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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Parks and Recreation Commission 02/07/2012CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Bertha A. Gonzalez, Senior Office Assistant DATE: April 3, 2012 SUBJECT: Submission of Minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission Attached for your records are the approved minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of Tuesday, February 7, 2012. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY COUNCIL ACTION APPROVED DENIED RECEIVED ILL' OTHER. MEETING DATE 41 /<�-:� AYES: LLISLO, LDL-4u— NOES: C,Q ABSENT: &CjC'a n ABSTAIN: N COS. VE1ZIf IEi) Rv: K- 0K Original on File vvith City Clerk S Office CITY OF PALM DESERT MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 CALL TO ORDER Chair Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chairman Jerry Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Vice Chair Kim Housken Commissioner Michael Barnard Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Raymond Rodriguez Commissioner Christopher Thomas Ex-Officio Members Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Jeff Ronci, Desert Recreation District 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 G tipsts. Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Sherry Barkas, The Desert Sun w PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2012 Before initiating the meeting, Chair Dawson introduced and welcomed the Commission's new ex-officio members: Mr. Rob Ballew of the YMCA and Mr. Jeff Ronci of the Desert Recreation District. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012 Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Thomas, second by Commissioner Kelly, and an 8-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. PARKS CIP BUDGET FY 2012-2013 Mr. Ryan Stendell presented an overview of the CIP Budget Project list, which included the projects for the Aquatic Center: the Renovation of the Retention Basin, Permanent Shading, and Colorado Timing System. Future improvements to the Portola (North Sphere) Park included the addition of a Pickleball Complex and a Two -Acre Dog Park; both which are currently unfunded. Commissioner Housken asked of any plans to address the Olsen Field lights, which, according to her, are too high and extremely bright. Mr. Spencer Knight stated that staff submitted a white paper to replace the light poles due to their deterioration; height will be addressed during the process. Mr. Stendell noted that the Cahuilla Hills Park Beginners Trail Project is not listed because he expects it to be a volunteer project with little to no cost. When the project gets approved, it will be returned to the Commission for review. Responding to Chair Dawson's inquire, Mr. John Wohlmuth stated that Desert Sands Unified School District has indicated that the City will be allowed to use the Palm Desert High School fields when they are not in use by the school. He added that the fields, including a new soccer field, will be completed in approximately six months. Responding to Chair Dawson's inquiry, Mr. Stendell stated that the Commission had agreed at a previous meeting that the was too expensive and unnecessary. Extreme Skateboarding Project Funds are available, but not for 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2012 such a large expansion. However, after speaking with the skate park users, he believes the skate park needs to be updated. Therefore, a Request for Proposals (RFP) to revamp the skate park in an amount not to exceed $50,000 will be issued. If an additional area is needed, the project will be returned to the Commission for discussion. Mr. Wohlmuth reminded the Commission that most parks were funded by the Redevelopment Agency (RDA). With its elimination, some funds are no longer available. Future projects may need to be funded by Quimby and/or the park fees. He noted that Quimby fees are collected from the developers, but with the lack of development, few fees are being collected. Mr. Wohlmuth added that next year's budget may need to be reduced by $1.3 million, so the City needs to be cautious on how funds are spent. He clarified that the maintenance of the parks is not in jeopardy since it gets paid by the general fund. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE COMMISSION BY-LAWS Mr. Stendell presented the newly, approved Commission By-laws, which reflect the addition of the two ex-officio members and changes that were presented at the last meeting. He noted that Chair Dawson provided a list of additional changes and the only concern is having the master plan reviewed every five years, since it might require hiring a consultant. He stated that the master plan requires to be updated every few years; however, it does not pertain to the parks section. Chair Dawson clarified that his intention was to have the Commissioners review the plan every five years to determine if any concerns needed to be addressed. Commissioner Housken asked for the statement "unless additional time is authorized by the Commission" to be added under Article X: Addressing the Commission. Mr. Stendell will present a draft of the By-laws with the proposed changes and/or additions, along with a copy of the master plan to the Commission for review at a future meeting. The Commission agreed and the item was continued. VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2012 VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. JW MARRIOTT WATER PARK PRESENTATION Mr. Wohlmuth reported that the Marriott has been undergoing a few renovations for a number a years. The Marriott seeks to attract more families and convention business while enhancing the drive-in market and room rentals during the off-season. They are proposing to add a new water park to their amenities and clarified that it will only be available to their guests. The Marriott has asked the City Council to contribute $1 million of the $9 million it will cost to construct the water park and other children activities. The purpose of the Marriott's owner is for the City to commit to the project in order to invest the remaining $8 million. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that the agreement between the City and Marriott will be through a measured increase in TOT. In other words, if new business or additional TOT increases, the City shares it with the Marriott by providing them the incremental increase in TOT back against the $1 million. If the TOT does not increase, the City will not be required to pay any of the $1 million. The City Council has approved this concept; therefore, staff is currently working on the agreement. He noted that the City is living a new day in business and without its main economic development tool, the RDA, creative solutions such as this must be considered. Councilman Spiegel reminded the Commission that the Marriott is largest hotel in the valley, but it doesn't offer many amenities for children. By adding this park, the Marriott feels it will bring in more business. The City of Palm Springs has been doing this for many years and their hotel occupancy tax has increased 22% even during this down economy. According to Councilman Spiegel, hotels help drive the economy in this valley; therefore, the City is looking into adding more of them. B. WHITEWATER TRAIL UPDATE Mr. Stendell attended a meeting with CVAG where discussion of a $70 million trail project that runs from Desert Hot Springs to North Shore took place. However, CVAG is still in the process of acquiring funds and the project is still in its conceptual stage; therefore, they are no real details at this point. CVAG is using the Whitewater Channel study the DRD conducted and both agencies have met with recreational providers from the Coachella Valley to identify ways that will allow the project to work. He stated that the project could be successful, but it has many hurdles to overcome. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2012 In addition, there are plans for a Palm Desert Bike Path that will run along the railroad tracks; however, the environmental study is still in process. Mr. Ballew stated that in the past Mr. Mark Greenwood had indicated that this project was not possible due to the golf courses and private land it crosses. Mr. Stendell stated that CVAG is still in the process of identifying the areas where Coachella Valley Water District has easements; areas with a golf course; and how to avoid problem areas. Mr. Wohlmuth stated that of the $53 million that went to South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) 30% needs to come back to the Coachella Valley; 40% needs to go to environmental justice area, the under serve like Desert Hot Springs; the remaining will be for SCAQMD to use in their entire district. In order to receive the $53 million, Mr. Stendell stated that the funds need to be used on projects that will improve the air quality (i.e. Golf cart routes); therefore, there needs to be a clear idea of where the money would be used. C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Ms. Karen Creasy reported that it has been an exciting winter for the Aquatic Center; nonetheless, it is now in the process of returning to its recreational phase. She continued by highlighting the Aquatic Center's recent activities: • December's Polar Plunge event was very successful. • Focus is on marketing and publicity due to the newness of the facility. A booth at the Date Festival and couple of billboards are underway. • The Aquatic Center's Spring -Summer catalog will soon be released. • The new YMCA website will include a strong Aquatic Center component. • Thanks went to Ms. Sherry Barkas, Desert Sun, for the news article featuring the Aquatic Center. • Party rentals for the warmer months have increased. • They are collaborating with physical therapists and keeping an open communication with the Joslyn Center; water aerobics has become very popular. • In the process of hiring additional staff for the summer months • The center is hosting the Senior Games and continues to have a great partnership with the College of the Desert. Mr. Stendell added that the Aquatic Center expenditures have been kept down; therefore, the center is at a 53% recovery and $90 thousand ahead of the projected shortfall. 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2012 D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Rob Ballew reported that Youth Basketball had 275 participants and Spring Flag Football registrations are currently in process. The Y- Campaign to support kids that cannot afford the YMCA will be February 16, 2012, through March 22, 2012. The YMCA hopes to raise $375 thousand. The Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day will be on Saturday, April 7, 2012, beginning at 9:00am. The event has been coordinated with the Westfield Mall's Easter Egg Hunt to avoid holding the events at the same time. In addition, all the Marriott properties are holding a golf tournament on April 13, 2012. Every year, the Marriott chooses a non-profit organization and this year they have chosen the YMCA. On May 3, 2012, the YMCA will have its own golf tournament at the Desert Springs Marriott. Mr. Ballew will notify everyone when the new YMCA website is launched. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Mr. Jeff Ronci stated that the Desert Recreation District is currently focused on the International Sports Festival, which has approximately 800 registrations. The Women's Volleyball has 16 teams; Pickleball has 170 individual registrants; swimming has 41; Table Tennis has 45; and Shuffleboard has 40 registrations. Mr. Tom Flores, who used to be a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and later the head coach for the Raiders, will be the guest speaker on Friday, February 16, 2012. Mr. Ronci presented a letter from family in Alpine, CA expressing the significance of last year's Soapbox Derby Race. This year's Soapbox Derby will be held February 26, 2012. He announced that new activities are coming in May, including the launch of a Facebook Page. In addition, the DRD has started to keep a record of the Civic Center's dog park usage. To date, between January 18 and January 23, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. there were 178 dogs in the small park and 213 dogs in the large dog park area. The DRD has found that although the children activities are doing well, the adult activities are not. Therefore, they will carefully examine all the activities in order to create new ones that will attract more adults. He noted that the registration report is separate from the drop -ins report and there are more drop -in than registered participants. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2012 Mr. Jeff Ronci presented the monthly facilities and programming reports as follows: Program / Activity Residents Non- Residents Total Participation After School Club House 30 113 143 Ballroom Dancing 6 5 11 Beginning Ballet 3 2 5 Beginning Belly Dancing 6 1 7 Beginning Guitar 7 3 10 Belly Dancing Advanced 1 4 5 CPR/AED Training 2 1 3 Cycling 101 6 0 6 First Aid Kit 1 2 3 Full Potential Basketball 1 0 1 Progressive Line Dancing 0 1 1 Rec Route 0 52 52 Salsa Aerobics 2 2 4 Swing & Salsa 0 1 1 Tae Kwon Do 8 7 15 Tiny Tots 10 21 31 Women's Recreational 5 1 6 Yoga 3 3 6 Membership/ Facilities Attendance Reservations Community Center 120 Pavilion1 1 Pavilion 2 1 Civic Center Softball Field 40 Amphitheater 1 Outdoor Area 11 Soccer Field 28 Freedom Park Softball Field 30 Freedom Park Football Field 13 Skate Park 278 Bike Park 264 Tennis Courts 1204 Vill. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS - Chair Dawson reminded the Commissioners of the mandatory ethics training. They have three days to register for the class or take it online. He continued by stating that he considers this Commission to be successful due to the following: • The excellent attendance of the Commissioners and their engagement in all the activities and topics; • The involvement of the YMCA and Desert Recreation District; 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES FEBRUARY 7,201 • Attendance of the City Manager, City Councilmember, and senior staff to provide incite and help the Commission; • Leadership of Mr. Ryan Stendell, who organizes the Commission, and minutes of Mrs. Bertha Gonzalez, who makes the Commission legal and organized; and • The involvement of Ms. Sherry Barkas of the Desert Sun, which is the communication outlet to the public. • Commissioner Housken added the leadership of the Commission's Chairman. Councilman Spiegel visited the University Dog Park and found it to be very busy with approximately 40 visitors and no available parking. In addition, he received a call asking if anything could be done to keep dogs out of the Washington Charter School, since she walks the grounds every morning to pick up the dog droppings. Commissioner Thomas stated that pickleball registrations in the ISF will probably exceed 180, with players from as far away as Michigan. He asked if discussion of the usage of the Cahuilla Hills Park tennis court can be added to the next agenda. He was also informed that the installation of the Cahuilla Hills Park restroom is on the City Council Agenda for the meeting of February 23, 2012. Mr. Stendell reported that the Dog Park Users Group meeting will be on February 14, 2012, which is Valentines Day. He will see if changing the date will be wise and asked if anyone was interested in attending the meeting. If the date gets changed, Mr. Ballew volunteered to attend. IX. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 9:37 a.m. ..,Imlllomll.�i M C • • • 0