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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Rec Cmsn - 06-03-2014 � �:> �-�---� CITY OF PALM DESERT � � PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Rachelle D. Klassen, City Clerk FROM: Angie Marron, Clerical Assistant DATE: September 2, 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, June 03, 2014. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you. Attachment (as noted) CiTY COUNCIL ACTIOM APPROVED DENiL�'D,,..,,�.�, �,.,.,.,. RECEIVED OTHE ....JG...,...�.�.,,.,. e�l�ecr� � MEETING DATE � �" � AYES: � NOES: ABSEN'1� ABSTAINs VERtFIED BYs Original on File wit6 City Ckrk's Oft�ai CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•'"� MINUTES � � PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, June 3, 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 Vice Chair Deborah Hall Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Christopher Thomas Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Mike Hardin (Alternate) Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Staff Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Van Tanner, Councilman Roger Dash, Planning Commission Liaison 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROYED MINLlTES June 3� 2014 II1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Ryan Stendel{ introduced Angie Marron as the new recording secretary for the Commission and extended his gratitude to Donna Evans, the previous recording secretary, who now works for the City Manager's office, for her work on the Commission. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Dawson, and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. 2006 CITIZEN SURVEY (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY) As requested at the previous meeting, Mr. Ryan Stendell presented for review the 2006 Citizen Survey. He stated that Commissioner Dawson created an accomplishment list to rate since the report. The Commission believes that the survey will be a good way to create score card and welcomed any recommendations. Commissioner Kelly believes more programs for adults should be created, since there seems to be rise in adult usage and, according to Member Kalman, the 2013 study supports this belief. As a way to introduce the new and old programs, Commissioner Housken suggested holding a Fitness Fair where free passes can be provided. The Commission suggested holding this type of event in conjunction with another large, successful event. Member Kalman noted that the Desert Recreation District hosts the Human Fitness Fair and explained how the event is held and set up. Commissioner Dawson suggested gathering information about what visitors are asking for from other centers like the YMCA, Senior Center and Desert Recreation District. He also suggested that staff evaluate the survey and list the main changes since 2006. Upon the Commission's request, staff will evaluate the report, gather information, and present an update at the next meeting. On a separate note, Commissioner Housken asked about the usage of the fiefds and Mr. Stendell responded that the amount of baseball fields is fine, but more soccer fields are needed, since they are used almost daily. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVEQ MIN�lTES June 3. 2014 B. SUMMER SCHEDULE Staff suggested cancelling the meetings of July and August and the Commission concurred with an understanding that if something urgent needs to be discussed, a meeting will be scheduled. Upon a motion by Commission Dawson, by Commissioner Jutovsky and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the meetings for July and August were canceled with the above stipulation. On a separate note, Chair Rodriguez suggested holding a meeting with previous Commission Chair persons, so the history of the Commission can be discussed and better understood. Mr. Stendell will consult with the City Clerk regarding the rules of having such a meeting without violating any laws (i.e. Brown Act). VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL ANALYSIS Mr. Stendell presented photographs provided by Commissioner Thomas illustrating wheelchair players playing Pickleball at Cahuilla Hills Park. He stated that Commissioner Thomas, who could not attend this meeting, asked that the Commission refrain from any discussion of Pickleball usage until the next meeting when he is present. Member Kalman mentioned that indoor Pickleball sessions will be held in the Desert Recreation Community Center very soon. Vice Chair Housken asked if Cahuilla Hills Park is able to accommodate this type of large groups, especially when they are handicap and asked if Civic Center Park would be a better location due to the ADA requirements. Councilman Tanner noted that Commissioner Thomas' objection in using the Civic Center Park is that they do not want to use separate parks, since they feel that pickleball is more of a group sport. For this reason, the Commission has discussed the possibility of building eight pickleball courts in one location. Mr. Stendell noted the cost to build the courts is approximately $200,000 and currentfy, the City has no funds available for this type of project. He added that it would be more cost effective if two tennis courts were converted into eight pickleball courts. The cost for the conversion is about $8,000. The Commission discussed the potential 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3. 2014 conflict with the tennis players if the Cahuilla Hills Park courts are converted, especially because of how loud the sport of pickleball is. Commissioner Dawson noted how he doesn't understand why pickleball has been allowed to become such a large sport in a small court like Cahuilla Hills Park and asked why it has not been moved to Civic Center Park and/or Freedom Park. Commissioner Jutovsky noted that pickleball seems to have become a very popular sport within private communities and asked if Commissioner Thomas ever consulted with them about using their pickleball courts. None of the Commissioners knew. Chair Rodriguez suggested converting the courts at Cahuilla Hills Park to tennis courts only and having the Civic Center Park courts converted to eight pickleball courts and the Commission agreed. Therefore, upon a motion from Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Housken, and a 6-0 vote from the Commission, staff was requested to present a cost summary and the impact of disbanding the pickleball courts at Cahuilla Hills Park, and converting the two tennis courts to eight pickleball courts, moving them to Civic Center Park and Freedom Park. VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARKS AND RECREATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOUNDATION At a previous meeting, the Commission asked staff to look into organizing a Park and Recreation Non-profit Organization. Staff is currently reviewing the process and legalities of having such an organization and suggested creating the organization and keeping it idle for future use. The Commission emphasized that a negative was having staff actively requesting funds, which could pose legal concerns. B. BLM ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Jim Foote commented on the recent fires and informed the Commission that the BLM has secured approximately $30,000 in state funds to bring veteran volunteers for about a month to clean the trails. He stated that the�e will be a parking lot ribbon cutting in the fall fo� a new trail, and he will be placing new brochures with the City of Palm Desert logo and presenting City staff with the cost to relocate a kiosk. He noted that the Randolph Henderson trail is very popular. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3. 2014 Member Ballew stated that it will be beneficial to have an approximate number of trail visitors for future use. Mr. Foote stated that the BLM has started to implement criteria and protocol to take a count, but it is a difficult task due to the open availability of the trails. C. PARK USE REPORT Mr. Stendell informed the Commission that Arbor Day was held at Palma Village Park and with the help of the Girls Scouts three trees were planted. The event was a great success. He noted that at every meeting staff will put the spotlight on one of the parks and welcomed any suggestions/concems from the Commission. D. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Mrs. Karen Creasy informed the Commission that the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt held in April was a great success. In May, nine Olympians visited the center and talked to visitors about the importance of swimming. The center's summer programs will start June 16, 2014, with swimming lessons being the most popular. She continued by stating that combo meals have been added to the concession, fountain drinks are being served instead of can drinks, and they have added a larger clothing selection. She noted that sales have increased and should hit the 60% mark next year. Staff is looking forward to entertain swim meets, which target local and outside swim clubs. Mrs. Creasy also stressed the importance of staff and safety. E. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Ballew stated that the YMCA is scheduling a number of private informational meetings to discuss the potential expansion of the YMCA facility. He noted that the Jean Benson Preschool Graduation will be held June 7, 2014, the summer programs will kickoff June 16, 2014, Rookies Program will be offered during the summer, and the first camping trip will be on June 21, 2014. Finally, he informed the Commission that the Mayor's Reverse Triathlon will be held in October. F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Member Kalman stated that the DRD is building new clubhouse that they hope will open in the fall. The DRD has introduced pickleball to the wheelchair population, will start their Summer Camp on June 16, 2014, and the First Tee is coming up. The DRD is also working with CalState to 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AQPROVED MINUTES June 3. 2014 meet their recreational needs and hosting the College of the Desert with their summer activities, while they complete their new construction. Vice Chair Housken inquired how the bikers and skateboard usage separation was working out and staff responded that they are kept separate due to safety, but they seem to be working it out great. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Addressing Commissioner Dawson's inquiry, staff stated that bouncy houses were only allowed at Civic Center Park; however, a permit from the Desert Recreation District is required. The DRD also requires a deposit to insure that the company has proper liability insurance, and verifies that the playhouse is properly installed. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjoumed at 10:02 a.m. � Angie rron, cording Secretary 6