1992 10 26 CSC Minutes
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REPORTS & INFORM~NAL.ITEMS:
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COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called
to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Vice Chairman
Best presiding, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Commissioner Lawrence Best (Vice Chairman)
Commissioner Susan Francis
Commissioner Nancy Nard
Commissioner B.J. Seaton
Absent: Commissioner Aldine Dickens
Commissioner Sharon Kennedy
Staff Present: Clint Bohlen, Park and Recreation Manager
Cynthia Hernandez, Department Secretary
It was moved by Commissioner Francis/Nard to EXCUSE Sharon Kennedy
from the meeting as she had called before the meeting and conveyed
qhe was not feelipg well. Motion carried.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 12, 1992
It was moved by Commissioner Seaton/Francis to APPROVE the minute
of October 12, 1992 as submitted. Motion carried.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Vice Chairman Best opened the floor for public comment with no
responses.
3. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
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1. RECEIVE/DISTRIBUTE Community Concerts Association Literature
2. RECEIVE/DISTRIBUTE Reading Packet
4. CITY COUNCIL RESPONSE TO COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff Liaison Bohlen reported that the Commission's recommendations
on some projects in the works were responded to favorably by the
City Council.
In reference to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the City
Council directectstaff to proceed with the distribution of the
Master Plan to public agencie.....c; for comment Council congratulated
the Commission on a job well done.
In reference to the Community Services Commission Handbook, the
City Council accepted and approved the Handbook for distribution.
Staff will proceed to have the document bound with attachments.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 2
In reference to the Civic Center Landscape Design, the City Council
approved 2B of the several options for the landscape design of the
new civic center. This was the same design the Commission
recommended. The Planning Commission and Design Review Board
concurred with the Commission's choice as well.
Vice Chairman Best expressed the Commission's thanks for a job well
done to Staff Liaison Bohlen.
5. AYSO OF LA QUINTA PROGRAM - INTRODUCTION OF JERRY GARCIA
Staff Liaison Bohlen reported that the AYSO program'in La Quinta
received a new birth with the creation of a board of directors and
assistance from the Area Director Wendy Sherwood. The Board is
composed of 11 members and each Board member is assigned a specific
duty. staff Liaison Bohlen introduced the Board Member present,
Jerry Garcia, Chief Referee of the league, who would explain the
program to the Commission.
Jerry Garcia, who resides at 52-q75 ~venida Ramirez, stated he is
the Chief Referee, responsib~.e fc'r schedules and assignment of
referees. He indicated there are 200 players this year for a total
of 18 teams. He stated he is a stronq supporter of youth sports
that allow children to play. It gives the children an opportunity
to develop their skills and it is also fun. He indicated this is
a non-profit organization and all those participating are
volunteers.
Mr. Garcia indicated this is a boys and girls league ranging from
ages 4 through 13 and everybody is guaranteed to get an opportunity
to play.
Commissioner Nard requested to know if they play against other
cities? Mr. Garcia responded that to start they are playing within
.. their own community. He indicated they may play a game or two
against Indio or Coachella towards the end of the season. He
indicated their goal was to have 120 kids signed up and currently
we have close to 200 kids.
Vice Chairman Best requested to know how much it costs? Mr. Garcia
replied it is $30 per child and $50 for two. The Board has been
fundraising and have raised about $2,000. Families that cannot
afford to play .get to play anyway as the Board has money to
subsidize and support the children who can't afford to pay.
Staff Liaison Bohlen invited the Commissioners to come out to the
La Quinta Sports Complex on a Saturday morning so they could
witness the sports play.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 3
Vice Chairman Best thanked Mr. Garcia for his presentation and
suggested he come to a future meeting to update the Commission on
their activities and progress.
6. LA QUINTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Vice Chairman Best introduced Fred Rice, who resides at 48-780
Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, of the La Quinta Historical Society,
a grant recipient of Fiscal Year 1992-93 to update the Commission
on its activities.
Mr. Rice reported on the history of the City of La Quinta. He
stated that the goal of the Historical Society is to record and
preserve the history of La Quinta, to educate the children and the
citizens in the cultural assets of La Quinta and to provide a true
and accurate picture of the community, past and present. Mr. Rice
shared with the Commission many photographs, newspaper articles,
artwork and a cassette by the Gatlin Brothers. He also indicated
that the Society holds monthly tours of historic landmarks & field
trips that cover the ancient Cahuilla Indian culture of our area.
He indicated that in December they are going to have a Christmas
Day at the hotel. He talked about a proposed time capsule at the
new civic center.
Mr. Rice indicated there are alot of good things that are happening
for the Historical Society and the contributions on behalf of this
Commission and the City are very much appreciated.
Vice Chairman Best thanked Mr. Rice for his fine presentation and
indicated all the work they are doing is very admirable.
7. REALLOCATION OF BOY SCOUT FUNDS
Staff Liaison Bohlen commented that when the Commission made
decisions earlier to allocate $1,550 to the Boy Scout Funds there
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was a requirement placed on them before the funds could be
released. They received last year $1,000 and the records show they
did receive the money, but the funds have yet to be accounted for.
In discussion with Chairwoman Kennedy, it was felt it might be
appropriate to make a recommendation to the Council that they
consider reallocating those funds to another organization.
Commissioner Frapcis requested to know if the funds can just be
awarded to another agency that is worthy and deserving or do-they
have_to meet tha-eriteria?
Staff Liaison Bohlen recommended writing a letter letting Troop 150
know that unless they submit a Reconciliation Form by the end of
the month they will lose the funds.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 4
Vice Chairman Best suggested we reallocate the money now as we have
not been able to get a reply.
Commissioner Francis commented the Commission allocated this money
to the Boy Scout Fund and indicated the conservative approach would
be to send a letter and tell them that unless we hear from them,
they will lose their funds.
Staff Liaison Bohlen indicated he had telephone conversations with
Steve Scofield, sent him a letter, had another discussion with him
personally about complying with the Commission's requirements and
we have not been able to get a response. Written correspondence
was mailed on August 21, as per the letter in the agenda packet.
Commissioner Nard suggested the letter should say that the funds
will be reallocated and if they have further interest or concerns
about the approach they should make an appearance at the next
meeting. If they want it they will come before the City Council
and say they have everything prepared.
Staff'Liaison Bohlen suggested that the Commission could make a
recommendation to the City Council indicating funds be made
available for allocation to another worthy organization.
After discussion, the Commission DIRECTED Staff to send a letter,
certified mail, to Steve Scofield, of the Boy Scouts of America,
Troop 150, Packs 320 & 325, requesting they comply with the
Commission's requirement for completion of Reconciliation Form by
November 6, 1992 and informing them if they do not comply the
Commission will be recommending the City Council reallocate the
funds.
8. REPORT ON LOW MODERATE HOUSING (KENNEDY)
Vice Chairman Best indicated this item would be carried to the next
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meeting as Chairwoman Kennedy had requested this item and she is
not here today.
9. REPORT ON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EDUCATION COMMITTEE (KENNEDY)
Vice Chairman Best indicated this item would be carried to the next
meeting as Chairwoman Kennedy had requested this item and she is
not here today. _
10 _ M~ETING SCHEDULE FOR ~HE :mNTH OF nFCFIV(BE~
Vice Chairman Best stated it has been suggested the Commission meet
only one time in the month of December.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 5
Commissioner Francis stated that in the past years, the Commission
held its meeting on the first Monday of December to enable the
Commissioners to get together and do the Christmas judging. This
would be a regular meeting and a sightseeing tour to see the
decorated homes.
After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Francis/Nard to meet
only once in December, on December 21 which is a Monday, to review
and discuss the houses that are decorated for the Christmas Most
Beautiful Award. Motion carried.
11. REPORT ON CULTURE AND FINE ARTS COMMITTEE
Commissioner Nard indicated the Committee has not met, therefore,
she has no report.
12. LANDSCAPE FOR ECOLOGY - NEW JUDGING CRITERIA
Commissioner Francis commented that it is felt the Commission has
not been paying. much attention to businesses as they are included
in the judging criteria for the Landscape for Ecology Awards.
Also, she indicated that the Commission needs to decide on going
forward with Item No.5, of the La Quinta Beautiful Award Program
Criteria, which reads:
".. .5. During December there will be five possible winners in
homes and/or businesses. Recipients will receive engraved
silver bells. Judging categories will be:
1. Most creative use of lights;
2. Most beautiful nativity scene;
3. Most creative use of natural materials;
4. Most holiday spirit;
5. Most beautifully decorated Christmas Tree (interior).
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Secondly, the Commission should determine whether or not we are
going to continue another year following this criteria or not.
Vice Chairman Best commented that perhaps the Commission will use
1993 as the year to say whether or not it is worth continuing or
if it will do something different.
Commissioner Seaton felt that relative to Category No.5, under
Criteria No. 5 the hardest part would be scheduling a time to go
into ~eople's homes to look at their Christmas trees in_order to
take a picture.
Commissioner Francis suggested that we keep this category no. 5
however, instead of interior make it exterior Christmas tree.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 6
Vice Chairman Best requested to know if the Commission has the
power to set the criteria as it pleases or is this something we
recommend to the City Council? City Councilman Stan Sniff was in
the audience and indicated the Commission has the latitude to
develop its own criteria.
Commissioner Francis stated all of this criteria was already
approved previously by the Commission.
After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Francis /Nard to
APPROVE the La Quinta Beautification Award Program criteria as
stated on the memorandum dated October 20, 1992 to include an
amendment to Item No.5, to read, Most beautifully decorated
Christmas Tree (exterior). Motion carried.
13. EEM/URBAN FORESTRY GRANT
Staff Liaison Bohlen reported that the Resources Agency of the
State of California announced Environmental Enhancement and
Mi tigati'.Jn Program Grant .l\.pp.!. ications are ava ilable with a grant
deadline being November 30, 19Q? The maximum amount which can be
requested is $500,000.
The purpose of the grant is to fund the mitigation of the effects
of growth and transportation system expansion. Staff is
considering writing the grant to fund an urban forestry program
which would involve the planting of trees in the cove area, along
arterials, and perhaps in park areas.
Staff is looking first of all at working with the citizens within
the cove area and trying to create a tree planting program and
perhaps utilizing drought resistance specialty type trees.
Staff Liaison Bohlen stated staff is talking in terms of doing some
.. development along the bikepath; a semi-dense area for tree
placement with perhaps one every 10-15 yards so that there would be
quite a bit of trees all the way up the bikepath. There is 'no
"matching" fund requirement. Staff will be considering the
environmental issues. Staff requests to know the Commission's
thoughts on Staff's concept of this project.
Commissioner Francis stated she felt this project would involve
alot of water. Staff Liaison Bohlen indicated that part of the
funding the City can get is for the installation of irrigation for
all trees. What is not ~~~0U~r?blp is the cost of watering.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 7
Staff Liaison Bohlen indicated that in the cove area we will tell
the residents that the City will help and assist in planting of the
trees, however, the resident will be responsible to maintain the
tree. This would come out of part of the expense as a matching
fund. But of this program, it would be so that we could use that
as a matching fund up to 30% of the cost of trees.
Commissioner Seaton stated that the areas at Washington and Highway
111 needed help. She inquired of the high school site and
requested to know if part of that would be the City's
responsibility? Staff Liaison Bohlen replied that along Westward
Ho it would be a good idea. If we discover funds have not been
already allocated then perhaps it may be the city's responsibility.
The Commissioners expressed their feelings for the following areas:
. Adams Street
. Westward Ho
. Washington at Highway 111
. Washington Street all the way up
. Dune Palms Road
. Bike Trail
. Miles Avenue and Washington Street
. Eastern entrance to the city
Staff Liaison Bohlen indicated he will be approaching the service
clubs to see if they are interested in participating. The initial
impact will not be great, but in 2-3 years there could be a
substantial impact. He concluded that Staff will proceed with the
application based on today's recommendations.
14. SPORTS COMPLEX LIGHT REPAIRS/MUSCO PRODUCTS
Staff Liaison Bohlen reported that at the last Commission meeting,
staff bro~ght to the Commission's attention the need to repair the
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light f.ixtures at the Sports Complex. Money has been budgeted in
this fiscal year to replace the burned-out lamps, but no money was
allocated to clean the lens, or reaim the lamps to mitigate light
spill into residential deve~opments.
Staff brought the issue to the Commission because there is a third
option which could be considered, but is a sizeable financial
investment; a ne.w light system equal to or better than a MUSCO
system (approximately $70,000).
Staff requests the Commission's comments as to how best proceed on
the light fixture issue.
Commissioner Nard stated she felt we may get alot of controversy
and negativism from the Brock Homes development.
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 8
Vice Chairman Best requested to know how confident staff is with
the reaiming proposal? Staff Liaison Bohlen replied Staff has
mixed feelings as the existing fixtures are not and cannot be
equipped with state-of-the art shielding (anti spill and glare)
mechanisms.
Comissioner Nard requested to know what would happen if we waited
until Fiscal Year 1993-94? Staff Liaison Bohlen replied the
Commission could ask the City Council to allocate funds for the
refurbishing of this system in the 1993-94 budget.
Staff Liaison Bohlen indicated that Musco quality lighting or the
equivalent or better would definitely be state of the art
equipment. He indicated the fields are being used four nights a
week. People are paying money to use the fields lit, also. Much
of the money expended for lighting that facility could be recouped
by adding programs, but that issue has yet to be resolved.
Commissioner Francis requested to know what we are missing out on
b~{ ::;;:'8nding the money ~"'! this program? Staff Liaison B0hleT'
commented this is not a critical issue that needs to be dealt with
immediately, but needs to be dealt with just the same. Staff can
return with a breakdown on Quimby Funds to show you how the funds
are being handled for which programs.
Commissioner Nard recommended this item be placed out of the
infrastructure fund for landscape lighting districts. Staff
Liaison Bohlen commented that the City Council could budget it in
their budget as part of the Landscape Lighting District.
Commissioner Seaton stated this might put it into Summer of 1993.
Staff Liaison Bohlen commented that the summer is not a high use
time.
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After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Nard/Francis to
SUBMIT to the City Council a proposal that they budget into Fiscal
Year 1993-94 a new MUSCO lighting system for the Sports Complex.
Motion carried.
15. LANDSCAPE FOR ECOLOGY-AWARD
The winner of the landscape for ecology award for this month is:
54-800 Avenida Rubio
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Community Services Commission
Meeting - October 26, 1992
Minutes - Page 9
16. NEXT MEETING DATE AND TOPICS
Monday, November 9, at 7:00 P.M.
. Martin Langer, Community Concerts Association
. Human Services Committee Topics and Membership
. Chamber of Commerce Education Committee
. Report on Low Moderate Housing
. Pacific Risk Management School
. Art in Public Places Report
. Qui~by Funds Report from Staff
There being no further business to discuss, it was moved by
Commissioner Seaton/Francis to ADJOURN. Motion carried. Meeting
adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
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CLINT ~O LEN .
Parks & ecreation Manager
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