 6 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 7. 2010 D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Mr. Jeff Ronci informed the Commission that the summer camps closed with a very successful session and presented the monthly facilities and programming reports as follows: Program /Activity Enrollment # of Classes Participation Guitar—Be innin 23 4 92 Guitar—Jam 3 4 12 Karate 15 8 120 Pin Pon 15 8 120 Salsa Aerobics 8 8 64 Cam 23 30 690 Tin Tots MWF 13 12 156 Salsa Aerobics walk-in 12 1 12 Membership/ Sales Use Rentals Facilities Resident Membershi 157 District Membershi 9 Non-District Membershi 4 Desert Willow Membershi 66 Skate Park Membershi 65 G m 3122 Rac uet Ball No. 1 422 Rac uet Ball No. 2 397 Wei ht Room 2733 Facilit 0 Field 100 Pavilion 200 In addition, Mr. Ronci stated that the DRD's latest catalog has been issued. He also stated that from beginning this year only two cataiogs will be issued per year: the School Year and Summer Catalog. The District is currently working with staff to add programs to the City of Palm Desert, who at the present has 51 programs. Vice Chair Guyer inquired if the DRD had the ability to determine the total revenues by each city and how funds are implemented in comparison to other cities in the valley. Mr. Ronci stated that the revenues are looked at when scheduling programs and the information will provided to the Commission. Commissioner Housken asked why Palm Desert residents pay a higher rate than other cities for the same instructor. Mr. Ronci stated that the rates vary from city to city and the rates for the City of Palm Desert are usually higher than those in Indio or Coachella for example. 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APP__BQYED MINUTES Sentember 7. 2010 On a separate note, Commissioner Housken requested the DRD to provide the programming information prior to the meeting in order to better review it. Mr. Stendell responded that District did provide the information in advance, but it had been inadvertently left out of the packet. Staff will ensure that it is included in advance. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Councilman Spiegel noted that the High School Seniors will be using the Soccer Park parking lot to park their vehicles since the school is under development. In addition, he noted that the conversion of one of the Cahuilla Courts is on the agenda for upcoming City Council meeting, should some Commission members wish to attend. Finally, Councilman Spiegel requested the presence of Mr. Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager, in these meetings, since he is a good source of information for the parks. Commissioner Hall noted that her inspection report was submitted, but it was not included in the packet. Mr. Stendell apologized and assured the Commissioners that he will ensure that all reports be included in the packets. Commissioner Housken requested the Commission's consideration to add a plaque in the Civic Center Rose Garden, honoring the late Parks and Recreation Commissioner Julie Munson. The Commission concurred and stated that the item needs to be added formally to the agenda in order for motion to be passed. Therefore, upon a motion from Commission Houken, second by Commissioner Dawson and a 7-0 vote of the Commission, the item to add a memorial plaque for late Commissioner Julie Munson was added to the agenda. Upon a motion from Commissioner Housken, second by Commissioner Dawson, and a 7-0 vote of the Commission, the item was approved and staff was directed to submit it to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Thomas inquired on the status of the fence that was located at the northwest corner of Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell answered that the fence has been replaced and secured; therefore, the area has been reopened. At the upcoming City Council Meeting of September 9, 2010, Commissioner Schukart, who has submitted his resignation from the Commission, will be recognized for his work in the Park and Recreation Commission. On that note, the Commission recognized and noted its appreciation of Commissioner Schukart's work during his time of service s . � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 7. 2010 on the Parks and Recreation Commission and asked its members to attend the meeting. Mr. Stendell informed the Commission that the reappointment process cannot commence until after Commissioner Schukart's resignation has been approved by the City CounciL In addition, it was noted that two vacancies need to be filled and that any candidates need to submit their application to the City Clerk for consideration. Vice Chair Guyer requested information regarding the tier water rates usage, cost and impact on the parks since their implementation a year ago. Mr. Stendell will include the item in the next meeting's agenda. In addition, Vice Chair stated that during his inspection he noticed that the pumping station at Ironwood Park has been abandoned and asked what will happen to it. Commissioner Housken informed the Commission that the pump station is property of Big Horn; therefore, Vice Chair Guyer asked if staff could investigate the item. On a separate note, he stated that a number of soccer parents complimented the condition of the Soccer Park. Commissioner Housken stated that anyone planning to attend the California Parks and Recreation Board and Commissions Groups Training in La Quinta needs to make their reservations. The fee will be paid by the City of Palm Desert. Chair Dash inquired on the update report of past projects and/or recommendations the Commission used to receive; Mr. Stendell will provide it at the next meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 9:58 a.m. .--- �� f .�'r � rtha A. G zalez, ecordin ecretary s