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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Rec Cmsn - 04-02-2013 - � a .r---�--� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelie D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Donna Evans, Clerical Assistant DATE: June 6, 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, April 2, 2013. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY COUNCILACTION APPROVF.D DF.NiF.D RECEIVED `,.,r'���� OTHER MEETING DATE -a � � AYES:I�er�,�„i �er���, rn�,� NOES:.��Un e ABSF.NT: �1r���- ABSTAIN: VFRIFIED ��'� ��-��.�.— Origina!on File with City Cle�•k's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT �'1'�� MINUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING � TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 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 Chairman Housken convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chairman Kim Housken Commissioner Deborah Hall Vice Chair Raymond Rodriguez Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky 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: Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Roger Dash, Planning Commission Liaison Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRE� �MINORY MINI�TES APRIL 2. 2013 IIi. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Ryan Stendell welcomed Lynn Jutovsky as a newly-appointed member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Jutovsky is an avid hiker, mountain biker and is a volunteer at the BNP Paribas Open. She stated that she's lived in the desert for twenty years, has two children and is happy to be a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Kelly, and 8-0 vote of the Commission Board with Commissioner Hall absent, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. PALMA VILLAGE PARK WATER FEATURE Mr. Stendell stated that the water feature at Palma Village Park, which was installed in 2004, is in need of significant repairs. The nozzles in the cactus-shaped water feature are spray nozzles; therefore, the water output is significant. There are other types of water features that create more of a fog so they don't require as much water. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager, put together the white paper that was included in the staff report and outlines the repairs needed. The cost will be approximately $17,000. and would include new rubber surfacing and retrofitting the nozzles. Mr. Stendell asked the Commission if the park needs this water feature at the park, or is it something that we can do without? The cost is significant and staff is looking for input regarding this matter. This is a stand-alone neighborhood park that's heavily used. It would be nice to keep the amenity; however, it's a costly repair. Staff is asking for direction from the Commission on how to proceed. Commissioner Kelly commented that she feels that it's important to fix the water feature. The park serves a lot of people and it should be kept to the high standards of the City. There was a discussion regarding the drinking fountain near the basketball court without a drain and how the water flows onto the court. There was concern that someone may slip. Mr. Stendell commented that this was how the water fountain was designed. Member Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, asked if the water feature would have to be repaired every four years. Mr. Stendell stated that it should last longer than that, if the surface is done correctly. Member Ballew commented that he was in favor of repairing the water feature. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRE� �MINORY MINIJTES APRIL 2. 2013 Chair Housken commented that the proposed completion date for the water feature repair is scheduled for July/August 2013 and wondered if it could be done sooner. Mr. Knight stated that there are other projects on the books but he would try to move this project forward. Commissioner Guyer asked if the job could be subcontracted and Mr. Stendell responded that this project would be subcontracted and our staff would oversee the repair work. Upon a motion from Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Guyer and an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Hall absent, the repair of the Palma Village Park water feature repair was approved. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS A. NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT— University Park East Member Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert, stated that he visited the park midday and there were quite a few people there. The park users commented that they love the park and going there is part of their routine. There were no issues to refer to staff. Commissioner Dawson also visited University Park East during the middle of the day and spoke to the park users who were all very happy about the park. He noted that there are cracks in the basketball court along the seams at the expansion joints. Mr. Stendell stated that this particular park was built by the developer and dedicated to the City so it's possible that it was built differently than we would have. Mr. Mark Greenwood stated that the concrete was poured in August on a very hot day, which may have contributed to the cracking issue. Mr. Stendell commented that he would take a look at the cracks. Commissioner Dawson commented that there are what appear to be sheep droppings on the grass and he was worried that children might eat them. Mr. Knight stated that there are lots of rabbits in the area and when the grass is mowed, the droppings will be eliminated. Commissioner Dawson asked about the time frame for the construction of new homes in the University Park area. Mr. Greenwood stated that there are no plans to build homes in this area at this point. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRE� �M�NORY MINUTES APRIL 2. 2013 B. EL PASEO BUNNY HOP 5K FOLLOWUP Mr. Stendell stated that approximately 500-600 runners/walkers participated in the EI Paseo Bunny Hop 5K. There were some impacts in the area since it was held on Easter Sunday as church services were scheduled at the same time as the 5K. The City would like to have more of these community happenings, but there are impacts to the businesses, churches and residents; therefore, all of these items will be addressed for future events. C. SHADOW TOUR SPRING RUSH FOLLOWUP Mr. Stendell commented that the Shadow Tour Spring Rush cycling event took place on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The course originated at University Park East and continued to Box Canyon and back. There were 219 participants and the ride was a success. D. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER— Underwater Easter Egg Hunt Mr. Stendell stated that there was an article in the Desert Sun and also a video clip on mydesert.com regarding the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt. Mr. Ballew commented that it was as big a day as the opening of the Aquatic Center. Mr. Stendell commented that zip code information and daily attendance is being tracked at the pool. The financial report shows that costs are down and revenues are up. The March numbers aren't final yet, but due to spring break, the numbers are up. Councilman Spiegel asked about the budget loss. Mr. Stendell stated that there is a projected loss of $750,000 with a 50% recovery. Commissioner Guyer asked if the projected loss is in the budget and wondered how the money is allocated if the Aquatic Center comes in under budget. Councilman Spiegel stated that the money goes into the General Fund. Rob Ballew stated that May is Water Safety Month. May 18�" will be a valley-wide free day of swimming lessons and family water safety. There will be nine gold-medal winning past Olympians teaching swimming lessons along with many volunteers. Mr. Ballew is projecting 720 kids to go through the water safety course and swimming lessons. The entire facility will be available for use. Councilman Spiegel asked if the competitive timing system has been installed. Mr. Ballew stated that this will happen shortly. The lane rentals are increasing and the local schools are using the Aquatic Center for competitive swimming. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRE� �MINORY MINUTES APRIL 2. 2013 E. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Member Rob Ballew commented that the YMCA held their Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, March 30. There were 700 kids and about 800 adults at this event. There were a variety of activities for the kids to participate in after the egg hunt. The cost for the event was $5,000. which was paid for by resident Dr. Van. He's also the person who is sponsoring the Concert in the Park on May 23. Easter week was very busy with different camps. F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Member Jeff Ronci reported that Spring camps went well and consisted of 27 kids. A new report is being generated that shows membership usage at 3,109. An update to the software now indicates that out of 3,109 visits over the course of last month, 630 were unique visits. The utilization report shows that the softball fields and soccer park use has increased. Pavilion rentals are also up from last year. He took some of his campers to the Aquatic Center and it was very busy and they had a great day. Chair Housken asked about the Festival of Opera Arts in the Park. Mr. Stendell commented that the Desert Recreation District monitors the event. The City has sponsored this event in the past, but isn't involved this year. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Guyer inquired about the construction on the left side of Highway 10 at Portola. Mr. Greenwood stated that this is repair work in Section 29 of the retention basin. Commissioner Guyer wondered if low income housing was going to be built in this area. Mr. Greenwood commented that the City owns 37 acres, but with the elimination of the Redevelopment Agency nothing is planned at this time. Commissioner Guyer asked if a park would be part of the 37 acres. Mr. Stendell stated that ten acres is supposed to be dedicated for housing and a portion is allocated for a future park. City Manager John Wohlmuth asked Mr. Greenwood to give a brief update on the Duck Ordinance. Mr. Greenwood explained that there has been an increase in the duck and coot population at the Civic Center lagoon and also at Desert Willow. The City has decided that controlling the food would control the population. The City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting feeding the ducks. Duck food dispensers will be installed in the park so that small amounts of food can be given to the ducks, as opposed to people bringing twenty-pound bags of bread for them. The new ordinance will be gently enforced by the Park Ambassadors and Citizens 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRI� 2. 2013 on Patrol. Already there's a noticeable decrease in the duck population. The pumps and filters for the pond were in bad shape due to an abundance of feathers and droppings. Chair Housken asked if there are any groups of citizens in the City that the Commission should be meeting with regarding complaints. Mr. Stendell . stated that having the Commissioners visiting the parks and speaking to the park users has been very useful. The feedback has been very positive. Mr. Knight commented that each dog park has a spokesperson who communicates with him regarding any comments or concerns. Mr. Stendell stated that the Amgen Tour will be held on May 13, 2013. Mr. Greenwood commented that the road work on Highway 111 near Town Center will be complete before the bike race. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 a.m. ��7�z� Donna Evans, Recording Secretary 6