Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:32 a.m.

Transcription

1 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dawson convened the meeting at 8:32 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Gerald Dawson Vice Chair Michael Barnard at 8:34 Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Roger Dash Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Excused Absence: Commissioner Julie Munson Commissioner Terry Schukart (Schukart & Munson on LOA) Staff Present: Robert Spiegel, Mayor Pro Tem Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks & Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Monica Loredo, Administrative Secretary III. APPROVAL OF A. OF THE MEETING FROM MARCH 4, 2008 Commissioner Housken clarified that on page 8 of the minutes, Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel referred to Keedy s and not Kitty s. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of March 4, 2008, were approved with the change on page 8 to Keedy s. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Barnard and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT. (Munson & Schukart on LOA) 1

2 B. OF THE MEETING FROM MARCH 18, 2008 Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of March 18, 2008, were approved as submitted. Motion moved/seconded by Guyer/Dash and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Munson and Schukart ABSENT. (Munson & Schukart on LOA) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Rob Ballew, Family YMCA of the Desert, communicated that over the Spring Break, free swim lessons were offered to junior high and high school aged kids within the Desert Sands Unified School District. They had approximately 40 kids take swim lessons. He explained that they offered an incentive of having their name in a $500 drawing. The drawing was going to be held during their board meeting. He also communicated that they were going to offer the free swim lessons during the summer to the same age group. V. PRESENTATIONS A. PARKS INSPECTOR JOSE TORRES Ms. Steele introduced Mr. Jose Torres. She mentioned that he has been with the City for eight and a half years. He started as a Park Maintenance Worker l to Park Maintenance Worker II, and then to Parks Inspector. Before working for the City, he worked for a local landscape company for 13 years. During his time with the City, Mr. Torres has received his Class A license, forklift certification, and playground inspection certification. Within the next few days he will be receiving his pesticide applicator certification. She noted that most Parks Staff have longevity with the City. The Commission thanked Mr. Torres for coming to the meeting. Mr. Rob Ballew commented that the roses in the park for the past three weeks have been gorgeous. Ms. Steele noted that Mr. Torres oversees five parks. Mr. Torres disclosed that he oversees Freedom Park, Hovley Soccer Park, Joe Mann Park, Sports Complex, and the Community Park. Commissioner Babcock asked Mr. Torres if people are letting their dogs off leash in the outfields at the Civic Center Park. He responded that there is not much of a problem at the Civic Center Park, but there seems to be a problem at Freedom Park. 2

3 Commissioner Babcock communicated that he had mentioned broken glass in the park in a past meeting. He asked if there are any problems with the glass, and should the Commission be taking a stronger approach to not allow glass in the parks. Mr. Niemczak responded that they do not have problems with glass, and that it is cleaned up on a regular basis. He noted that broken glass is not an everyday occurrence. Commissioner Hall inquired if the skate park equipment is still being moved around. Mr. Torres responded yes. Mr. Niemczak added that he is talking to some people regarding recommendations to keep the equipment in place. Commissioner Babcock commented that he visited a soccer park in San Bernardino, and noted that Palm Desert s parks were better. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL AT FREEDOM PARK Discussion and recommendation regarding pickleball at Freedom Park or other potential sites. Ms. Steele stated that Mr. Chris Thomas was present to speak about pickleball. Mr. Chris Thomas handed out information on pickleball. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission how many have seen pickleball in action. He counted four Commissioners. Mr. Thomas presented to the Commission that they desire permanent courts. Currently, there are only two courts that are being shared with tennis at Cahuilla Hills. He made the following points: no public, permanent pickleball courts are available in all of the Coachella Valley, pickleball is the fastest growing sport (according to USAPA), majority of the growth is with seniors (50+), Palm Desert is the home to the International Games where pickleball has grown 50%, the International Games this year had a severe shortage of pickleball courts, and adult pickleball has been taught for seven consecutive months in the City of Palm Desert. He communicated to the Commission the reason to have pickleball in Palm Desert: it is the home site of the International Games, the City is a leader in the valley for shopping, traffic flow, and new parks, and the City can build a first-class pickleball center to be a leader in Southern California. He disclosed potential solutions: convert existing tennis courts at Cahuilla Hills to permanent pickleball courts (he referred 3

4 to handout no. 2), build or convert courts at the Civic Center Park or Freedom Park (room near dog park), or build at a new site or new park. He stated that dog runs and skateboard parks were not here before, and now they are very popular. There is a need for a permanent site for the sport to grow in the City. He commented that if there was a site at Freedom Park, there would be a tie-in with the school and offer kid lessons as part of the physical education or summer camp. He explained the paddle used for the sport is lightweight compared to tennis. He stated that he would like to work with the Commission to promote the sport, and to look at some permanent courts. How can he help to make that happen? He asked the Commission if they had any questions. Commissioner Dash asked Mr. Thomas to describe the game and what is involved. Mr. Thomas referred to the second handout. He explained the diagram of the courts and that there are no double alleys in pickleball so that there is a much shorter court. The serve is underhanded to start, the ball has to bounce once over and back, and thereafter the ball could be hit in the air. He explained that there is a kitchen, which is approximately three feet from the net and is a no-volley zone. A person could only be in the no-volley zone if the ball bounces. He noted that it is a natural sport to go into from tennis as you age, and that is where the growth has been. He noted that scoring is a little more complicated, and would not go into detail. Commissioner Dash inquired if the game is played singles or doubles. Mr. Thomas replied that it could be played singles or doubles. Commissioner Hall asked Mr. Thomas if he knew how many permanent pickleball players live in Palm Desert. Mr. Thomas responded that he did not know. He stated that there were approximately 150 people that participated in the tournament, but a lot of the people were from out of state. He noted that he has a petition but that he did not have it with him, and could provide it later. Ms. Barb Adair, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), interjected that they had approximately 300 people for pickleball this year for the International Games. She stated that she could get a breakdown of where they are all from. Ms. Stephanie Ice, pickleball representative, commented that a lot of the RV parks have their own pickleball courts. People that are staying there usually use those courts, but that every once in a while they will come out and play at Cahuilla Hills Park. 4

5 Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked Mr. Thomas if he has talked to the Joslyn Senior Center for potential players. He responded no. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel inquired if there are any facilities at the YMCA or CVRPD. Ms. Adair responded that the district worked with Ms. Steele to have the courts painted at Cahuilla Hills. CRVPD has been using that location for programming. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel asked if they had indoor facility. Ms. Adair answered that they use the Community Center, and they use tape for the court boundaries. Commissioner Housken inquired how much attendance they have had for the class in the past seven months. Ms. Adair responded that the class started with seven, and has grown to 20 to 25 people with classes being held at Cahuilla Hills and indoors at the Palm Desert Community Center. Vice Chair Barnard asked how long pickleball has been around. Mr. Thomas replied since 1965 and started in Seattle. Vice Chair Barnard inquired about the height of the net for tennis. Mr. Thomas responded that the height is 36 inches and pickleball is 34 inches. Vice Chair Barnard joked that they could have easily picked 36 inches for the net, and the same size of a tennis court. Mr. Thomas commented that it was started by a guy and his family, which was all arbitrary. Vice Chair Barnard voiced that it would seem that pickleball could be easily adapted to fit within the surface area boundaries of a tennis court, and there would be no issues trying to convert tennis courts into pickleball courts. Mr. Thomas responded that the only problem would be the ball. The ball does not travel as well, and the serving box is closer than tennis. Commissioner Guyer clarified what Vice Chair Barnard was trying to communicate. He stated that Vice Chair Barnard was alluding to if the tennis serving box that is already on the tennis court is used for pickleball boundaries then there would be no need to restripe everything. Ms. Ice commented that the kitchen would still need to be marked off. Commissioner Housken asked Ms. Steele if pickleball was mentioned in the survey that was done a couple of years ago. Ms. Steele responded that it was not. She indicated that another survey will be due within the next year; the City could add pickleball to the survey. She feels that pickleball has grown a great deal with the International Games. 5

6 Commissioner Guyer stated that what the Commission would need to look at whether or not they want to convert what the City has now or adding to what they have now. Ms. Steele commented that converting Cahuilla Hills to just pickleball would anger a lot of people. She noted that the painted lines angered people. She feels that the amount of tennis courts in the City is close to being adequate. If any are taken away, the tennis players would not be happy. Chairman Dawson asked if a pickleball court requires a perimeter fence. Mr. Thomas responded that fencing that is used for tennis would do. But if there are multiple courts for pickleball, netting is put up to prevent the ball from going into another court. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Thomas if windscreens are needed since the ball is light. He replied that is one disadvantage if you are outside. It is tough to play when it is windy. Commissioner Housken commented that Freedom Park probably would not be the best location. She felt that area was a wind zone. Mr. Thomas agreed that it is windier than Cahuilla Hills. Commissioner Dash asked how many courts would be needed if they were to construct new ones. Mr. Thomas responded that eight would be good to start with, which would be the size of two tennis courts. Commissioner Dash inquired if there is a location that is available or suitable. Ms. Steele responded that Staff has discussed an area at the Hovley Soccer Park where they have talked about adding a community garden and pétanque courts. There is still some space available, but she is not sure if it would fit eight courts. Mr. Niemczak interjected that if they are built at the soccer park, they would have to be built back to back instead of side to side. Ms. Steele mentioned that the location may be ideal since there is senior housing in that area. Chairman Dawson added that the area is fairly shielded from the wind. Commissioner Hall asked if Staff had any idea what the cost would be. Mr. Niemczak replied that the majority of the cost would be the concrete. 6

7 Mr. Croy suggested Staff returning to the Commission with a report. Ms. Steele agreed. Commissioner Guyer asked if the courts would need to be lighted. Mr. Thomas replied that it would be ideal, especially in the summer. Commissioner Guyer noted that his only concern would be if the lights would be too bright for the neighbors. Chairman Dawson commented that he is intrigued with kids playing the sport. He asked if the YMCA or CVRPD have any thoughts along that line. Mr. Ballew responded that anything for kids is good. He noted that the Commission was speaking predominately of an older generation not a kids program. Ms. Adair voiced that CVRPD does have it in their current after school programs. Commissioner Guyer asked if the kids have shown interest in the sport. Ms. Adair replied yes. She commented that it is really easy for the kids to learn. Commissioner Dash moved for Staff to return to the Parks and Recreation Commission with a report on a suggested location or consideration of potential conversion of tennis courts, and estimated costs for the number courts that might fit in that location. Vice Chair Barnard seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Munson and Schukart ABSENT. (Munson & Schukart on LOA) Chairman Dawson thanked the representatives for bringing pickleball to the Commission s attention. B. IRONWOOD PARK CORRESPONDENCE Discussion and recommendation for a dog park at Ironwood Park. Ms. Steele referred to a correspondence written by Mr. Fuller. He is requesting the possibility of building a dog park area at Ironwood Park. She informed Mr. Fuller that she would present it to the Commission. Ms. Steele mentioned that it is hard to change something at Ironwood Park due to it being popular with the people that live on the south side of Palm Desert. Commissioner Dash asked if there has been an assessment performed within the community. 7

8 Mr. Niemczak commented that he has received complaints of dogs being off-leash. He has not heard any positive comments about a dog park. Commissioner Housken mentioned that she lives within 300 feet from the park. She asked if it would affect her if she were to comment on the issue. Ms. Steele responded that she did not think so. Commissioner Housken commented that there are a lot of people that take their dogs off-leash. The reason they do it is so they could run in the large open grass area. She mentioned that when she read the staff report, she thought that it would eliminate the problem of dogs being off-leash. But on the negative side, she started thinking that when she is playing tennis at the Civic Center Park she can hear the dogs from the tennis courts. She stated that Ironwood Park is located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. It could become a nuisance if the dog park becomes popular. Commissioner Guyer asked if there is going to be grass or remain in a natural environment. Ms. Steele responded it would be whatever the Commission decides. Commissioner Hall inquired if the area is large enough to run dogs. Mr. Niemczak responded that Mr. Fuller mentioned having a dog park that is 100 by 100 feet, and Mr. Niemczak stated that there is enough room for a park that size. He noted that the area he marked off in the picture was not necessarily the location. He wanted to mark a place that is near parking and restrooms. Chairman Dawson noted that it is an unused area. Mr. Niemczak added that there is irrigation available, and little alteration would be needed. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that he does not think it would work. People are going to let their dogs run whether it is fenced or not. Commissioner Guyer commented that it seems that most of the people that live in that area have dogs. Commissioner Housken interjected that for the most part people walk there, but it could increase traffic to visit the dog park. Mr. Niemczak commented that people would still use the grass area if there were no grass in the dog park. Ms. Steele added that if a dog park were to be put in, grass would have to be planted. 8

9 Commissioner Housken commented that one of the charming things of Ironwood Park is the natural setting of the park, and aesthetically to see fencing on the street as you drive up may not look good. Commissioner Hall stated that after what has been discussed, comments should be received from the residents on the street that leads to the park due to the possibility of increased traffic and the aesthetic appeal of the park. Chairman Dawson mentioned that he would be curious to know how many people that let their dogs loose in the grassy area would stop and go to the dog park area. Commissioner Housken commented that there is a couple that walks their dog up and down the street three to four times a day. She noted that she mentioned a dog park at Ironwood to the couple, and that their face dropped and they were appalled. Chairman Dawson asked the Commission if they had any more questions, if not, he would move on. Commissioner Dash inquired if they were going to follow up in terms of a survey. He commented that he had the feeling from those that are present and live in the community are not for it. Chairman Dawson added that even some Commissioners that do not live in the community are not for it. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel stated that Mr. Fuller should be sent a letter stating that the Commission discussed the dog park, and at this time it is not appropriate. Ms. Steele commented that she did let Mr. Fuller know that Ironwood Park has been very popular with the neighbors and that they like the way it is now, and that they are relatively resistant to change, but that she would bring it forward to the Commission. Her thought was that it would not move any further. Commissioner Guyer asked if Mr. Fuller owned a dog. Ms. Steele responded that she did not know. Commissioner Guyer stated that Staff could re-state the fact that there is a huge dog run across the highway, and if there is a problem, the Commission could look at it again in the future. 9

10 Commissioner Housken noted that all the other dog parks are not in a residential neighborhood. Commissioner Guyer moved for Staff to send Mr. Fuller a letter stating,... thanking him for the input. At this time the Commission does not want to consider adding a dog park at Ironwood Park, and refer him to the Homme/Adams Park as a possible dog run... Commissioner Hall seconded the motion and carried by a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Munson and Schukart ABSENT. (Munson & Schukart on LOA) VII. VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None REPORTS AND UPDATES A. INSTALLATION OF A SIDEWALK AT IRONWOOD PARK Mr. Niemczak reported that a lot of the residents at Silver Spur like to use Ironwood Park, but they have no access from the east end. He indicated that the Parks Staff and Public Works Staff are constructing a sidewalk to access the park from the east side. He noted that he provided an aerial photo with an approximate location of the sidewalk. The work should be taking place shortly. Commissioner Guyer inquired if the sidewalk goes through someone s residence. Mr. Niemczak replied no. He said that it is at the end of a culde-sac and there are no homes. Commissioner Guyer asked if the sidewalk would become a problem, as far as loitering or hanging out. Mr. Niemczak responded that he did not think so. Currently, the residents walk to the end of the cul-de-sac and walk though the sand. The sidewalk would help them get across. Commissioner Guyer asked if anyone parks in the cul-de-sac. Mr. Niemczak replied no. Ms. Steele added that there is a woman in a wheelchair that lives in that area, and visits the park frequently. The sidewalk would be a great value to her. Commissioner Guyer commented that he was not sure how they missed it when the park was built. 10

11 Vice Chair Barnard asked how long the sidewalk would be. Mr. Niemczak responded that it would be approximately 300 feet. Vice Chair Barnard inquired how much it was going to cost. Mr. Niemczak answered that the work is going to be done by City Staff. The costs would be for the concrete so it should be minimal. There will be a little bit of grading from the road to the sidewalk. Commissioner Babcock asked who wanted the sidewalk. Mr. Niemczak responded that the only comments that he received were positive, which were from Silver Spur residents that want access from the east side. B. PIGEON CONTROL AT THE CIVIC CENTER PARK Mr. Niemczak stated that the job is completed. He informed the Commission that he talked to the CVRPD staff, and they reported that it is 100% better than it has ever been. He noted that Staff eliminated many of the roosting sites. Commissioner Babcock noted that they are not pigeons; they are rock and /or mourning doves. Commissioner Babcock also commented that when he first came to the desert, he was intrigued by a story in the newspaper that the City of Palm Desert controlled the population of pigeons by using birth control pills. He asked if that was correct. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel replied no or it did not work. Ms. Steele mentioned that when she first started with the City, pigeon spikes were installed in all the restrooms. The spikes did not work. Mr. Niemczak added that the pigeons started hanging on the spikes. Chairman Dawson thanked Staff for taking care of the doves and/or pigeons. C. COMMUNITY PARK PLAYGROUND Mr. Niemczak stated that in March 2008, Staff requested a Request for Proposals for a fully accessible playground at the Community Park. Staff interviewed two top candidates, and the winning design is included in the agenda packet. Staff will present and request that the contract to be awarded at the City Council meeting on April 24, Mr. Niemczak communicated that he hopes the playground will be installed by the end of 11

12 May or early June. He noted that the playground meets all of the specifications for a fully accessible playground with sufficient shade. Commissioner Guyer asked if the design of this playground would be used every time. Mr. Niemczak replied no. The design is specific for the Community Park using the physical layout of the area. It would be the first fully accessible playground in the valley. Ms. Steele mentioned that she did meet with Mr. Steve Ricci, Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), to go over the playground design. DSUSD is on board and they thought it was fabulous. Commissioner Housken asked Ms. Steele if DSUSD had any thoughts on naming the park Magnesia Falls Park. Ms. Steele replied that they are fine with it, but that Staff will still need to take it to the City Council. Commissioner Hall inquired if the playground includes a water feature. Ms. Steele responded no. Commissioner Guyer asked what type of surface the playground will have. Mr. Niemczak replied that it will be engineered wood fiber. He added that another reason that Staff liked the playground, is that the there are multiple access points provided for the playground itself, and the lower area of the playground. Ms. Steele briefly went over the design and referred to the design on page 45 of the agenda. D. PLAYGROUND WOOD FIBER Mr. Niemczak reported that Staff recently installed 286 cubic yards of engineered wood fiber at the Civic Center Park and Palma Village Park. Chairman Dawson inquired if Joe Mann also has wood fiber. Mr. Niemczak responded yes, but that it was not supplied with new fiber this year. Chairman Dawson asked if the wood fiber replaces the spongy material. Mr. Niemczak responded that it is a substitute for the spongy material. Vice Chair Barnard asked if the wood fiber is cheaper. Mr. Niemczak replied yes. He noted that there is a little more maintenance, and it is more cost effective. 12

13 Commissioner Hall inquired if the wood fiber is biodegradable and goes into the ground. Mr. Niemczak responded that eventually it goes into the ground. To meet the federal guidelines, the material has to be kept fluffed and turned over to provide protection from falls. Ms. Steele commented that the spongy material is very expensive, and it does not hold up well in the desert environment. She noted that they are constantly repairing the material at Washington Charter. Vice Chair Barnard commented that he thought there was also a problem at Freedom Park. Mr. Niemczak replied that there was. The contractor used the wrong type of binder, and Staff had them redo the surface with the correct binder. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Chairman Dawson stated that the park inspection reports are due for the month of April. Commissioner Babcock commented on Mr. Tanner s picture in one of the handouts. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel mentioned that on Saturday, April 19, Vice Chair Barnard will be a participant in the Dancing with the Stars being held at the Hyatt Grand Champions. It may be too late to buy tickets, which are $ per ticket. The money raised will go to charities. Vice Chair Barnard communicated that he participated last year, and decided to participate again this year. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel wished Vice Chair Barnard good luck. Commissioner Guyer asked Ms. Steele if there is any new information regarding the future of the driving range. She responded that she had no information. Ms. Steele informed the Commission that a study session is scheduled for May 9, to discuss the community and aquatic center. She mentioned that the City Manager may have an update on the driving range at that time. Commissioner Hall asked for the time of the study session. Ms. Steele replied that she believes it is from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Commissioner Guyer commented that he read in the paper that there was a meeting with the College of the Desert (COD) and the cities to discuss 13

14 their missions in the valley. He noted that only Indio and Desert Hot Springs showed up. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel explained that Mr. Jerry Patton, College of the Desert Superintendent/President of College of the Desert, made a presentation at the library regarding the mission of the College. He mentioned that the presentation was not only for the elected officials, but for everyone to attend. The presentation was to update people on what they are doing in Palm Desert, and what they are going to be doing in the east valley and the west valley. He noted that the mayor from Indio and Desert Hot Springs attended the presentation. They felt that COD was not doing enough outreach, and they felt that they should be reaching into middle schools. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel explained that Mr. Clayton Mayes, Director of the Pubic Safety Academy, talked about where they are going and what they are trying to do for the valley. He noted that there are not enough police officers in Palm Desert, and also noted that other valley cities have the same problem. It is not due to not having enough money in the budget, but a matter of being short on trained people. Hopefully the new academy that is under construction will help bring more officers. He feels that COD is reaching out. Mr. Croy announced that one of the Councilmember s has a conflict with the study session scheduled on May 9. At this time, there is no set date. Staff will inform the Commission of the date as soon as they know. Mr. Tanner commented that the utilization of Freedom Park is incredible. The City of Palm Desert and the Parks and Recreation Department have done a magnificent job. He commented that additional trash containers are needed, specifically in the soccer area. He noted that kids are using the soccer area for a practice facility, including a semi-pro football team. Mr. Tanner mentioned that it would be easier for the workers to pick up trash from a container, as opposed to all over the field. Mr. Niemczak responded that Staff has costs on containers. Mr. Tanner also suggested an additional charcoal container near the tennis courts. Commissioner Guyer asked Mr. Tanner if he ever sees anyone using the volleyball courts at Freedom Park. Mr. Tanner responded that he sees the guy raking the sand, but never has seen anyone using it. 14

15 Ms. Adair interjected that the volleyball courts are used in the evenings. Mr. Tanner noted that there are people day and night in the dog park. It is very popular. Mayor Pro Tem Spiegel commented that the City is looking at removing the tamarisk trees on San Pablo, straighten the road, and create more parking for the ball fields. Mr. Tanner asked what the purpose was of planting the trees in that location. Was it to block the wind? Mr. Croy replied that it was a common tree used when there was more agriculture in the area for a wind break. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Guyer, seconded by Commissioner Housken, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 15