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1992 04 02 CSC Minutes Special Meeting REPO.S IG~ INFORMATaNAL ITEM = C 4 & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 02, 1992 I. CALL TO ORDER Special Meeting of the Community Services Commission, for the purpose of holding a Public Forum for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, was called to order at the hour of 7:30 P.M., at the La Quinta Middle School Multi- Purpose Room, Chairwoman Kennedy presiding, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENT: Commissioners Benedict, Kennedy, Nard, Seaton and Thompson ABSENT: Commissioners Best, Francis II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of March 10, 1992, was deferred to the next CSC meeting on April 13, 1992. III. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairwoman Kennedy opened the floor for general public comment with no responses. IV. COMMISSION BUSINESS A. General 1. "Joint. PTA/CSC Public Forum for Parks Mast.er Plan" Chairwoman Kennedy opened the floor for public comment regarding the Parks Master Plan. Kennedy asked for their opinions in the planning and development of the City's Park and Recreation system, including where they would like parks to be located; how large a park for the neighborhood; what each park should have in the way of playground equipment, i.e., basketball courts, volleyball courts, picnic areas, swimming pools; and how they would like to see the parks financed. Kennedy further explained the four areas (A-D) the City is divided into for the purposes of park planning. Chairwoman Kennedy then opened the floor for public comments regarding their ideas and desires for parks and recreation facilities in La Quinta. e COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 1) Joe Daniel 51-315 Avenida Juarez La Quinta, CA 92253 2) John Jameson 78-660 Carne Circle La Quinta, CA 92253 - Comments: "No t.o park/school at Juarez & Yucatan" - Asked if tentative plan for a neighborhood park and school near Juarez & Yucatan intersection was in the works. Staff Liaison Clint Bohlen answered that he had heard talk of an elementary school in that area, but had not heard any plans for a park. Mr. Daniel proceeded to say that he felt a park or school would be undesirable because they would be directly on the other side of his fence. He said there's a very strong ground swell in the community to blow the school and park (ideas) out of the water. Comments: "Park, mini-park, or at least grassy area in "Area A", and a communit.y pool" - Just moved from Cove area to Area "A" . Wanted to know if there are any plans for parks going into that area, because there's nothing for the kids out there now. Would like to see at least a grassy area, maybe a mini-park with a little playground equipment, perhaps basketball court. Chairman Kennedy asked his thoughts on a City pool in the Cove or Sports Complex area, considering he now lived in the North area. Jameson said he was a member of the old Desert Club 13 years ago. Said City had talked of putting a - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 3 3) Kathy Locke 54-455 Rubio La Quinta, CA 92253 4) Jeff Smith 54-631 Alvarado La Quinta, CA 92253 - community pool in then, but he's not holding his breath anymore... would like to see a community pool in La Quinta. Comments: "SWimming pool" Said she has been a resident of La Quinta for ten years and is a P.E. Teacher at Adams/Truman. Her main concern is a swimming pool. She said she's been hearing rumors about a pool for 10 years now and her children are all for it. She suggests a pool in the Cove area, or better yet, the elementary school area where it could be a part of her curriculum, because the high school may have one in that area when it comes in. Comments: "Communi t.y pool, bike paths/jogging t.rails, mini-parks" - Echoed everyone's comments about a community pool. Would like to see something close to that facility (same ambiance) back again, and in same area, where there are no country club facilities. Also would like to see more bike paths and jogging trails. Feels they have been a major "plus" to the Cove area, and would I ike to see more in the newer areas of the City. Also would like to see more of the little community parks (mini-parks). Chairwoman Kennedy offered that there have been other suggestions regarding bike trails and jogging trails that would inter-connect from perimeters of City to schools, etc. Smith further commented he has seen kids walking to school in the streets and bike paths along these routes would alleviate that. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 4 5) Kay Wolff 77227 Ensenada La Quinta, CA 92253 6) Annie McCoy 51-855 Ave. Navarro La Quinta, CA 92253 - Comments: "Pool in Cove, t.een cent.er, mini-parks adjacent. to bus st.ops, picnic areas, hiking t.rails" As Assistant Principal at Adams/Truman School, Mrs. Wolff said she has seen some of the needs of children and the community surface particularly in past few months. - She casts her vote for a swimming pool up in the Cove where there is a high concentration of young children, as opposed to the (elementary/middle) school area, where these children would have to come a long way. Would like to see a building larger than the community center for indoor activities for kids, a place for lots of summer activities, dances, etc., and maybe adjacent to a pool. - Also feels strongly about more "mini -parks" and "maxi -parks" too. Although, she sympathizes with those who would not want a mini -park in their neighborhood, she feels the problem with that is that we just don't have enough. If there is just one, it could be overused, but if we had dozens, then there would just be a sprinkling of kids at each. - She would like to see mini-parks coincide with bus stops to give kids something to do while they wait for the bus. - Other ideas expressed were: hiking programs through the canyons, picnic table areas and outdoor recreation areas. Comments: "Pool, skateboard area" - Wants pool, preferably in Cove where she lives, but wants one regardless of location. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 5 7) Maureen Mendoza 78-740 La Fonda La Quinta, CA 92253 - - Skateboard area needed. Boys are congregating now in areas they shouldn't be. Suggested making bike paths wide enough to allow for skateboards. Comments: "Teen cent.er, skateboard area" - She is resident and principal of Adams/Truman school. - Warned that just because there's a high school (coming in) it does not necessarily follow that there will be a swimming pool, without a lot of community "push" and time. They are very, very expensive. - Sees a greater need for activities for middle school and high school aged children. They are the "forgotten child" in the provision of organized activities. Likes the idea of a teen center with a variety of daytime and evening, supervised activities offered; such as dances, sports and recreational activities. Pointed out that any time you have a program for teenagers, there is going to be the possibility of a problem, but all you need to do is manage it correctly. There are fewer problems when it is structured. - Cost will have to be considered in recreational activities. Good example is the YMCA and CVRPD programs during the summer where (group) trips to Oasis Water Park, Disneyland, etc. are offered and not too expensive. - Also supports a skateboard area because if facilities are not provided, the children will end up in areas where they shouldn't be. "Rollerskat.ing rink" - Commissioner Nard added she would like to see a rollerskating rink in conjunction with the teen center. She offered - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 6 8) Jackie Michner 51-503 Avenida Bermudas La Quinta, CA 92253 9) Milt Jones 81-706 Angela Court Indio, CA 92201 - the example of a "50' s-style" facility in Big Bear that has a rink and a "hop" area where kids could go whether they skated or not. Also pointed out that kids now have to go to Riverside to rollerskate. Comments: "Pool at. Pritz Burns Park, teen cent.er, rollerskat.ing rink" - Concurs with Mrs. Mendoza. She has a fifth grader and sixth grader who have nothing to do. She was brought up in area where if you bought a home, you were a member of a club. It was a "home away from home" where kids went every day after school. There were three swimming pools, adult pool, kiddie pool, tennis courts, basket ball courts, shuffle board, snack bars, dances, locker rooms, sand volleyball pit, etc. - Feels Fritz Burns site would be perfect place for something like that because it encompasses the Cove. - Likes idea of rollerskating rink. Said in San Bernardino, it costs $2.50 for kids to skate all day long. It gives them a place to socially interact, but also do something physical and keeps them out of trouble. Comments: "Support.s Desert. Club sit.e for pool, t.een cent.er complex, roller rink, hiking program" - He is La Quinta Middle School Principal and has lived in the Cove before. - Audience asked if you can put middle school and high school kids together at same facility. Mr. Jones they get naturally according said for the along okay. segregate to their age mos t part Said they themselves groups. Can - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 7 10) Chris Jameson 78-660 Carne Circle La Quinta, CA 92253 - have activities planned for different age groups. - Supports idea of old Desert Club site as perfect for pool, and a whole complex for middle school ages, maybe to include outside volleyball court, basketball courts, weight room, skating rink, activity tables like pool, ping pong, etc., just a natural place for kids to hang out. Kids right now are choosing to do other things, either because they don't have the resources available or their parents don't have the time, so a local place to gather would be a real good idea. - Liked idea of hiking program to include outdoor education, camping, etc., during the summer. Comments: "Trail for rollerblading, rollerskating rink" Regarding the trail. He rollerblades a lot. Would like to see sidewalk along Bermudas down to the park and maybe around the (community) park for rollerblading. - Boys and Girls Club. Says there will be a weight room and believes there will be a pool there. Thinks supervisor will be willing to let kids come there to use the pool. - Also liked idea of roller rink and felt kids from Indio and Palm Desert would come to it too. Chairwoman Kennedy asked him if he brings his rollerblades into the Cove area now, with his friends. Chris replied yes. He plays ice hockey because there's nothing else to do and that's a real fun sport. Kennedy also confirmed that the pool is included in plans for Boys and Girls Club, but it is not definite. She also pointed out that a 44-lane Bowling Alley has been approved by Council, behind Simon Motors, which will include pool tables and such. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 8 Jackie Michner (see #8) 11) Brenda McCarthy 52-685 Eisenhower Drive La Quinta, CA 92253 - Jackie Michner supported idea of a wide sidewalk around the Community Park. Pointed out that there is too many kids there and traffic is dangerous. Li ttle toddlers, especially, run right across the street to Sherry's Place and someone is going to get mowed down. Said a sidewalk around the park would give older kids something to do and relieve congestion in park itself. Comments: "Hare sidewalks for rollerblading/skat.ing and bicycling, skat.e park, pool at. Prit.z Burns Park" - Has two children, agrees there needs to be somewhere to rollerblade or rollerskate. Also would like to see more sidewalks on side streets for children to ride their bikes. The bike trail along the wash is too far away and she can't keep her eye on them. - Would like to see roller rink. Wondered about possibility for skateboarding loop area, considering the liability. Staff Liaison Clint Bohlen responded that liability is an issue that needs to be addressed, but skate park insurance is available and a skate park is possible... and they are profitable. We need to hear more from folks who want skate parks. Commissioner Thompson advised that skate parks are addressed in the survey the Commission is sending out. - Mrs. McCarthy also supported idea of a pool at Fritz Burns Park. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 9 Clint Bohlen Staff Liaison John Jameson (See #2) 12) Susan Golden 54-391 Avenida Rubio La Quinta, CA 92253 -- Comments: - Due to all the discussion and interest for a pool in the Cove, there seems to be a realization that pools are expensive to run. Gave a quick lesson on park financing, explaining the "Quimby Fee" and the fact that the Cove was there and already parceled out (prior to incorporation), and therefore has never paid any Quimby Fees. His question for folks in the Cove area (which can be addressed on the Survey) is how they would feel about a special Parks and Recreation assessment, estimated at about $30.00 a year. He added that maintenance for a pool would run around $50,000 - $60,000 a year. Comments: In response to Mr. Bohlen's question, he said that would be fine, as long you start checking 1.0. cards for people coming in and charging a fee to people who don't Ii ve in the Cove for use of the facility. Comments: "Teen center/weight room" - Has lived in Cove 18 years. Has two children. It is very difficult to find things for them to do. - Enjoyed Desert Club when it was here. Said people didn't mind paying a yearly fee for it and thought people might be willing to pay to use these facilities. Because the Cove's desert and mountain areas are less accessible (with flood control) we need to provide other options for the kids. Also would like weight room, exercise facility. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 10 13) Paul Sylvester 53-195 Avenida Rubio La Quinta, CA 92253 Kay Wolff (See #5) - Comments: "Soccer Pield/Baseball Diamonds" at t.op of Cove" Main concern is the need for soccer fields (and baseball diamonds) in the Cove. Said he is a referee for the United States Soccer Federation, and has seen many injuries during the last few AYSO seasons due to the conditions of the fields. Other local fields are too crowded with the leagues and if we stuck three soccer fields in, they would be filled every Saturday. Has seen open areas in the hillsides of the Cove that could be utilized, not only for soccer and baseball, but also kite flying and other acti vi ties. A regulation soccer field is 100 yards long and 80 yards wide. Chairwoman Kennedy pointed out that La Quinta's Hillside Ordinance would prohibit any structure, but no one has said anything against a "sports field", in fact, they had talked of a municipal golf course there. Mr. Sylvester added that where he had come from, the flood control area worked out great for soccer fields. Because it is in a flood control area, the land cannot be used for anything else. Comments: In response to Mr. Bohlen's question about funding for pool, she spoke against the concept of a "dues" paid by families. (Desert Club cost $240.00 a year) Felt a lot of families with young children who need to be involved would be excluded because they can't afford it. She would rather see it included in (property) taxes. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 11 14) Billie Jaye 78-990 Miles Ave, Sp 82 La Quinta, CA 92253 -- - Also remembers that there was a million dollar fee received from Landmark some years ago that was designated for a pool and may be used as "seed" money. Chairwoman Kennedy asserted that the money is still there. She also touched upon the point of "maintenance" (which also must be considered in the use of funds). As these parks are built, we also must have the funding to maintain them, i. e. the bike path along the Bear Creek Channel is already eroded due to all the water. Comments: "Considerations for area north of Highway 111, and especially bus stops for accessibility." - Said she lives in the "forgotten half" of La Quinta, the half north of Highway 111. Really wants to see something considered on their side of La Quinta. They have about 8 new housing developments going into that area. There have been lots of Quimby fees, but nothing produced from them. There are hundreds of families already living in that area and there is absolutely nothing for children to do. There are "junior gangs" in the area now, not that they're bad kids, they just need another outlet. The new "Wallmart" site will probably become their hang-out because there is nowhere else. At least in the Cove area there is somewhat easy access to the Boys Club, "Y" and park. In her area there isn't even a bus stop for the parents to send their kids to get there. The nearest bus stop is about a half-mile walk on two very busy streets, with no sidewalks. (Up Miles Avenue to Washington). -- COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 12 15) Erin Van Dorn 46-290 Cameo Palms La Quinta, CA 92253 Kathy Locke (See #3) Chairwoman Kennedy Chris Jameson (See #10) - Comments: "Sidewalks for skat.eboards and rollerblades" - Lives near Vons (Mall, Wallmart si te) in La Quinta. They have no place to play. No sidewalks for rOllerblading, no bus stops to get to Cove area, nothing to do. - Would like to have lighted area to go to in evenings in that area. Comments: Has extensive background in aquatics as an employee for recreation departments. Is willing to volunteer her help. Her experience is that a community pool works out better than a pool next to schools. Comments: - Noted that time line is to have a Master Plan for Parks and Recreation put together by June. CSC will also have a budget session this month where they will learn about monies that may go toward these suggestions. We will be suggesting things we've heard from this forum. - As far as the million dollars (from Landmark), she confirmed with Mr. Bohlen that it is still there, and can be used as "seed" money (for pool) . Comments: - Reminded that Boys & Girls Club is available for teenagers Monday and Wednesday evenings, 7:00 9:00 P.M., with usually 50-75 kids there. - Regarding Skate Park, they (kids) have tried to petition, and he signed one, but they haven't heard anything yet. - He is in a Leadership Class at school and can probably get a poll together to see what the kids would like to do. - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 13 Annie McCoy (See #6) Clint Bohlen Staff Liaison e Chairwoman Kennedy reminded him of the Survey that will be going out to all the residents and asked him and his friends to encourage their parents to fill out and return them. Comments: - She's done a lot of work with Junior High aged kids and has found that they do segregate themselves. Suggested alternating nights of activities for different ages. - Pool financing -- does not know anything about financing, but agrees with Kay (Wolff) that she doesn't like the idea of making it prohibitive to families with small children. Comments: - At request of Chairwoman Kennedy, explained the "Mello-Roos" (assessment) district which has to be passed by a two-thirds vote of property owners in a district. If property owners wanted to create a Mello-Roos District for the Cove, there would be an election to establish it. The funds could be used for operating costs, i.e., hiring life guards or maintenance staff, buying sprinkler heads, purchasing picnic tables...or building a pool. Bonds are purchased to finance any capital improvements. The money can be split half and half between operational costs and capital improvements. - Quimby fees have to be used for Capital Improvements. He cited the 2.2 acre park in north area that is being developed with Quimby fees. - He also gave a quick update on two major parks now in the design phase. One is the Fritz Burns Park in -- - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION March 30, 1992 - Meeting Minutes Page 14 the Cove area. The other is an 18- acre parcel in Northern section of city where Westward Ho comes into Dune Palms. - He stressed that the Parks Master Plan will need to be in place before anything goes farther than the design phase. V. ADJOURMENT There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned by Chairwoman Kennedy at approximately 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted: . . - - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION ATTENDANCE ROSTER 1991/92 1Z2S'~~~.~':i.:~t~~':'::"~.9~~!.:::~~:t~:~:..:.~~:~~:!:::::~.~:~;i.::;.::;~f~.I:::::::::!~:I:9::::.:..~~~q~~!~:~~13~f~'~; Benedict P Franke P Kennedy P Merritt P Francis P Nard P Best P Seaton Thompson A* P A* P P P A P P P P A* Resigned p p p p p p p P A* A* Resigned p p p p p p P A* P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P A* P P P P P P P P P 1991/92 (Continued) Sl:~.$.:?6Z2.9:: .................................. .................................. Benedict Kennedy Francis Nard Best Seaton Thompson * Excused Absence