Loading...
1993 04 12 CSC Minutes . . COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 12, 1993 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. Chairwoman Kennedy presiding, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Commissioner Norris Bernard Commissioner Lawrence Best Commissioner Aldine Dickens (arrived at 7:15 p.m.) Commissioner Susan Francis Commissioner Sharon Kennedy (Chairwoman) Commissioner Nancy Nard Absent: Commissioner B.J. Seaton Staff Present: Clint Bohlen, Parks & Recreation Manager Patti Devery, Temporary Department Secretary It was MOVED by Commissioner Francis to EXCUSE B.J. Seaton from today's meeting. MOTION CARRIED. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 22, 1993 It was MOVED by Commissioner Francis to APPROVE the minutes of March 22, 1993 as submitted. MOTION CARRIED. Chairwoman Kennedy thanked Clint Bohlen and said it was helpful to receive the minutes soon after the meetings. Mr. Bohlen thanked Patti Devery for taking responsibility for getting the minutes completed and out quickly. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Chairwoman Kennedy opened the floor for public comment. There was none. 3. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS The reading list for April was presented and accepted. . . Community Services Commission Meeting - April 12, 1993 Minutes - Page 2 4. STAFF REPORTS Review of City Council Community Services in the Discussion Re Parks, City of La Quinta Recreation and Clint Bohlen reported that staff was asked to attend the March 22, 1993 Council meeting and then to return to the Council with a proposal for what the City might consider for parks & recreation services within the City of La Quinta; what park and recreation services exist and what are our options for the future. Staff presented several options in the staff report. Mr. Bohlen explained what LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission for the County of Riverside) requirements for detachment and deannexation from the CVRPD are and referred the Commission to the information in their packets. Mr. Bohlen expressed that the Council will want to talk with the Commissioners regarding their feelings on creating a City Parks & Recreation Department, what should be in that Department, how it should occur, and the deannexation issue. A discussion followed regarding future relations with CVRPD with regard to the deannexation option. Commissioner Kennedy asked what the cons were of deannexation. Mr. Bohlen explained that once you assume responsibility for parks and recreation in your city, you create a level of expectation that services will be provided, and you open yourself up to more complaints/problems and liabilities. Also, with the increase in population comes expectations of increased services, which would result in escalating costs. Benefits would be local control of funds, programs, administrative costs and staffing. Inability to obtain revenue and expenditure information from the CVRPD budget was discussed. City Manaqer's Ganq Task Force Report Mr. Bohlen stated that through a departmental report, the Acting City Manager and staff presented the Gang Task Force Final Report to City Council at the last Council meeting. A discussion followed regarding the three prominent ways of addressing gang problems in California: Prevention programs to divert kids and provide heal thy outlets; Intervention - encouraging kids away from gang affiliation via counseling; working with kids who are at risk due to environmental factors and try to redirect them; Suppression - District Attorney working with local police to cite kids for gang related offenses; use of The Step Act, which doubles the sentence for a kid who is convicted and a known gang member. After looking at different programs throughout the state and seeing who is experiencing some success, we came up with some recommendation options for the Council as to what they might do in addressing gang . . Community Services Commission Meeting - April 12, 1993 Minutes - Page 3 problems: a youth counselor position, developing a grant through the Office of Criminal Justice, an Explorer program, developing business support, creating a neighborhood watch program, etc. Staff has placed in the '93-' 94 budget the Explorer Program, a Recreation & Human Service resource publication, and a youth counselor. These three programs are dependent on the successful acquisition of the OCJP Grant. In explaining the proposed boxing program, Mr. Bohlen stated that it is a link in trying to solve the gang problem. There are quite a few gang members in the Cathedral City boxing program...they are participating instead of causing problems somewhere else. Ron Garcia runs this program and has seen kids who have jumped out of gangs and are totally into his boxing program. The Explorer Program will provide an opportunity to target the "at risk" kids...before they affiliate with a gang. Captain Ron Dye feels it is almost too late after they affiliate with a gang. The need is to focus on the kids who are not yet in gangs, but are getting close. They can be identified through the school system... counselors, security and youth counselors. The Sunshine Theater is a proposed project again; however, it is imperative that it be marketed properly to the kids. We need to physically get in classrooms and sell this opportunity to the kids. The face-to-face connection works. Palm Royale Park Development The Commission expressed some concern in that the Palm Royale Park Development had been set back one year to the '94-'95 budget for construction. Also, there was some hesitancy to see us go ahead with public workshops when the Park could not be developed. Staff brought this issue to the Council and they are supportive of going ahead with construction drawings. We could go ahead with design and construction drawings and split the Park into two phases: the flat parcel of that Park being developed first and the retention area being developed second. We could fund the first phase development and construction drawings within fiscal years '92-'93 and '93-'94; then, proceed with construction of Phase 1 of that park in '93-'94. The Capital Improvement Budget submitted to Finance contains this plan and will go to City Council for consideration. Mr. Bohlen recommended that the Commission set dates for design public forums...two Commission meetings in May in the north area and the first meeting in June in Council Chambers. If the Commission wishes to go in that direction, flyers will be prepared and mailed . . . Community Services Commission Meeting - April 12, 1993 Minutes - Page 4 to north area residents. meetings followed. A discussion regarding the public Commissioner Best expressed concern regarding the certainty of Council's indication to Mr. Bohlen to go ahead with this revised plan. Mr. Bohlen advised that the motion Council made was to go ahead with the construction drawings. However, the discussion involved going ahead with the plan to do Phase 1 in '93-'94. Mr. Bohlen stated he feels confident Council will go ahead with that, as several Councilpersons are in favor of the plan as long as the money is there. This issue can be discussed with Council at the joint meeting. Commissioner Dickens asked what the public meetings agenda would be. Mr. Bohlen explained the first meeting would consist of people coming in, the design consultant introducing himself and brainstorming with the meeting participants. At the second meeting, the consultant would return with two or three drawings and receive input from the people. At the third meeting the consultant will have one drawing that will be a culmination of all the public input received from the first two meetings as to what they want in the Park. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Francis to hold off scheduling the Palm Royale Park public forum meetings until after the April 26 joint meeting with City Council. Commissioner Nard seconded. MOTION PASSED. COMMISSION BUSINESS City Council/Commission Joint Meetinq Discussion Items Commissioner Kennedy asked for items of discussion for the April 26 joint meeting agenda. Commissioner Nard/Francis will present their "La Quinta Pageant" concept. Commissioner Best will present the Palm Royale Park project and also request of the Council that the Commissioners have the opportunity to give input, or be a part of the screening/interview process for new commissioners. Discuss the possibility of a representative from the Community Services Commission giving a report as part of Council's agenda at their regular meetings. Lastly, ask the Council for direction and discuss what they want from the Commission. Mr. Bohlen advised that it is important to be very specific about what the Commission wants and, in turn, ask the Council to be very specific in giving direction. Mr. Bohlen encouraged the Commissioners to ask a lot of questions of the Council on procedural issues and seeking direction. . . Community Services Commission Meeting - April 12, 1993 Minutes - Page 5 Regarding health care, Commissioner Dickens suggested we pay attention to how the City of La Quinta can benefit from Washington decisions and what the Commission's role could be in helping to secure benefits out of Washington relating to HIV, mental health and dental when the programs become available. She raised the possibility of a low income health needs analysis and how to acquire the resources to meet those needs. Mr. Bohlen advised the Commission that there will be staff time involved with all these programs. Commissioner Kennedy expressed her feeling that the Commissioners could share more of the responsibilities to help staff. Mr. Bohlen advised that the Coachella Valley Child Care Commission would love to have people involved. Commissioner Bernard offered to see what programs, other than for Seniors, the County Health Department has. He also passed out a list of existing and new projects for consideration (see attached) . Commissioner Kennedy asked exactly what items would be on the April 26 agenda for presentation and requested that each Commissioner speak to his own concern. 1. Palm Royale Park 2. Risk factor for deannexation from CVRPD 3. Health/dental programs for low income 4. Participation in selection of Commissioners 5. CSC report as City Council agenda item 6. La Quinta pageant presentation 7. Expectations of Council/Commission Culture and Fine Arts Committee Commissioner Nard asked Commissioner Francis to present the La Quinta pageant concept (see attached). When Commissioners Nard/Francis developed this concept, they were trying to help the City with the impending problem of how to utilize the planned amphitheater and thought the Pageant would be a wonderful idea for the opening. It could also be held at the school in their amphitheater, or at the park, temporarily. This Pageant could build and become as large and successful as the Ramona Pageant. La Quinta residents have great community spirit and are very interested in promoting La Quinta. There is an abundance of volunteers, particularly those with special talents which could be utilized in the development of the Pageant. Two pageant producers (one of whom does the Ramona Pageant) are willing to come here, just for expenses, to do a feasibility study on producing the event. During a conversation with Tom Doczi about producing the amphi theater, it was suggested that they consult people in Los Angeles, who are versed in outdoor Performing Arts productions, such . . Community Services Commission Meeting - April 12, 1993 Page 6 as the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theater. At that time, no thought had been given as to which direction the sun would be setting and whose eyes it would be in. Their concerns were about the volume and sound generated from the stage and where the housing was...all of which are important, but there are other things to be considered and that is what the Pageant producers will research. There are several people in our community who are excited about this, Fred Rice being one, and would like to be on a committee. Commissioner Francis said she would like to put together a committee to study this further, perhaps calling it the La Quinta Heritage Foundation, or some name that indicates we want to preserve the heritage of our area. The Pageant would be tremendous for our youth and seniors. Commissioner Kennedy said she could see several opportunities springing from this concept. If such a thing existed, the schools might be stimulated to have all kinds of art, dance, drama classes, and the City's proposed new parks and recreation district of La Quinta would have all these different programs they could offer. Mr. Bohlen said that through the Leisure Enrichment Program, which is very low cost, dance programs, voice classes, etc. could be conducted. It is also a concept of empowerment...instead of the City taking on the role of running all these things, we empower community members to assume responsibility for these programs and spin them off, just like we did with the soccer program. There is a sense of ownership and excitement that occurs as a result of that empowerment instead of a subsidized government run program. Commissioner Francis said this was exciting from the gang perspecti ve. . . how to direct children's energies before they are misdirected. Commissioner Dickens said it offers young people an alternative to gangs. Many young people would rather do something productive and only join a gang because there is no alternative. The Pageant will be a tradition and will be available for everyone nine months out of the year. Mr. Bohlen said that once the Commission gets a sense of where the Council wants to go, they may ask for a formalized program and pro forma on the Pageant and ask you come to a Council meeting so they can make a decision of support or approval, as appropriate. He also said that he felt cost would be a major factor. Commissioner Francis said comparatively the cost is lower than many items that go before the Council and that the far reaching benefits must be considered. If the Council should not like this concept, then the Culture and Fine Arts Committee needs direction as to what Council wants them to work on. . . Community Services Commission Meeting - April 12, 1993 Minutes - page 7 Commissioner Kennedy thanked Commissioners Nard and Francis for their exciting presentation. Commissioner Dickens asked for a review discussed at the joint meeting April 26. follows: of the items to be Mr. Bohlen advised as 1. Present concept of La Quinta Pageant. 2. Define the role of the Commission. 3. Better communication between the City Council and the Community Service Commission. 4. The risk factors for deannexation. 5. Role of the Commission in selecting new commission members. 6. Palm Royale Park. 7. Becoming a regular part of City Council agenda. 8. Direction from City Council as to what they want from the Community Services Commission and what we want from them. 9. How can the Commission be involved be involved in the gang issue? 10. Health needs assessment in Human Services. Staff will prepare a list of issues and who is responsible for presenting them. Chairperson Kennedy was excused at 9: 00 p. m. after turning the meeting over to Commissioner Best. NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND TOPICS April 26 at 7:00 p.m. Council/Commission joint meeting. Discussion of variety of topics. ADJOURN There being no further business to Commissioner Nard/Bernard to ADJOURN. adj~urne? at 9:10 p.m. discuss, it was MOTION CARRIED. MOVED by Meeting ~, I /" \CLI~T BOHLEN Pi~~ ~ecr~a~on Manager . & I. #'.J f' n. ./ /).;.'.f-' c..... PATRICIA DEV~RY / Temporary Department Secretary . . . . LA QUlNTA PAGEANT The history of La Quinta is strikingly different from other parts of this country and the southwest. We want to demonstrate that difference in a strikingly different way. La Quinta history goes back five hundred years. La Quinta can be called a geological and botanical microcosm of the entire southwest desert region in addition to being unique in the many history stories of this part of the country. Unlike the histories of countless towns and cities of the great southwest, La Quinta has some outstandingly unique characteristics. A common trait shared by most of the cities of the southwest is that they are much older settlements and the present day offers them an abundance of remnants from their pasts. La Quinta's incorporation as a city was relatively recent. La Quinta is still a young city and is growing at a phenomenal rate. The influences of La Quinta's history have survived but the focus is on the past ten years of this wonderful city. Just as there is an abundance of opportunity to be gained by integrating oneself into a city still in its infancy, there is still a need to tell the story of La Quinta and what better way to celebrate this unique story than to relive the past through drama, music, song and dance? An annual pageant would provide the opportunity for hundreds of young local people to experience professional theatrical endeavors both on stage and behind the scenes. Adults with theatrical production background and expertise would have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an exciting new event, as well as being recognized for their talents. To tell the story of La Quinta in pageant form celebrating the spirit of La Quinta would be a collaboration of La Quinta's historians, writers, poets, composers, lyricists, artists, musicians, designers, costumers, choreographers, actors, singers, dancers, etc., etc. The presentation should be about 90 minutes in length and performed annually at the end of the season (end of April or May). Periodically the production will be updated to bring in elements of the new historical developments that have taken place. The school's art, drama, music, etc. classes will perform. It will not be a show just for the school children but rather a show in which the entire community can participate. Auditions would be held in January or February to "cast" the show. Rehearsals would run eight weeks. Although set design would already be completed, the set construction would take place during the eight rehearsal weeks. . . Underwriting by the city, local businesses, possible federal funds, etc. would provide seed money. A modest admission would be charged to patrons. The prime location would be the civic center amphitheater but until its finished the school or park would be adequate locations. It is timely for such a project. It is the beginning of the second decade of a city whose tremendous community spirit has been reaffirmed time and again by organizations and individuals who are continually supportive and present at all city functions. The citizens of La Quinta get involved. It is an opportunity for all these organizations and individuals to work together on a productive, creative, joyous celebration of our heritage. Mission Statement: Celebrate La Quinta's rich multicultural heritage. Showcase the multitalented citizens of La Quinta. Celebrate the community spirit of La Quinta. There are three categories of annual outdoor pageants: Category A - Fully professional with a season of9 weeks or longer. Category B - Fully professional with limited run ofless than 9 weeks. Category C - Volunteer production. LAQUlNTAPAGEANT Prologue: Welcome. Opening number (song & dance). Monologue telling how the Cahuilla Indians moved into the cove when the waters receded. Indians considered the cove to be hallowed ground and call the area the Land of Eternal Sun. As monologue begins, actors depict early historic scenes in "still life" that, at the end of each segment, comes to life. This would include the Indian's rituals, legends, beliefs. There is a great opportunity for a beautiful and romantic scene here because the Indians believed that the cove was the actual Garden of Eden and that all life sprang from this cove. In the 16th century the Spanish Conquistadors came and cross bred with the Indians creating the Mexican culture of the southwest. A hundred years later padres came to christianize the inhabitants of the area. Then came the white man, battles, claiming of the land, blending of the cultures. An early trading post, Point Happy (built in 1800), which was the Bradshaw Stage water stop at the "Indian Wells", was the first permanent settlement. The cove was then called Marshall's Cove and had a lake called Marshall's Lake or Green Lake. Again, lots of raw potential for lyricists, composers, authors, etc. Ending this segment is the coming of the railroad. . . . . In 1926 Walter Morgan opened La Quinta Hotel and changed the destiny of La Quinta. The hotel made a tremendous contribution to the unique story that develops from this point providing material that will make this pageant stand apart from other pageants about the southwest. At this point the star studded stories of La Quinta being the "get away" for so many notables and movie filming done here demonstrates how La Quinta became the "Gem of the Desert". There was a tremendous building boom in the 1970's. The finale would be an opportunity to feature a segment honoring those who were instrumental in the creation of La Quinta the city, the movers and shakers of our times. **** Preliminary research reveals there is an organization called "Institute of Outdoor Dramas", located in North Carolina. The executive director, Scott Parker, says there are currently 92 outdoor dramas in the U.S. The oldest, called The Lost Colony, has been running successfully for 60 years in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Institute of Outdoor Dramas serves in an advisory capacity as well as doing research for areas considering creating a pageant. For a fee of $7500 plus expenses a team of four researchers spend three to four days doing a feasibility study. The team consists of specialists in the fields of pageant management/administration, amphatheatre construction, production and a playwright. A smaller team can be brought in if the community has residents with some of the same skills who would work with the feasibility team. Within three months of their visit, a report is provided to the community to "get the ball rolling". They also provide information on sources of funding available and how to apply for these funds. The institute continues to serve as advisors with such issues as how to "piggy-back" additional forms of entertainment with the pageant season to continue the "dr " aw. There are some inspiring statistics of outdoor dramas. Dramas that were started by a small committee of volunteers and a little support from the community and became successful productions generating impressive revenues, increasing tourism, creating notoriety for their area and building from zero to an operating budget of over half million dollars in a few years time. There is already a group of La Quinta citizens who are willing to be on the pageant committee and eager to begin work on an endeavor that promises to be so rewarding and beneficial to our community. Susan Francis La QuintaCommunity Services Commissioner April 12, 1993 . . . HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE LA QUINTA COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Existing and New projects for consideration: Needs of Seniors Needs of Youth in the community La Quinta Senior Center (project) Latch-Key / Seniors (project start) Graffiti / Gang problem Neighborhood Emergency Service Teams (N.E.S.T.) Child Care ( a Community Project ) Health Needs Assessment clinics (community) Teddy Bears for Kids in Trouble (program) Adams/Truman Elementary School/Emergency Response Drill Other areas of Human Services: Rape Crisis, AIDS & HIV Services Adoption & Foster Care, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Child Abuse, Self-help Counseling, Disability Services, Disaster Services, Emergency Food & Shelter, Housing Services, Legal Services, Mental Health Programs, Missing Children & Runaways, Sexual Assault Services, Suicide Prevention, Veterans Services, and Volunteer Services. April 1, 1993