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Home My WebLink AboutParks Rec cmsn - 11-05-2013 X ��:�� CITY OF PALM DESERT .----�---�. � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Donna Evans, Cierical Assistant DATE: January 15, 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, November 5, 2013. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CiTY COUNCILACTION APPROVFD Di;Ni1?D RF,CEtVEll_-�1- �i �� OT}{[,It M(�,I�.T'ING DAT�Fr a�!3 -aC� AYf;S: nsr� �+r►��l�K �� ' e t._�LL1_._L___ NOES: N.�'1�'- —�_ _- ARfi F�:1�T: fs a�� --- �----__..._-�.__.. __. Ati51'�IiV: �a��2., _ _-------- - _� --. vr:��r��.�� : -��r�l ---- �__. nri�in�al «n 1�ilc�a-itl� Citt� �'�..�;. �_s i��e ___ CITY OF PALM DESERT ��•�� APPROVED MINUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING � TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 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 Chairman Housken convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Kim Housken Vice Chair Raymond Rodriguez Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Christopher Thomas Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Staff Present: Donna Evans, Recording Secretary Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Guests: Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Roger Dash, Planning Commission Liaison III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. NONE 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 5,2013 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 AND TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013 Commissioner Dawson moved to approve the consent calendar. Motion was seconded by Guyer and caRied by 9-0 vote with Hall, Jutovsky, Keily, Thomas, Dowty, Rodriguez and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. V. NEW BUSINESS A. NONE VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. PARKING AT UNIVERSITY DOG PARK Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst, stated that he met with staff members regarding the parking situation at University Dog Park. It was determined that the City is lacking a regional facility to take the load off of the smaller parks. The goal is to have open space in our current parks for picnicking and other uses. There was a discussion about the dog park at Freedom Park and the consensus was that it wasn't big enough for the users, therefore, it was suggested that it be expanded so that it's slightly larger than the University Dog Park. The expansion won't impact the residents in the area because it was designed to handle the load and has plenty of parking. It was also thought that perhaps the University Dog Park users wouldn't want to drive to Freedom Park. Another idea would be to utilize the 27-acre parcel located at Interstate 10 and Portola to be used as a dog park and mirroring the rules and regulations of the current dog parks. Commissioner Rodriguez moved to approve the proposed expansion of the dog park located at University Park. Motion was seconded by Kelly, carried by a 9-0 vote with Dawson, Dowty, Guyer, Hall, Jutovsky, Thomas, Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. A motion was made by Commissioner Guyer to consider leaving the parking situation as it is now at University Park, until it becomes a problem when the homes are being built. Staff indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission doesn't have the authority to suspend law enforcement duties; therefore, the motion failed. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPR�VED MINUTES NOVEMBER 5� 2013 VII. OLD BUSINESS A. NONE VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK USE REPORT - Magnesia Falls Park (Housken-Kelly-Rodriguez) Chair Housken reported that the Magnesia Falls Park had lots of use for such a small park and inquired about the bicentennial flag base. Mr. Stendell stated that this item will be on the City Council agenda in December. Commissioner Guyer commented that Magnesia Falls Park was the first ADA park in Califomia. Mr. Stendell stated that the platform width is wider than any other park and was designed for wheelchair use. He also mentioned that weekend soccer use is very intense and is very popular. B. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Karen Creasy was present after a six-month absence and announced two upcoming events which will be held at the Aquatic Center. Underwater Christmas Tree Decoration with Scuba Santa will be held between the hours of noon and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7th. Unwrapped gifts are being collected and will be distributed to needy families. The Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Tuesday, December 31 St between 12-3:00 p.m. Food, ice cream, sno cones and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Mr. Stendell stated that the September revenues were down, most likely due to poor weather throughout the month; including humidity, wind and rain. Numbers dropped off for recreational swimmers. Revenues were up during the month of July and about even for August. C. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Rob Ballew was present and reported on the Youth in Government Program. He stated that 45 kids from the Coachella Valley went to Sacramento to learn about bills and the State Assembly and were able to utilize the actual State and Assembly Chambers during their stay. The Flag Football Program is very popular, with 225 kids enrolled. They play at the soccer fields and it's turned into a whole family experience. The after- school programs are underway at Carter, Ford, Lincoln and Ronald Reagan Elementary schools. Mr. Ballew announced that the YMCA fundraiser, the Ho-Down, will be held this weekend. He reported on the Chamber of Commerce Golf Cart Parade and stated that the VIP area was full with over 300 people. There was a shaded area for the seniors that 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES NOVEMBER 5. 2013 included chairs, lunch and water, which was very popular with approximately 325 seniors utilizing this area. Councilman Spiegel commented that it was a terrific idea and helped to get seniors out for the parade. D. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Kevin Kalman was present and stated that he's changed the format of his report and would appreciate any feedback from the Commission. The Wheelchair Basketball Program has begun on Tuesday evenings from 6- 7:30 p.m at the Community Center. There were four wheelchair-bound players on the first night, but now have seven whee{chair-bound players participating along with students from COD. The City has provided two specialized chairs, which cost $2,500. each and stated that they now have ten chairs, but would like two more. Commissioner Rodriguez asked Mr. Kalman if he would consider sponsorship opportunities, as he knows a lot of people who would like to help. Mr. Ka{man stated that he was able to secure financing for the additional chairs. The Desert Recreation District is forming an Adaptive Sports and Recreation Council to be in touch with groups that are already providing services to people with special needs. Hand Cycle Clinics are currently being held at the Indio Center. Mr. Kalman reported that the Disability Sports Festival will be held at Civic Center Park in January. Loma Linda University and Cal State San Bernardino have a very large festival and Mr. Kalman has been working with the organizers to get one started here in the desert. There were approximately 120 participants last year and he's hoping to double that number this year. Councilman Spiegel asked Brenda Nutcher, from the Desert Recreation District, if our skate paric is in need of any work because Palm Springs just underwent a renovation of their skate park. Ms. Nutcher commented that the Palm Desert Skate Park is the best one in the valley and doesn't need any repairs at this time. Ms. Nutcher reported that the DRD tried to start a girls volleyball program, but it wasn't successful. Ultimate Frisbee is very popular. The after-school programs are full. The DRD brochures are no longer being maifed out due to the cost of postage and Ms. Nutcher asked for suggestions for advertising and distributing information without spending too much money. Currently, the brochures are available at places like the Palm Desert Visitor Center and the library. The DRD is offering cooking classes, which is a free, fun program and a Sunday concert series held at the Community Center. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MtNUTES NOVEMBER 5. 2013 E. CAHUILLA HILLS PARK TRAIL MAINTENANCE DAY Mr. Stendell stated that fifteen people volunteered their time to work on repairing the trail system that was damaged during the storm. They broke into groups and got a lot of work done. There were significant ruts that were filled in so several hours were spent working on them. Photos were shown to the Commission of the work crew. Commissioner Jutovsky commented that hikers are voluntarily filling in ruts on their own. Mr. Stendell stated that the Desert Trails group has a crew working on the trails every week so that they're easier to hike and mountain bike on. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Thomas reminded the Commission that today is the two- year anniversary since voting on adding more pickleball courts at the parks in Palm Desert. He's requesting that this be an agenda item for the next meeting. Chair Housken reported on the Envision Paim Desert meeting and the micro-parks and pocket-parks. She asked how the City measures success and how we evaluate park usage. She wondered if there was any information on how the various parks are used. Mr. Stendell stated that he uses data from the YMCA and the Desert Recreation District and there are other agencies that produce an annual report card. Chair Housken inquired about the "Bombshell Betty's". Mr. Stendell stated that this roller derby group has been in the media several times. They were using the basketball courts and tennis courts at Civic Center Park � but we were concemed that their skates would damage the surface. Trying to find an appropriate location for them has been a challenge. A parking lot area had previousiy been offered to them, but there were too many obstacles. The group submitted their insurance information and pay a fee to use the basketball court at University Park. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjoumed at 9:47 a.m. Donna vans, Recording Secretary 5