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Home My WebLink AboutParks and Rec Cmsn - 09-02-2014 �� " ��..:__ � .�' �-�--� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: November 10, 2014 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, September 2, 2014. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CITY COUNCILACTION APPROVED DENiED._,�..�,..�..r. RECEIVED OTHER�i.,+„ .. ¢-r � G i e C YC �.�.��..��.�..��.�� MEETING DATE I Z-ll-ly�- ......�. AYF.S:��'�K��nathc�n,Sp�e�el.Tannur. � Wcbu' ��._. NOES: No►'�q N � r ��n� ABSENT: °� ARSTAIN: �o� — V[?RtFIF,D 13Y: �K � r�►�'L Ori�;inal on File with City Clerk's Office CiT Y CLERK SEOFFICE PALM DESERT, CA Yi14 NOU �� AM!�?� 21 CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'� MINUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, September 2, 2014 —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 Rodriguez convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chairman Raymond Rodriguez Commissioner Randy Guyer Vice Chair Deborah Hall Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Christopher Thomas Commissioner Mike Hardin Ex-Officio Members: Absent Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, DRD Staff Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Brenda Nutcher, DRD 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 2� 2014 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Ryan Stendell announced to the Commission that Dean Dowty had submitted a letter, stepping down from his seat as Commissioner for Parks and Recreation. Mr. Stendell also noted that Council had already approved for an alternate, Mike Hardin, to fill in the role as Commissioner. Council wiN be appointing someone new in January of 2015. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 Approve as presented Upon a motion by Chairman Rodriguez, second by Commissioner Dawson, and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. PDAC ANNUAL REPORT — (PRESENTED BY STAFF) Ryan Stendell presented the Commission with an annual report for the Aquatic Center, which displayed a revenue recovery rate of almost 60 percent. Mr. Stendell is looking to bring in events to the Aquatic Center, and hopefully one big event that could bring in a considerable amount of revenue for the Aquatic Center. Mr. Stendell stated that expenses for the Aquatic Center go towards life guards, staffing, program supplies, food and beverage, maintenance and utilities. Mr. Stendell also stated that hiring our own maintenance employee has been a better option for the PDAC, expense wise. Ryan Stendell stated that a timing system is being installed to record a swimmers swim time, and a score board. On September 26, they will be hosting a swim meet to use the new installation of the score board and timer. Ryan also mentioned that the programs at the Aquatic Center are doing exceptionally well, and is also working on a marketing plan for the entire upcoming year. As shown in the PDAC Annual Report, Ryan is hoping to expand health and wellness offerings, Silver Sneakers, and other medical insurance based programs. In addition to hopefully becoming a training center for Swim and Fitness programming, American Red Cross Classes, and water exercise certifications, and a possible expansion. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MI�IUTE� Sentember 2, 2014 Chairman Rodriguez proceeded to ask Mr. Stendell what expansion possibilities he was considering. Ryan stated, maybe adding a smaller pool, more amenities, a lazy river, or possibly a bigger slide, they have all been discussed in the past. Mr. Stendell made it clear that these were simply visualized considerations for expansion. B. SPONSORSHIP/ NAMING POLICY Ryan Stendell presented the Commission with a drafted a copy of sponsorships and naming policy procedures. This policy is to provide some guidance to those who have interest in naming and or renaming the City's parks or recreational facilities. A copy of the drafted policy will be presented to Council for approval. Commissioner Dawson, Commissioner Thomas, and Rob Ballew were in favor of the drafted naming policy. Mark Greenwood stated that the naming policy should end with an endowment. Commissioner Kelly and Chairman Rodriguez had different opinions regarding sponsorships. Commissioner Housken stated that it is of importance for there to be some sort of morality clause regarding this topic. Housken also proceeded to ask if it is possible to have a short term naming policy. On another note, Commissioner Kelly mentioned that occasionally individuals, who tend to make large donations, want to micromanage things. However, Mrs. Kelly feels that it is important for something to be put in writing that demonstrates it will continue to be City property, and only managed by the City and City Staff. A large donation doesn't always necessarily mean the donors have any rights to any structure in existence. After everyone's opinions and input on the subject, Ryan Stendell will be providing a revised drafted policy in the next Parks and Rec meeting. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL ANALYSIS Ryan Stendell brought up the previous discussion regarding the need for more Pickleball courts, versus the wait for the north sphere park, which turned the attention to two parks, Civic Center and Freedom Park. Freedom Park was the favored park for converting the two existing courts into eight Pickleball courts. Civic Center is still highly used by tennis players, and Cahuilla Hills Park will be converted back to two courts. All parks had been observed throughout the summer and the use at Freedom Park was not as prominent as the Civic Center. Commissioner Dawson stated that this sport is growing nationally, and that it is easier to expand at one park versus the other. Ryan Stendell stated that expansion at either park would be a difficult task. 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 2� 2014 Chairman Rodriguez mentioned that there are plenty of private courts throughout the city that can be used for Pickleball. He also stated that the eight Pickleball courts that were previously discussed should be put forward. Ryan Stendell mentioned that retro fitting existing courts can keep costs to a minimum. Commissioner Thomas stated that Freedom Park has heavy screening and that possibly the Pickleball community can somehow come up with the funds for the conversions. He suggested that the lot south of the skate park at Civic Center would be a great location for the Picklball courts. However that can be suggested somewhere down the line. Therefore upon a motion by Chairman Rodriguez, Commissioner Thomas and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Commission approved the proposal for converting the two Tennis courts into eight full Pickleball courts at Freedom Park. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. 2006 CITiZEN SURVEY Ryan Stendell stated that he took all of the 25 subjects from the survey and gave a brief description regarding all the topics that have been brought up since. Strategic planning echoed the topics, and will keep up with the more important topics, like walking, biking and hiking trails, fall and spring concert series, etc. Mr. Stendell also mentioned that he DRD is doing a better job on engaging local folks. VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. ACTIVE RECREATION LITERATURE Ryan Stendell stated that Palm Desert has a very strong network of walkers in existing city parks. Ryan suggested that the city could better engage baby boomers, seniors, and the younger generation, this is why he provided the article in the agenda packet. Chairman Rodriguez noted that this article does tie in with the number one requests for hiking, and the large audience of power walkers here in Palm Desert. B. PARK USE REPORT Ryan Stendell stated that University Park is doing well, with an even amount of use in both University and Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES Sg�tember 2,2014 mentioned that the shade structure is still in the works, and city staff is keeping the park in great shape. Vice Chair Hall stated that people are content with the use of Freedom and University Park, with minor complaints regarding the shade structure. Vice Chair Hall also noted that parking, bike lane, and ticketing issues have been eliminated with the moving of park users. C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Karen Creasy mentioned that the Aquatic Center did hit close to the 60 percent return revenue mark. Karen also indicated that the Aquatic Center had a strong summer this year, all numbers succeeded last years, and had an outstanding safety record. Karen Creasy also noted that they have a clicker being used to keep track of people using the facilities. This year they saw about 107,000 visitors. They also use visitor's zip codes for reference to keep track of them. COD, is back at the facility, and CSUSB is back on September 29, Xavier water polo is back full pledge as well. Also, added is a new water polo group, SET, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Masters is using the facility on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Desert Arc on Thursdays, Avid Physical Therapy uses the facility with clientele as well. There has also been expanded water aerobics starting fourteen classes a week, and seventeen health and wellness classes a week. Karen also mentioned that she had the opportunity to meet with a company named, PlayCore, and do a case study regarding an aquatic playground. PlayCore is one of the largest playground building companies in the US, and they hope to expand out to building aquatic playgrounds in the future. The City Manager wanted to publicly thank, Karen Creasy and Ryan Stendell for their great work with the PDAC. D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Rob Ballew stated that they have a mini reverse triathlon coming up in October that also includes a 1 K color run, in hopes it will have a great community outcome. Mr. Ballew also mentioned that during the summer the YMCA had two specialty camps, the number one camp was the Zombie camp. They also had their continuation of the day care camp at full capacity. Camp Oaks had 140 kids go to Big Bear, and Camp Fox went to Catalina Island. Also, new this summer is their basketball program, and new Rookies camp, totaling about 60 kids each. Mr. Ballew also mentioned that the YMCA is developing a Youth and Government program for 50 High Schoo{ kids, and Flag FootbaN has about 200 kids. A11 after school programs are all at full capacity, all programs seem to be doing reasonable. Vice Chair Hall proceeded to ask if after school programs would be expanding. Mr. Ballew mentioned that it would be a 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MI�LLlTES Sentember 2, 2014 probability if more portables were brought it. The YMCA had a significantly active and busy summer. E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Brenda Nutcher stated that they had an average of 65 children sign up for summer programs, the youth basketball league had about 260 kids. Brenda also mentioned that they had a number of drop in's, including Pickleball users requesting for use of the facility, and paying drop in fees. Programs continue to grow, and they are preparing for senior games. First Tee Clubhouse should be completed the beginning of October. Brenda noted that a local youth from the First Tee program, was invited to golf at the Pebble Beach Open. Commissioner Dawson asked who was running the First Tee. Chairman Rodriguez also mentioned that he has been approached by people that would be interested in filling in that slot. Brenda stated that, Chris Keener is the Interim Director for the First Tee at this moment. However, if the position does become available, it will be posted on the website. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Jutovsky wanted to commend Karen Creasy and Ryan Stendell on the PDAC and how wonderful the facility is kept up. Commissioner Kelly took the opportunity to thank the city staff for all the hard work they put in to the parks, and thank the Parks and Recreation Commission for their dedication. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 a.m. ie Ma ron, Recording Secretary 6