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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission November 2, 2010CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Bertha A. Gonzalez, Senior Office Assistant DATE: December 7, 2010 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached for your records are the approved Minutes from the November 2, 2010, 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) CITY COUNCILACTION APPROVED DENIED RECEIVED �` G, �P. OTHER MEETING DATE AYES: V NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VERIFIED Original on File with City Clerk-"s Office CITY OF PALM DESERT MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 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: Chairman Roger Dash Vice Chair Randy Guyer Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Christopher Thomas Absent Commissioner Michael Barnard Staff Present: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works Bertha Gonzalez, Recording Secretary H. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Guests: Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Craig DeWitt, Desert Recreation District David Erwin, City Attorney Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman William R. Kroonen, Councilman Van Tanner, Planning Commission Liaison Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun Tim McElrath Adam Schmitt PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 2010 Chairman Dash introduced and welcomed new Councilmember, William R. Kroonen. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. INTRODUCTION OF LANDSCAPE SERVICES DIVISION STAFF Mr. Spencer Knight mentioned that the Landscape Services Division currently oversees 288 acres **Misstated** of parks, medians, and open space in the City. Of that, 154 acres is parks related, 90 acres is medians, and 71 acres is open space. **Upon further calculation, staff found that the actual number of acres staff oversees is 329 (154 of parks; 105 of medians, and 71 of open space) ** He stated he would like the Commission to meet the Landscape Services Division field staff and, therefore, asked staff to introduce themselves to the Commission. Self -introductions were done as follows: • Randy Chavez, Senior Landscape Inspector, has been with the City 14 years, oversees the special and general needs of all the areas and works with Mr. Spencer Knight, Ms. Diane Hollinger, Mr. Jay Niemczak and the inspectors to better maintain and improve the areas. • Miguel Garcia, Landscape Inspector II, has been with the City 19 years and oversees the Community Gardens, Joe Mann Park, Magnesia Falls/Portola Park, Palm Desert Soccer Park, and the medians of Landscape Maintenance Areas 2 (central) and 7 (Landscape and Lighting Districts). • Brad Chuck, Landscape Inspector II, has been with the City for 10 years and oversees Civic Center Park, Palma Village Park, and the medians of Landscape Maintenance Area 9, which includes El Paseo. • Ron Tucker, Landscape Inspector II, has been with the City for nine years and oversees Freedom Park, University Dog Park, University Park East, and the medians of Landscape Maintenance Areas 4 (north end) and 6 (Desert Willow). • Sheila McGrew, Landscape Inspector I, has been with the City for four years and oversees the RDA Housing, Cahuilla Hills Park, Haystack Drainage and Natural Area, Homme-Adams Park, Ironwood Park, Washington Charter, and the medians of Landscape Maintenance Area 1(south end). • Ernie Owens, Parks Inspector, has been with the City for over 20 years and oversees the landscape irrigation of all the medians and parks. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 9 2010 • Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist, has been with the City nine years, has about 18 years of experience in horticulture, works with Randy Chavez on projects, provides technical support to staff, does the plan checking, and oversees the Arbor Day and Turf Retrofit Programs. • Jay Niemczak, Parks Manager, oversees the Capital Improvements Projects, which includes the Cahuilla Park Pickleball Courts, the parks structures, playgrounds, and improvements, assists the inspectors' transition to the parks, and works with the Desert Recreation District and the Trails to coordinate programming. Councilman Bob Spiegel stated that he believes the City of Palm Desert has the best parks in the valley and applauded staff for the work they do. Chairman Dash thanked everyone on behalf of the Commission for taking the time to introduce themselves to the Commission and for addressing the comments made in their inspection reports so diligently. V. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2010 Vice Chair Guyer clarified that his inquiry on the abandoned well site was for Ironwood Park, not Haystack. Staff stated the research was done on the Ironwood well site and the correction will be reflected in the Minutes. Upon a motion by Chairman Dash, second by Vice Chair Guyer, and 7-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved with the above clarification. In addition, Chairman Dash asked for Item A of Presentations, Update on the Aquatic Center, to be moved to Item A of Continued Business, because he would like to further discuss the item and it might require a motion from the Commission. Upon the Commission's concurrence, Item A of Presentations was moved under Continued Business. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION TO RELOCATE PETANQUE COURT TO HOVLEY SOCCER PARK As requested at the previous meeting, Mr. Ryan Stendell presented the Commission with a proposal that detailed the relocation of the Civic Center Petanque Court to the Hovley Soccer Park. After visiting the site, staff and members of the Petanque Club identified a turf area adjacent to the Basketball Court that could be used for the Petanque 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMRER 2 201 Court. The Club indicated that the area in connection with the area currently occupied by shuffleboard would be sufficient for their tournaments. The areas are in close proximity to each other and have access to a picnic pavilion and restroom facilities. The Commission was informed that the conversion of the areas will be completed in two phases. The first phase will include replacing the concrete strips in the shuffleboard area with decomposed granite and then leveling. The second phase will involve replacing the turf adjacent to the basketball court with compacted decomposed granite. However, in order to ensure a complete turf removal, this phase will be completed in the spring when the Bermuda grass is returning from dormancy. Following Commissioner Dawson's motion to accept staff's recommendation, Vice Chair Guyer asked how the installation of decomposed granite will affect the traffic flow to and from the basketball courts. Mr. Stendell stated that it will have no affect and according to him, it is easier to walk on decomposed granite than on turf. Yet, should the Commission request it, an area of turf could be left in place. Responding to Commissioner Dawson's inquiry, Mr. Stendell stated there is a row of trees that creates a buffer between the Horseshoes Pits and Petanque Court that will help differentiate between the two courts. Commissioner Dawson also asked if staff could install a sign describing the sport and providing contact information for anyone who would like to know more about it. The Commission recalled that a past motion was put in place to remove the shuffleboard courts due to the lack of use and install additional horseshoe pits. Staff was not aware of the motion, but Mr. Spencer Knight stated that there is ample space to add the additional horseshoe pits and a petanque court. Therefore, the Commission asked staff to investigate if there is a standing motion regarding additional horseshoe pits, reexamine the area in order to establish if both items can be added, and return the item to the Commission for consideration. No motion; the item was continued. B. CONSIDERATION TO REMOVE THE CIVIC CENTER WATER PLAY FEATURE Mr. Stendell reported that the maintenance and costs that are related to the use of the Rainbow/Sunflower water feature adjacent to the Civic Center Tot Lot are extensive. During the winter and early spring, staff typically turns the water feature off due to the cold temperatures. However, park users tend to remove the valve boxes and turn the feature on manually. In addition, the drainage in the area is very poor. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 2,2010 Staff believes that with the construction of the Aquatic Center, which includes a water play component, it is the right time to remove the feature. It will lead to a significant cost savings while relieving the City from the continual maintenance that is associated with this feature. In response to Vice Chair Guyer's question, staff stated that the feature can only use domestic water because of the nature of its usage. Commissioner Babcock inquired if additional police could patrol the park and if they are doing anything to respond to the vandalism. Mr. Stendell answered that there is enough patrolling being done, but they don't respond to this type of vandalism. Responding to Commissioner Hall's and Commissioner Housken's question, Mr. Greenwood stated that a mister feature would create the same issues and require the same maintenance as the current water feature. Vice Chair Guyer stated that if people are breaking the valve box to turn it on, it is because it is being used; therefore, instead of removing the feature, he would like for it to be replaced with a feature that is more economical and easier to maintain. Upon a motion by Vice Chair Guyer, second by Commissioner Hall, and a 7-0 vote of the Commission Board, staff was directed to research other features that could replace the Rainbow water feature, but are more economical and easier to maintain. C. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL PROJECTS FOR THE UPCOMING FY 2011-12 BUDGET With the budget process for FY 2011/12 rapidly approaching, staff requested the Commission's suggestions for capital improvement projects that could be included in the budget. The recommendations of the Commission will be included in the budget process along with other departmental requests. Councilman Spiegel recommended continuing the item to the next meeting in order for the Commission to have enough time to think of some projects. Vice Chair Guyer inquired if the City is making enough ADA upgrades and if they are based on history the City has put in motion. Mr. Ryan Stendell stated that the City is doing enough ADA upgrades. Commissioner Thomas asked what is the difference between the fund titles. Mr. Greenwood responded that the Park Fund Reserve is money that the City Council programs from the General Fund to be used for Parks Capital Improvement Projects. The Park Fund is money that is collected from developers when they construct a project and is, therefore, more restricted. On a separate note, Commissioner Thomas stated that the snowbirds have returned and yesterday there were 15 users playing on the two 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMRER courts at Civic Center Park. Therefore, the new Cahuilla Pickleball Courts will be meet the demand and asked staff to consider building some restrooms for the users. Staff stated research for the potential installation of restrooms at Cahuilla is already in the process. Responding to Commissioner Housken's inquiry, Mr. Stendell stated Mr. Niemczak had installed two columns, but to his understanding the Commission had requested the installation of additional columns No motion; the item was continued. D. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE SCHEDULING OF TOURNAMENTS AT PALM DESERT FACILITIES Mr. Jeff Ronci introduced Brenda Nutcher, Assistant Director for the Desert Recreation District, who schedules the tournaments in the Palm Desert parks. She stated that according to the policy, reservations for the tournaments need to be submitted six months in advance and are scheduled on a first -come, first -served basis. The commercial rate for organized groups is $150 a day for the field and $30/hr for the lights. Palm Desert residents receive a reduce rate of $15/hr. for the field and $15/hr. for the lights, and the High School gets their fees waived. The policy also states that full refunds can be obtained if a cancellation notice is given 30 days in advance. Reservations can be made for group or private use, but the groups are not allowed to charge any fees while in the park. Commissioner Thomas asked if there were currently enough fields to meet the demand. Ms. Nutcher stated that they could use more soccer fields, but, for the moment, if there is any conflict with the scheduling, the policy prevails. She also stated that tournaments typically grow every year, so they usually book the fields a least a year in advance. Commissioner Housken stated that her main concern is why the Desert Recreation District keeps the fees for the lights, if they collect the fees for the lights and the City pays for the electricity. Mr. Stendell stated that all these concerns will be addressed in the new contract City staff is currently negotiating. E. FORMATION OF HIKING TRAILS SUBCOMMITTEE At the last City Council meeting, Council suggested that staff ask the Parks and Recreation Commission to form a subcommittee that will address all the issues with the trails and make recommendations to the City Council. The subcommittee could consist of two Commission members, and two members of the hiking community or trails experts from the BLM. Responding to Commissioner Dawson's inquiry, staff stated that this will not be a standing committee; it will be a subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Commission and will meet on an as -needed basis. Vice Chair Guyer asked if there were any PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 9 2010 current interests from the community that needs to be addressed by this committee. Mr. Stendell responded that not at this point, but the following item of discussion would be something the subcommittee will address. Vice Chair Guyer stated that there doesn't seem to be too many items concerning the trails that required the formation of a subcommittee, but if there is an interest from the community, the subcommittee should be formed. F. CONSIDERATION OF PLACEMENT OF "HOPPY'S CREED" SIGNS ALONG THE HOPALONG CASSIDY TRAIL In previous years, City staff had been asked to look into placing signs along the eight -mile trail, but due to its cost, the item has never moved forward. Commissioner Dawson questioned if the Commission has ever discussed and made recommendations regarding signage on trails. After a brief discussion, the Commission clarified that trails do fall under the Commission. On that note, Vice Chair Guyer asked how this item went to the City Council, without coming to the Commission first. Staff stated that Mr. John Wohlmuth received a call from a former councilmember asking for the sign to be placed. After some research, the item was added to the City Council Agenda. The City Council then redirected the item to the Park and Recreation Commission, asking them to form a subcommittee that will address these types of issues. On that note, Chairman Dash asked for volunteers to form the subcommittee and Vice Char Guyer and Commissioner Dawson volunteered. No motion; the item will be discussed by the subcommittee. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. AQUATIC CENTER OPERATIONS UPDATE Chairman Dash asked if a member of the Commission could participate in the review process for proposals of the Aquatic Center Operations. Mr. John Wohlmuth answered that the review and selection of the proposals will be conducted by City staff professionals that have the skills and knowledge to make a fair and technical recommendation. He expressed his concerns with including a member of the Commission. Mr. Greenwood added that staff will rank the proposals independently. The highest score will be submitted to the Commission for review and approval. Chairman Dash restated that he would like the Commission to participate in the discussion rather than to react to a decision. Commissioner Dawson suggested having someone go through the proposal review process, but not have a vote on the selection portion in order to not intrude on the decision. Mr. Wohlmuth informed the Commission that the process, including the 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 9 201 rounds of interviews, could lead to three or four full days. Commissioner Housken understands the process and would like to volunteer to participate, but offered the opportunity to Vice Chair Guyer since he has been very vocal on the need of additional amenities. Vice Chair Guyer declined the offer to participate in the process, stating that the Commission has expressed his concerns and/or opinion and the City has hired qualified staff go through the process; he does not believe it is necessary to interfere. Therefore, Commissioner Housken volunteered and the Commission concurred. VIII. OLD BUSINESS NONE IX. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Rob Ballew of the YMCA reported that flag football for the kids is being held at the Soccer Field on Friday evenings; 292 kids are participating. In addition, basketball signups for the winter time are currently being held. The YMCA is currently serving approximately 3,230 children; 351 are from Palm Desert. All the children participate in the Why Be Fit Program. B. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Mr. Jeff Ronci informed the Commission that they have just completed the regional trails signs and will be presenting them to the Riverside County Trails Committee meeting on November 17, 2010. He also commented that Ms. Nutcher does an exceptional job in rotating the fields, so all fields get the same usage. Mr. Ronci stated that the Desert Rock Concert was very successful with over 7,000 people attending the Eddie Money Concert and over 4,000 the Christopher Cross Concert. The first adult flag football season had more than 60 participants and the Senior Games will be out by November 15, 2010. The dinner will be held in Palm Desert and the Commission will select the honoree. The Commission suggested Johnny Bench. Commissioner Housken mentioned that staff should insure the BMX riders are included in the skate park expansion. Mr. Jeff Ronci presented the monthly facilities and programming reports as follows: 11 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER Program / Activity Enrollment Zumba 2 Salsaerobics 6 Bootcamp 30 Ballroom Dancing 3 Belly Dancing 10 Drawing 1 Painting in advance 3 Swing & Salsa 11 Yoga 1 da /wk 5 Yoga 2 da s/wk 4 Beginning Ballet 5 After -School Club 27 Guitar Beginning 9 Karate 12 Baseball II 3 Ping Pong 30 Tiny Tots M,W,F 17 Tiny Tots T, TH 16 Dance Play 4 Youth Tennis 4-6 2 Youth Tennis 7-9 2 Youth Tennis 10-13 1 Adult Tennis 18+ 2 Membership/ Facilities Use Skate Park Membership 330 BMX Membership 201 Tennis 2162 Pickleball 378 Vill. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS - Chairman Dash requested that the University Park fence not be reinstalled using a chain link. Mr. Stendell stated that chain link fences are against City policy. He presented the first edition of PD Style Magazine and asked staff to pursue publishing an article regarding the City parks. Councilman Spiegel commented the magazine cost approximately $120,000 to publish. Chairman Dash asked if staff could consider installing additional trees at Freedom Park near the small dog section. He stated that during certain times of the day, there are areas when shade is not available. E PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 9 9 He commended the Golf Cart Parade for involving small children and asked staff to research a bicycle activity that will be held in Los Angeles, California. Commissioner Thomas informed the Commission that the Brightside lists the senior games and asked Diane Hollinger to elaborate on the Turf Retrofit Program. Ms. Diane Hollinger stated that the program was sponsored by the City of Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley Water District. The City had $110,000 in the budget and paid $2 per square foot, up to $2,000 per applicant. It opened in February of 2010 at 8:00 a.m. and by 9:30 a.m. the funds had been exhausted. Two- thirds of the applications have been completed with a very successful outcome. Commissioner Housken requested the updated action log and asked on the status of the Commission's request to have Jay Niemczak attend meetings. IX. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m. 10