2020 09 14 CSC MinutesCOMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES September 14, 2020
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER, 14 2020
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order by
Chair Wyler at 5:31 p.m.
This meeting was held by teleconference pursuant to Executive Orders N-25-20, N-
29-20, N-33-20, and N-35-20, executed by the Governor of California in response to
the state of emergency relating to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and
enabling teleconferencing accommodations by suspending or waiving specified
provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et seq.).
PRESENT: Commissioners Biondi, Blakeley, La Greca, Marley, and Chair Wyler
STAFF PRESENT: Community Resources Director Escobedo, Community Resources
Manager Calderon, Community Resources Analyst Torres, Management Coordinator
Calderon, and Community Services Commission Secretary Chaudhry.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Blakeley led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA – Confirmed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.APPROVE MINUTES OF JUNE 8, 2020
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners La Greca/Marley to
approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. CITY REOPENING PLAN UPDATE
Community Resources Director Escobedo presented the staff report verbally
regarding City services such as City Hall reopened for appoinments only; library is
providing curb side service; museum facility is currently in partnership with YMCA to
provide childcare for essential workers and plans to resume museum services in
January 2021.
2. 2020-21 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES September 14, 2020
Community Resources Manager Calderon introduced Community Resources Assistant
Calderon to provide updates regarding the adjustments made to the 2020/21
programs and events lineup in response to COVID protocals by providing virtual
programming and transition to in-person services as protocals allow.
Assistant Calderon listed new virtual event lineup for 2020/21 season and programs.
The Wellness Center is currently being used as a cooling center; classes and gym use
is currently suspended; virtual fitness classes were introduced; exploring ideas to use
the center’s multi-purpose room to allow instructors to provide classes via Zoom;
working with instructors to provide virtual classes for Tai Chi, yoga, stretch & restore,
and pilate. Staff is also considering hyrid classes to slowly phase in in-person
instruction. When permitted, the Center is prepared to provide gym access on an
appointment basis for 35 minute workouts and maintaining sanitation requirements
between uses. The workout area has been modified with barriers for social distancing
and added protection. The hiking program will resume in October by appointment
only with a limit of 10 participants. Youth and adult sports leagues are currently
suspended. The virtual/modified events offerings are two 9/11 Memorial virtual tours
in New York City; La Quinta’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony video; Veterans’ Recognition
Ceremony; annual Tree Lighting; Pillars of the Community; possible mural and
rounadabout art unveiling. All live events postponed until COVID restrictions are
lifted. If permitted, staff hopes to provide modified live events by March 2021 such
as Youth Olympics, Mission LQ Rocket Launch, and Fly Over LQ Kite Experience; and
restructering of the City Picnic and annual Egg Hunt. Staff is exploring new events
such as concert in the park with designated areas or a car concert series where
patrons can participate while remaining near or in their vehicles. Golf is permitted
therefore the popular La Quinta Summer Golf Tour is scheduled to run from June
through August 2021.
Staff responded to Commissioner Blakeley’s inquiry regarding Senior Inspiration
Awards nominee Allan Woodorf.
Staff provided an update regarding the library’s effort to develop how-to videos and
online workshops to assist patrons with accessing services such as renewing library
cards, curbside pickup, etc. To encourage engagement, Library staff is retooling their
Facebook videos and using Facebook to post various storytime programs; hosting
literature and/or book review discussions. They are also planning drive through
events; letter writing to seniors; Dungeons & Dragons teen tournament; and offering
assistance to local schools. Creation Station is offering grab ‘n go craft, art and
science kits as well a follow along vidoes on Facebook.
Community Resources Manager Calderon announced that due the pandemic, the the
County will not be seeking a new nominee for the 2021 Senior Inspiration Award
(SIA), instead will recognize the 2020 nominee Jeff Smith and 2020 Pillar of the
Community Award recipient, Allan Woodorf. The SIA program will resume new
nominations in the fall of 2021.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. APPOINT CHAIR - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION SECRETARY
CHAUDHRY
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES September 14, 2020
Commission Secretary Chaudhry presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Resources Department.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Blakeley/Marley to
appoint Commissioner Wyler as chair for FY2021. Motion passed unanimously.
2. APPOINT VICE-CHAIR - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION SECRETARY
CHAUDHRY
Community Secretary presented the staff report, which is on file in the Community
Resources Department.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Wyler/Blakeley to
appoint Commissioner Marley as vice-chair for FY2021. Motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVE NEW COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SCHEDULE – COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION SECRETARY CHAUDHRY
Commission Secretary Chaudhry presented the staff report, which is on file in the
Community Resources Department.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Blakeley/La Greca to
approve the new quarterly regular meeting schedule. Motion passed unanimously.
4. SELECT AND APPROVE ART INSTALLATION FOR WALL MURAL ON FRED
WARING AND ADAMS - COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANALYST TORRES
Community Resources Analyst Torres presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Community Resources Department.
Commissioner Marley shared his preference for the both walls for art installation.
After discussion, Commission requested that staff explore options with Nate Frizzell
to expand his art piece to include the upper wall and costs that would entail. If it is
not feasible, the commission agreed to choose John Cuevas.
Staff will follow up with Commission after speaking with Nate Frizzell.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Marley/La Greca to
approve the art work submitted by Nate Frizzell if the piece can altered to include
both walls within budget. If not feasible, Commission agrees to approve the art work
submitted by John Cuevas. Motion passed unanimously.
5. SELECT AND APPROVE ART INSTALLATION FOR ROUNDABOUTS ON AVENIDA
BERMUDAS AT CALLE SINALOA AND CALLE TAMPICO – COMMUNITY
RESOURCES ANALYST TORRES
Community Resources Analyst Torres presented the staff report, which is on file in
the Community Resources Department.
Commission expressed some concerned regarding the size of the tree depicted on
the roundabout rendering.
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES September 14, 2020
Staff will follow up with the Public Works division to confirm whether the tree is still
included in the redesign.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Blakeley/Marley to
approve the art work submitted by Sage Vaughn for the art installation on the
roundabouts on Calle Bermudas at Calle Sinaloa and Calle Tampico. Motion passed
unanimously.
COMMISSIONER’S ITEMS
Commissioner Biondi asked of the status La Quinta Art Celebration.
As of March 2021, Riverside County (County) will no longer operate Lake Cahuilla.
The opportunity to take over operations was extended to Desert Recreation District
(DRD). DRD has inviting staff and one Community Services Commissioner to join in
join in discussions regarding this new venture. Commissioner Biondi volunteered.
Commissioner Blakeley shared information about the County’s Pathways to
Employment program that is administrered by the Community Action Partnership and
launched this month. The County approved $4 million for the program which is
recruiting 500 adults for 1 year re-employment skills training.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Commissioners La
Greca/Blakeley to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH (LISA) CHAUDHRY, Community Services Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California