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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Rec Cmsn - 01-15-2013 _ � " � � �---�---� CITY OF PALM DESERT / � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Donna Evans, Clerical Assistant DATE: March 5, 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, January 15, 2013. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY C�UNCIL ACTION APPROVF.D DENIFD RECE[VED '`"F��P OTHER MEF.TING DATE 3-i�-a��3 AYF.S•�Dn,� iP�,�, .Ta,��ne�._ 1,7 )�e e�� a-rn i � NOF,S: N or�N ABSF,NT: ����'- - AI3STAIN: ��+'►� -- VI;RIFII:D 13Y: r Ori�in�l on �ile with City Clci-i:'s ffice CITY OF PALM DESERT i'�`'•''� M I NUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ADJOURNED MEETING . . TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 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 Bertha Gonzalez, Recording Secretary Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Randy Guyer 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 H. Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Beth Longman, Acting Recording Secretary Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Guests Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman 1 � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 15. 2013 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NONE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2012. Upon a motion by Commissioner Guyer, second by Commissioner Dawson, and 8-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved. V. NEW BUSINESS A. USE OF SPORTS LEAGUE PROMOTIONAL BANNERS The various sports leagues using City park facilities are looking for ways to increase their revenue, and Mr. Ryan Stendell stated that he has discussed sports league funding with other local cities. The three major means for funding are sponsorships, league entry fees, and memberships. Funds can be generated for the leagues through sponsors who pay to have banners hung at the ball fields advertising their businesses. Discussion took place regarding the pros and cons of banner usage in our parks including what size of banners to allow, placement of banners, the length of time the banners would be allowed to remain in place, and how banners at tournaments would be handled. Commissioner powty stated that we should focus on how the use of banners affects the facility. Commissioner Guyer suggested that we formulate our policy and present it to the leagues rather than wait for them to approach the City with their ideas. Commissioner Rodriguez recommends that our policy be flexible enough regarding banner size to allow for sponsors interested in the larger events because their signs are usually very large. It was decided that Mr. Stendell and Commissioners Kelly, Rodriguez, and Guyer would schedule a tour of our ball fields. Mr. Stendell stated that it may be beneficial to have league people on the tour. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS —Vice Chair Election of officers is typically held at the last meeting of each year. At the December 4, 2012, meeting the Commission nominated Commissioner Hall to serve as Vice Chair; however, the item was continued due to her absence. When the item was re-addressed, Commissioner Hall stated that due to known upcoming absences, she regretfully must decline the 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 15_ 2013 nomination. Commissioner Kelly then nominated Commissioner Rodriguez and he agreed to accept the nomination. Commissioner Dawson moved to close the nomination, second by Commissioner Hall. Therefore, with an 8-0 vote of the Commission Board, Commissioner Rodriguez was elected Vice Chair for the year 2013. VII. OLD BUSINESS NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. NEW HIKING AND BIKING MAPS Mr. Ryan Stendell reported that new hiking and biking maps were recently updated and distributed. The new maps now carry notations that biking is allowed on all surface streets and that our hiking tails are also legal for biking. Most of the parks are also now noted as designated water stop locations. Commissioner Guyer asked if anything was happening on the creation of a beginner trail. Mr. Stendell stated that Mr. Jim Foote is actively involved with the CVAG trail management group who is working on an amendment to the Trail Management Plan that, if approved, would simplify the approval of new trails. Chairman Housken asked Mr. Foote for an estimate.of timing on the completion of the amendment, and he stated that it shouldn't be too much longer. It would then go to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission for their input, but he doesn't believe that other agencies will make changes at that point. Discussion took place about the availability of the maps at various locations in the area. The maps are available at the Visitor Center and City Hall lobbies, but not at the trailheads. A suggestion was made to have maps available at the YMCA and Desert Recreation District facilities. They could also be added to the City's website with a notice posted at the trailheads advising that the maps are accessible on-line via smart phones. B. AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA Mr. Stendell stated that the AMGEN Tour of California bike race will be going through parts of Palm Desert on May 13. This is an eight-stage event and is currently one of the biggest in the country. It is a prelude to the Tour de France. Highway 74 will be closed during the race, but for only a short time — maybe 20 minutes — because the racers will be coming through very quickly. EI Paseo will also be part of the course through the City. Chairman Housken asked if the YMCA would consider putting up a viewing area similar to what they use for the golf cart parade. Vice Chair 3 � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 15. 2013 Rodriguez noted that many local businesses would be interested in placing advertising along the course, but Mr. John Wohlmuth noted that AMGEN would probably reserve approval rights for local advertising. C. PARK USE REPORTS Hovley Soccer Park— Member Rod Ballew stated that he had not performed the inspection this month. Ironwood Park— Commissioner powty noted that everything looks good overall and all of the playground equipment is functioning. There does not appear to be a problem with vandalism. This park previously had a problem with vandalism, but that seems to have been resolved. Mr. Stendell noted that there had been recent complaints regarding kids playing airsoft in the park, but that is now under control via the use of a camera. The kids and their parents have been advised that this activity is not allowed in city parks. Commissioner powty stated that he observed a near collision between a kid riding a scooter and a pedestrian on the sidewalk at the bottom of the hill. The sidewalk is used by kids on bikes and motorized scooters and he suggested putting in speed bumps to slow things down. It was noted that Commissioner Guyer had similar comments when he inspected this park. Referred to staff. Mr. Stendell stated that he would send out the inspection schedule again. D. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Mrs. Karen Creasy presented a slide presentation of the December events that included the following: • Underwater Christmas Tree Decorating with Scuba Santa — Get Wet Scuba was an enthusiastic partner and provided the tree and decorations. Anyone over ten years old was able to participate after receiving a free scuba lesson. Approximately forty people participated. • Polar Bear Plunge — This was the second year for this event, which is sponsored by Coca Cola. Upcoming events include Silver Sneakers program for senior citizens and water aerobics are now getting underway. The Humana Challenge was a good event last year and they expect it to be good this year too. College of Idaho and College of the Desert are using the facilities and they are receiving more inquiries from other schools as well. The Senior Games 4 � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 15. 2013 are scheduled for February 10. Spring break activities and the underwater egg hunt are being planned — Get Wet Scuba is very interested in participating. May is National Aquatic Safety Month and they will have events that will tie into that theme. Mrs. Creasy further reported that they have ordered a sign for the side of the fence facing the main park, which will help to improve visibility for the facility. The new sweatshirts and t-shirts are selling well. Mr. Stendell included an expense summary and noted that there has been a leveling off of the excitement generated during the summer months and they are now working on raising winter month activities/revenue. He further noted that there are only a few short periods of time during the day when the pool is a quiet place. Programmed activities are going very well. Commissioner powty noted that hot tubs/spas are big this time of the year and asked if adding them had been considered. Mrs. Creasy stated that there is another level of maintenance associated with spas, but noted that dive events could be increased if there were hot tubs. E. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Member Rod Ballew reported that basketball season is off to a good start with 250 kids signed up. Their sustaining campaign kicks off on February 7, and is the event they use to raise funds to cover program enrollment costs for kids who may not otherwise be able to participate. This year's Honorary Chairs are Mayor Jan Harnik and Olympic swimmer Janet Evans, with Carl Karcher as the actual Chair of the event. The Christmas programs at the various locations were a success. Enrollment at the Jean Benson Preschool is maxed out. They are working with all of the kids at the various locations on wellness issues to raise awareness. F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Member Ronci reported that the International Sports Festival/Senior Games attendance is trending higher than the previous year. Typically they get approximately 1,100 participants, but this year it has increased to approximately 1,500 participants. Councilman Spiegel asked about the possibility of the state senior games being held in Palm Desert. Member Ronci did not have any information on this matter, but noted that senior games in general have dropped off dramatically in the last few years. Our event, however, continues to grow mostly through out-of-area participants. He works with the Palm Desert Marketing Committee and local hotels to promote the event and to offer group discounts to participants. Commissioner Guyer noted that other events have been successful by using local volunteers, and Vice Chair Rodriguez recommended looking into having high school students run the events. 5 � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 15� 2013 Senior softball is off to another great year, and they are working with local players to develop disc golf. Member Ronci stated that he has been successful in bringing more of the Desert Recreation District events back to Palm Desert facilities. One exception is water volleyball for which the 50-meter pool would need to be heated. He will continue attempts in this area. Facility maintenance has been completed and went well. Indoor courts were refinished and water fountains were repaired. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Vice Chair Rodriguez asked if anyone knows where he can borrow two canoes for use at a charity event. No one had any ideas. Mr. Stendell stated that stafF is being reminded by the City Clerk to remind Commissioners of the Ralph M. Brown Act and the requirement for open meetings. One of the biggest reminders is to use caution with email communications and not to use the "Reply to All" option as it could be a violation. Our communications are official and we need to be very careful. If anyone needs updated information, let him know. Mr. Stendell stated that Steve Robbins who was a long-time General Manager of the Coachella Valley Water District will be honored at the La Quinta Fitness Center and that the La Quinta Park will be installing plaques. If anyone is interested in attending these ceremonies let him know and he'll RSVP. He will send out additional information to the Commissioners today. Mr. Stendell reported on a problem that Santa Monica has been experiencing with park usage. They are having problems with fitness and boot camp type classes being held in their parks, and are having to weigh the needs of their residents against the needs of outside park users. We need to stay mindful of this type of situation. We still need to provide passive areas in our parks. Chairman Housken believes that we have been proactive with usage in our parks regarding this type of program. Commissioner Dawson believes it was the City's intent to install a plaque at the Aquatic Center naming the commissioners who were involved in that facility's development. Mr. Stendell stated that two possibilities for the plaque's location are being considered: one is in the community room, and the other would be in the area planned for installation of a flag pole. Chairman Housken stated for the past three or four years she's been involved with the Arbor Day Committee, but this year she has other commitments and is looking for another volunteer. It is planned to be a more low key event than in previous years. 6 . . . PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES JANUARY 15� 2013 X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 9:48 a.m. � Beth Longman, Acti Recording Secretary 7