2022 06 13 CSC MinutesCOMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order
by Chair Biondi at 4:02 p.m.
This meeting provided teleconferencing accessibility pursuant to Executive
Orders N-60-20 and N-08-21 executed by the Governor of California, and
subsequently Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361, 2021), enacted 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 in the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code § 54950 et
seq.).
PRESENT IN -PERSON: Commissioner Blakeley and Chair Biondi
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: Commissioners Gordon, La Greca, and Shelton
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Community Resources Director Escobedo, Community
Resources Manager Calderon, Acting Deputy City Clerk McGinley, and
Community Services Commission Secretary Calderon
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Blakeley led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None
ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. COACHELLA VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS CV LINK
UPDATE PRESENTATION
PUBLIC SPEAKER IN -PERSON: Jonathan Hoy, Transportation Director with
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) - introduced himself,
provided a detailed presentation on the development progress and anticipated
construction schedule of the CV Link regional project, spearheaded by CVAG,
a planned 40-mile, multi -modal pathway that can accommodate pedestrian,
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bicyclists and low -speed electric vehicles, that will run continuously
throughout the Coachella Valley cities, from Desert Hot Springs to Coachella.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVE MARCH 14, 2022 MEETING MINUTES
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners
Blakeley/Shelton to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Motion
passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. RECOMMEND PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY AND
DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS AND ATHLETES NOMINATIONS
Community Services Analyst Calderon presented the staff report which is on
file in the Community Resources Department.
The Commission discussed the novelty of adding distinguished artists and
athletes categories alongside the established pillars of the community award
recognition program; considering a discussion on a "distinguished community"
award category when deliberating on Business Session Item No. 2 of the
agenda, which could incorporate artists, athletes, dancers, etc., to create two
separate and distinct categories to recognize both seniors and distinguished
community members, as well as evaluating the nomination process for these
award recognition programs; and prior Commission discussion about providing
broader opportunities for the citizens.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Gordon/La
Greca to recommend Council approval of Karen Devine and Victory Grund as
Pillars of the Community Award recipients for 2022. Motion passed: ayes - 4
(La Greca, Gordon, Biondi, and Blakeley), noes - 0; absent - 0; abstain - 1
(Shelton).
General discussion followed regarding the lack of nominations for the
distinguished artists and athletes categories in the past.
MOTION - A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Blakeley/Chair
Biondi to recommend Brandun Lee and Emmi Von Scherr as Distinguished
Athletes Award recipients for 2022, and Jason and Nicole McQuaid as
Distinguished Artists Award recipients for 2022. Motion passed unanimously.
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2. RECOMMEND REVISIONS TO PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY AND
DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS AND ATHLETES NOMINATION
PROCESS
The Commission waived presentation of the staff report which is on file in the
Community Resources Department.
The Commission discussed Council's deliberations at the June 1, 2022, regular
meeting regarding the nomination process for this award recognition program;
the connection between distinguished artists and athletes categories which
recognize younger community members, who could be recognized as pillars
of the community in the future; the Senior Inspiration Award is administered
by Riverside County; the City could consider implementing a Junior Inspiration
Award program; the Distinguished Artists and Athletes Award programs were
introduced in 2002; 2013 was the last time the Distinguished Artist Award was
awarded to Andy Williams, and 2012 was the last time the Distinguished
Athletes Award was awarded to Tyler Brown, and the City has not received
any nominations for these categories since that time; and the need to promote
these award categories and to communicate their importance to the
community.
The Commission expressed unanimous support to create a subcommittee,
comprised of Chair Biondi and Commissioner Gordon, to come up with
recommendations to build-up, strengthen, and convey to the community the
importance of the Distinguished Artists and Athletes award programs.
Commission discussion followed regarding considering a Distinguished
Community award that would encompass categories such as dance, athletics,
culinary, philanthropy, leadership, innovation, etc., with a focus on diversity,
health, and wellness; because the Senior Inspiration Award is a separate
program administered by Riverside County, the city may consider introducing
a Junior Inspiration Award; additional opportunities to recognize and celebrate
the recipients via a coffee with the Commission where the recipient can be
accompanied by their families; the importance of making this a "big deal" and
have it advertised as amply as possible in The Gem, newspaper, other media,
TV, etc.; consider introducing a Junior Pillar of Community award category as
well; and the Commission should submit their recommendations to staff to be
compiled and included in the subcommittees review.
STUDY SESSION - None
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DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Staff provided verbal updates on the following items:
1. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION ROAD MAP
The Commission was reminded of the Commission's Road Map which provides
guidance on key focus areas that fall under the Commission's purview. The
Commission will continue to focus on art, events, and recreation initiatives
within the City.
2. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
The City continues to focus on enhancing the Art in Public Places (APP)
program by bringing new art installations and projects to the community. A
design for a Gold Star Family Monument has been approved, a Call to Artists
has been issued for the City's 40t" Anniversary Commemorative Art Piece, the
APP pocket map is being updated, and the Art@Fifth website has been
improved.
3. LA QUINTA ART CELEBRATION
The La Quinta Art Celebration (LQAC) was held March 3-6 and experienced
record attendance. The Art Selection Committee purchased one art piece at
LQAC that is now part of the APP collection. The art piece is currently installed
at Fritz Burns Park.
4. LA QUINTA X PARK
The X Park is operated by contractor Action Park Alliance (APA) who oversees
day-to-day operations, programming, lessons, and events. APA plans to host
the El Gato Classic and Hot Wheels Superchargers Fueled By Nitro Circus in
the Fall.
5. SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Information regarding X Park, Wellness Center, and Fritz Burns Pool summer
programming is being shared with residents. A postcard featuring QR codes
was recently mailed to residents to further promote summer programs.
6. CULTURAL CAMPUS
Staff is working with a vendor to continue master planning the Cultural
Campus.
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7. FRITZ BURNS MASTER PLANNING
Staff is working with a vendor to continue master planning the Fritz Burns
Park enhancements which include amenities such as shade, additional
parking, and a splash pad.
8. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS PROTOCOLS
The Commission was reminded of protocols and procedures and how to
contact staff to discuss questions or concerns.
9. JOINT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WORKSHOP
The Commission was provided a recap of the presentation that was delivered
during the Joint Boards and Commissions Workshop held on March 28, 2022.
10. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP PRIORITIES
During the Community Workshop, residents identified focus areas they would
like City staff to prioritize. Staff will work with the Commission to address the
focus areas that fall under the Commission's purview including park
enhancements, additional Concerts in the Park, and more shade shelters at
City parks.
11. COMMISSION TOURS
In the Fall, staff will coordinate park and facility tours with the Commission to
further identify focus areas specific to each park and/or facility. Staff will
announce the tour dates once the Commissioners' availabilities have been
confirmed.
COMMISSIONER'S ITEMS
The Commissioners reported on the events they attended since the last
Commission meeting including the City Picnic, Community Workshop, Joint
Boards and Commission Meeting, and Concerts in the Park.
The Commission discussed the bike rack locations throughout the City.
Commissioner Gordon commented that it may be beneficial to install more
bike racks in public places such as Civic Center Park and the La Quinta
Museum. Evaluation of the City's bike racks will be included during the
Commission tour to determine opportunities for enhanced bike rack locations.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded by
Commissioners LaGreca/Shelton to adjourn the meeting at 5:12 p.m. Motion
passes unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
MICHAEL CALDERON,
Community Services Commission Secretary
City of La Quinta, California
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