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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec - 03-05-2013 � � � i---�--� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Donna Evans, Clerical Assistant DATE: April 3, 2013 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, March 5, 2013. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CtTY COUNCILACTiON APNROVF,D �rN(rn RECEIVED� ���� (3TH ER MEETING DATE " � � dd AYF.S:ge_�St�ll..r,. i Pn c�l T�J�IPf'� /�1 P,�r,P� !���/7 i,f�__ NOES:�nn� ABSENT: 1�a�� ABSTAIN:��onF VF,RIFIEU BY: Original on File with City Clerk's ffice CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'�� MINUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING � TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Dawson convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Vice Chair Raymond Rodriguez Chairman Kim Housken Commissioner Gerald Dawson Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Christopher Thomas Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Jeff Ronci, Desert Recreation District Staff Present: Donna Evans, Recording Secretary Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works H. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Guests: Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Van Tanner, Councilman Roger Dash, Planning Commission Liaison III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Ryan Stendell stated that Lynn Jutovsky has been appointed to the Commission, however, she was unable to attend the meeting as she had prior 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 5. 2013 obligations to fulfill. She will attend the next meeting, which witl be held on April 2, 2013. Mr. Stendell commented that Bertha Gonzalez has been the Recording Secretary for the Parks and Recreation Commission for many years and has done a wonderFul job. Ms. Gonzalez has been promoted within the City and Donna Evans will take over as the Recording Secretary for this commission. Mr. Stendell and the commissioners thanked Ms. Gonzalez for all her hard work. Mr. Justin Liversidge, resident of Palm Desert, addressed the commission. He commented that the trails at the foot of the Cross Trail, beginning behind Target and continuing south, are being abused. People aren't using the switchbacks and are cutting in their own trails. Mr. Liversidge suggested having the trails inventoried and repaired. He commented that he has a group of volunteers who are willing to do the repair work. Mr. Jim Foote, from BLM, is part of this group and makes sure that all the forms and releases are signed. Most of the volunteers are from the Desert Trails Hiking Club and the Coachella Valley Hiking Club. They have tools and they hold safety meetings prior to embarking upon a trail repair project. They're currently working on the trails behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. He stated that when hikers create short-cuts within the trail system there could be problems with water run-off and mountain bikers defacing the ground. Mr. Stendell commented that our trails are part of a large conglomeration of property owners in the hillside and that the City operates under the Trails Plan of the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Program. A trails subcommittee from CVAG is working on a program that they can use in other cities. Only a small portion of the trails are located within Palm Desert city limits. The trails management subcommittee will be meeting in April. A group from BLM is planning to do some work on the trails. Mr. Liversidge stated that he has an email list of volunteers that he was willing to share with Mr. Stendell. Ed Robinson, a new Palm Desert resident, was present and stated that he was concerned about the condition of #he trees in the City of Palm Desert. He commented that he's taken courses in tree care while living in Massachusetts and was wondering if trees are trimmed differently here in the desert. Mr. Robinson stated that he felt that some of the trees aren't being trimmed properly in Palm Desert, however, he didn't know what types of trees they were. Mr. Stendell suggested that Mr. Robinson meet with Spencer Knight to discuss this issue. Mr. Knight stated that the City trees are pruned to the same standards as those in Massachusetts and informed Mr. Robinson that the City only maintains trees that are on City property. Trees located back-of-curb are maintained by the private property owner. The City doesn't have an ordinance in place to regulate the pruning of trees located on private property. A great amount of improper pruning takes place in the City. Mr. Robinson stated that he's referring to trees that are on City property. Mr. Knight stated that the City trees are pruned 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 5� 2013 properly. It was suggested that Mr. Robinson meet with Mr. Knight outside of the meeting. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013 Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Thomas, with a 6-0 vote, with Chair Housken and Commissioners Dowty and Jutovsky absent, the Minutes of January 15, 2013, were approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. NONE VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. USE OF SPORTS LEAGUE PROMOTIONAL BANNERS Mr. Stendell stated that he met with two of the Parks and Recreation Commissioners and they determined that they don't think that the City should restrict the league from obtaining money from sponsors who purchase banners. During league play, a standard size banner may be used and once the season is over, the banners will be removed. The appropriate banner locations have been indicated on the maps that were provided to the commission. Generally, the youth leagues hang banners on the blue fencing around the Soccer Park and also on the backstops at the baseball fields at Civic Center Park. They should be hung nicely and not sagging. Special event banners could include a lot of different possible proposals, therefore, they'll be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The City Manager will approve these banners. Mr. Stendell stated that he's going to work with the various sports leagues regarding the timing of the banner installations and to ensure that the banners are well maintained. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. CIP BUDGET ITEMS The proposed CIP budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 was included in the Commissioner's packets for their review. Mr. Stendell stated that the 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 5. 2013 budget shows that the parks and facilities will be maintained to current City standards. There are no major changes from the previous budget. The lights at Olsen Field are in poor condition and the youth leagues have indicated that the lights may not be necessary; therefore, the funds allocated to replace the sports lighting at Olsen Field may possibly be used for the future north sphere park. Due to the loss of the Redevelopment Agency, the only source of funding for the new park would be from the Park Fund. The proposed budget will be reviewed by the City Manager and the City Council before being approved. The subject of adding pickleball courts to City parks was addressed. Mr. Stendell stated that the budget includes maintaining existing courts, but does not include the addition of new courts. Commissioner Thomas commented that in 2012, staff was directed to research new areas to add 8-12 pickleball courts. This was part of a five-year plan, but he was aware that this expense isn't part of the capital improvement program budget. Commissioner Thomas suggested installing additional courts in the future at Civic Center Park between the area where the buildings end and south of the sand volleyball courts. B. ARBOR DAY Mr. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, stated that Arbor Day will be held on April 11, 2013. He's working with Palm Desert Charter Middle School about planting several trees on their property. A representative will be present at the City Council meeting from the California State Department of Forestry to announce that the City of Palm Desert has obtained the designation of Tree City USA. C. PDYSA OPENWG DAY Mr. Stendell stated that opening day for the Palm Desert Youth Sports Association will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Civic Center Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. The first game will start at 8:00 a.m. and everyone is welcome to come to this fun event and see how the park is being utilized. D. EL PASEO BUNNY HOP Mr. Stendell commented that the EI Paseo Bunny Hop will occur on Easter Sunday, which is on March 31, 2013. EI Paseo will be closed in the early morning during the 5k run/walk. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. and everything will be cleaned up before the shops open for business on Sunday morning. Commissioner Kelly commented that the 5k will conflict with sunrise services. Mr. Stendell stated that the event producer was aware of this and feels that they will still have a good tumout. The EI 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED M1N�lTES MARCH 5. 2013 Paseo Bunny Hop benefits Family Services of the Desert and is not a city- sponsored event. E. SHADOW TOUR PALM DESERT SPRING RUSH Mr. Stendell commented that this event is being produced by the same group who produced the Shadow Tour Century Ride in November at University Park. The November ride was so successful, that they're adding a spring ride. The route will be the same; from University Park to Box Canyon and back. They're expecting approximately 200 riders for the spring ride, which will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013. There are three hotels in the University Park area that will benefit by this event. F. PARK USE REPORT - University Dog Park Mr. Jeff Ronci from the Desert Recreation District stated that he went to both University Park and University Dog Park. He commented that University Park is being used for a lot of events and suggested adding permanent shade structures in an effort to eliminate the temporary shade structures that are being erected during the special events. The University Dog Park used to have issues (i.e. excess water, decomposed granite coming down onto the grass, etc.), but everything looks as though it has been addressed. Councilman Spiegel asked about the amount of activity at University Park. Mr. Ronci commented that it was pretty quiet when he was there. Councilman Spiegel inquired about whether or not the community garden area is still a viable idea. Mr. Ronci stated that the need is not there at this point. Mr. Knight commented that the park requires very little maintenance and is generally very quiet. Mr. Stendell commented that he had a discussion with the school district about access to the Palm Desert Charter Middle School Park. Access from Rutledge was difficult for the neighbors. The school district agreed that they would work with the City so that access after school would be much easier. The idea regarding the addition of a Jacuzzi at the Aquatic Center was reported on by Mr. Stendell. He suggested having temporary facilities in the event that there was a diving competition. This would reduce the maintenance issues with having a permanent Jacuzzi. Ironwood Park is having a conflict with the paths and scooter use. Golf carts are okay on the paths, but it would be difficult to keep the scooters off when there are bikes, skateboarders and rollerbladers using the path as well. 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 5. 2013 G. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Ms. Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert, reported that the Palm Desert Aquatic Center did very well in February and revenues were up compared to last year. There is heavy use between 3:00-6:30 p.m. The ten-punch card program has expired and was a success. There are many groups renting lanes and private swim lessons are very popular. Recreational swim is increasing. COD is active at the pool. Lane rentals and lane rental requests are on the rise. Spring break is from March 23-April 7 and Ms. Creasy is expecting the Aquatic Center to be very busy during these weeks. The Underwater Easter Egg Hunt was very popular last year, therefore, she's asking for volunteers for the event this year. The Surrey Knights swim team is here from Canada and are renting lanes. A lifeguard training program will be happening on a regular basis this spring. There are some large groups who are renting the entire facility. The exercise classes are getting more and more popular. Mr. Stendell stated that the expenses for the Aquatic Center are down more than $30,000 and the revenues are consistent. The programming in the winter months has brought the Aquatic Center back to exactly the same revenue as last year. Expenses are down and revenues are good. Ms. Creasy was complimented on doing a great job. H. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Member Rob Ballew reported on the programming at the Family YMCA of the Desert. There are 27 kids in a program for four- and five-year-olds and they're learning a variety of sports. Winter basketball has 263 children participating and there are 152 kids in spring football. Mr. Ballew stated that the YMCA fundraising campaign ends on Thursday, March 14, and he invited everyone to a dinner that evening and an opportunity to see swimming star Janet Evans perform a synchronized swimming routine. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the YMCA. Healthy Kids Day and Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 30, at Civic Center Park at 9:00 a.m. and is co-sponsored by the City of Palm Desert along with Dr. Van. There will be approximately 1,500 kids participating. The Easter Egg Hunt will be divided into different age groups and there will also be games and activities afterwards to learn about fitness and nutrition. Dr. Van will be sponsoring one of the concerts in the park along with the City on May 23, 2013. The concert will be held during one of the Thursday Night Concerts in the Park at 7:30 p.m. The band is called Upstream, 6 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 5. 2013 which is a Caribbean steel drum-type band with a lot of energy. The concert also includes a show that highlights a fire-breathing man and people walking/laying on beds of nails. Dr. Van had sponsored a Beach Boys-type concert last year, which was a fun event. Mr. Ballew commented that Cruise Night is a great source of entertainment for the City. It seems like a really fun event that people enjoy. He noted that the YMCA is looking at expanding their facility and are in the process of raising money for this project. It was also mentioned that the open space in the park is very important and is used for the flag football program. I. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Member Jeff Ronci reported that the Senior Games ended in February and was one of the most successful games to date. In 2009, there was a cost recovery of 53 percent and this number has increased steadily over the past years with the cost recovery for 2013 at 85 percent. The cost recovery has improved due to better management and control over the spending involved in the events. This year the DRD utilized different sports groups to run the events. The Palm Desert High School Volleyball Team ran the women's volleyball competition and did an excellent job. The Indio High School Swim Team ran the swimming events. The events that were run by a youth sports group that was intimately involved with the sport did very well, but there were issues with soccer and men's volleyball. The men's volleyball events needed a larger facility. The Palm Desert High School gym worked well for the women's volleyball. The DRD will work on getting the Xavier gym back ne�ct year for men's volleyball so that the men's events can be held at one location. The biggest sport this year was pickleball, which was run by Commissioner Thomas who did a great job. This has been the most popular event every year with soccer and volleyball coming in second and third in popularity. Mr. Ronci commented that the biggest challenge this year was the dinner, which was planned to take place outside at the amphitheater; however, the weather didn't cooperate and the dinner had to be moved to the multi- purpose room. This changed the entire atmosphere and the band was too loud. This will be re-evaluated for the event next year and it will most likely be planned as an indoor dinner from the start. Mr. Ronci will be meeting with Mr. Mark Greenwood regarding skeet shooting, which they're hoping to add to the games next year. Skeet shooting is a sanctioned Senior Games event so participants would be eligible for advancement. We're looking at sanctioning water volleyball so that athletes could advance to the national games. The Senior Games will 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES MARCH 5� 2013 take place on the same weekend next year because it doesn't conflict with the Super Bowl or the holiday weekend. Commissioner Thomas asked if the district has committed to running the 2014 games. Mr. Ronci stated that they haven't committed, however, they are moving forward. Commissioner Thomas inquired about the City funding that was provided to run the games. Mr. Ronci stated that the City contributed $26,000 this year. Mr. Ballew asked if athletes participate in multiple events. Mr. Stendell commented that he has noticed swimmers and runners involved in multiple events. Mr. Ronci stated that he has seen some swimmers at track events and track participants at swim meets so there are some cross events, but most participate in one particular sport. One of the biggest issues in trying to promote cross events is the fact that we don't have an athletic campus where everybody could be brought together to participate in their events in one area. Vice Chair Rodriguez asked about the number of seniors who are local residents and out-of-town participants. Mr. Ronci stated that the seniors are predominantly from out of the area. In past years, 5-7 percent have been local athletes. Mr. Ronci stated that they've transferred boot camp to a separate registration system that works best for the instructors. There were 45-50 participants last month, making this one of the stronger programs. After school community center use was high at 3,337 children. Mr. Ronci commented that he sees the need for pickleball because it's so popular; however, he would hate to sacrifice the open space at Civic Center Park for pickleball courts, or for any other use. He suggested adding courts near the bin enclosures as an option. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Mr. Stendell commented that the City is working on developing a new strategic plan. It differs from the General Plan, which lays out specific goals, guidelines and procedures. The strategic plan will be broader in nature. The previous plan that was created in the 1980s indicated a need for a center for culture and arts, which was instrumental in bringing in the McCallum Theater. There was a section specifically dedicated to creating a pedestrian-oriented shopping district between Portola and Highway 74, which led to the creation of EI Paseo. The contract for the new strategic plan has been approved and the City Council is creating a committee that will steer the process. It will eventually involve input by the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding recreation elements of the plan. Commissioner Guyer asked if we could utilize the survey that was done a few years ago. Mr. Stendell stated that the survey will be reviewed by the consultant. 8 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AP__PROVED MINUTES MARCH 5. 2013 Mr. Ballew asked if the City takes any responsibility for Cruise Night. Mr. Greenwood commented that the City doesn't provide any money or support for this event, which is organized by the EI Paseo Cruising Association. Mr. Ballew hoped that the City would provide support, if needed. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, Commissioner Dawson moved, second by Commissioner Guyer for adjournment. Motion carried 6-0 with Chair Housken and Commissioners Dowty and Jutovsky absent. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m. Donna Evans, Recording Secretary 9