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2008 06 09 CSC MinutesREPORTS & INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES June 9, 2008 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairperson Weber. Chairperson Weber led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: PUBLIC COMMENT None. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Commissioner Sheldon Brodsky Commissioner Andrea Gassman Vice -Chairperson Bob Leidner Commissioner E. Howard Long Commissioner Dori Quill Commissioner Robert F. Sylk Chairperson Mark Weber Edie Hylton, Community Services Director Angela Guereque, Senior Secretary Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and seconded by Vice - Chairperson Leidner to confirm the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. PRESENTATIONS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of May 12, 2008 Minutes Commissioner Gassman noted that on page 2, paragraph 8, second sentence reads "signed up and are anticipating," should read "signed up and the Chamber is anticipating." Page 3, paragraph 5, "Commissioner's" should not have an apostrophe. Page 5, second paragraph under Calendar of Monthly Events Community Services Commission Minutes .June 9, 2008 -2- "Commissioner's" should not have an apostrophe. Commissioner Long noted that on page 2, paragraph 3, second sentence reads "Directors is calling" should read "Directors are calling." Page 5 under Monthly Department Report reads "Adobe classes together" should read "Adobe class reports together." Commissioner Sylk noted that on page 3, paragraph 5, should state that he suggested one Commissioner attend Chamber Board meetings. Commissioner Quill noted that on page 5 under Monthly Department Report to add "Children's" to the Annual Egg Hunt and add "due to the large numbers last year" at the end of that paragraph. Page 6, second paragraph, add "Dog" to Centre Pointe Park. Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Gassman to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR None. PUBLIC HEARING None. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Consideration of Approval for the Top of the Cove Trails Plan Director Hylton presented the staff report. LeGrand Velez, Coachella Valley Community Trails Alliance, presented the recommendations for the Top of the Cove Trails Plan. Mr. Velez thanked the City for the grant and stated that this was an interesting project and it was great to work with the Commission members and to get to know this area and what a neat resource it is in the Valley. This is a very complicated area because of the land ownership. Figure 2 shows Study Sections and Trails which consist of three sections. Section 1 is land owned by the City of La Quinta, Section 2 is land owned by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), and Section 3 is everything in the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Figure 3 shows Sections 1 & 2 Recognized Trails. Some of the trails in the Cove are partially on CVWD land. Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 -3- Commissioner Leidner asked if the area owned by the City is part of the MSHCP. Mr. Velez said that it is not. Mr. Velez stated that through this report and research his prime recommendation is to choose an alignment for these trails and make them clear. Mr. Velez prefers the use of rock lined trails. Chairperson Weber stated that when people go off trail, they damage the resources for a long time. Mr. Velez recommends designating specific trails as official trails with identification. This makes the trails more attractive to users. Mr. Velez stated that the goal is to establish a Cove Oasis designated trail network. Trails in this network should be rock -lined like the existing trails between the Oasis and the east and west trailheads. The rock -lined trails stop when they reach the north end of the Oasis. These pathways should be extended to join each other and then continue on to form a loop around the Oasis. The Oasis perimeter trail can lead people to the bronzed mountain art. On the south side of the Oasis, the rock - lined trail should extend to the dike. Trail signs should be posted where each of the proposed rock -lined paths lead hikers to the dike. The unlined trail that splits to the west a short distance from the east trailhead should also be rock -lined to create a short loop for exercisers and dog walkers. This loop and the existing east Cove Oasis trail should be connected by a rock -lined path that crosses the stone maze. These connections will create a short loop system that people can hike to the Oasis, then return via a different route. The small mountain adjacent to the west side of the Oasis presents an opportunity to develop an elevation -change exercise trail. This mountain is located entirely within the City -owned parcel of land. It already has an attractive start with the stone staircase known as the Moses Steps. The trail can begin at the steps, go to the summit, and then descend the south side to link back up with either the Dike Trail or with the south end of the Oasis trail. The entire system of trails should be referred to as the Cove Oasis Trail Network. This trail network would have seven segments that total approximately 2.1 miles of trails (Bear Creek Connector; Cove Oasis (North) Trail; Cove Oasis (Loop) Trail; Cove Oasis (Maze) Trail; East Cove Connector; Mountain Exercise Trail; and South Cove Trail). The areas that are in the CVWD section would need to be coordinated and agreed upon with CVWD. Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 _4_ The City has minimal management ability in the MSHCP area, and new trail development has been deferred. New trails and enhancements to existing trails may be authorized as part of the MSHCP. The La Quinta Cove has only one small dirt parking lot that can accommodate approximately eight vehicles on the east end of Calle Tecate. Overflow cars park in front of residences on the north side of the street. Because parking for the west side trailhead is so scarce, many users of this area must park on the street. Local residents repeatedly expressed their preference to keep the area natural and not have an asphalt parking area. The City should consider expanding the east lot and adding another natural surface lot on the west side. Director Hylton stated that the City is going to ask several survey questions of the Cove residents in regard to undergrounding utilities and parking. Mr. Velez stated the specific recommendations for the Cove Oasis include updating trail information signs; improving the sanctioned trails to make them clear to area users; applying for a restoration grant; keeping the area as natural as possible; expand parking; provide equestrian facilities; develop a regular maintenance schedule for the area; consider restroom facilities; minimize signs; an educational interpretive display on the dike; relocation of the bronze relief map; sanction the stone maze as an area attraction and provide clear trail access; and increase enforcement of dog regulations. Mr. Velez stated the specific recommendations for the CVWD area include working. out a formal agreement with CVWD and the City for preservation and maintenance of existing recognized trails that cross their property; developing formal trails on west edge of Cove and along Bear Creek Wash; removing the "no trespassing" sign on the dike; applying for a restoration grant; working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC), and CVWD on a sign program and trail interconnections. Mr. Velez stated the specific recommendations for the MSHCP area include working with the National Monument, CVWD, and the CVCC to develop a trail enhancement plan; proposing a clear demarcation of the Lake Cahuilla, Bear Creek, and Boo Hoff trails using either rock -lined paths or regular trail indicators; working with the National Monument and the CVCC to improve trail alignment; proposing and delineating a trail following the edge of the mountains in the south Cove linking the Bear Creek and Lake Cahuilla trails and intersecting with the Boo Hoff Trail; cleaning up the garbage in this area; placing clear directional signs at all trail junctures; developing wilderness educational information to display at the entrance to this area; and requesting authorization through the BLM to sandblast the graffiti at Charred Rock. Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 TS, Director Hylton stated that if the City wants to make some of the improvements, the sign portion of this plan could be initiated right away. Signs can be funded with AB939 funding using recycled materials. Mr. Velez stated that Lake Cahuilla has an equestrian center. The Morrow/Cove to Lake Trail is popular with horseback riders, who use it to access the Boo Hoff Trail. The City may want to consider providing equestrian facilities near the east Cove Trailhead, including an area to park horse trailers. The Cove Oasis should consider providing horse hitching posts. Ms. Kay Wolff, 77-227 Calle Ensenada, spoke regarding the trails plan. She is not in favor of an unleashed dog area because people can be attacked by dogs. Ms. Wolff stated that the Cove Neighborhood Association has had a lot of conversations about parking lots and did a survey 2 years ago of approximately 40 people, residents and users, that commented they would like the parking left alone. The problem with parking lots from a resident's standpoint is that it is not the people who are using it for the right purpose but the people who are going off- roading and other things. It would be good to move slowly with the parking issue and not have a paved parking lot. Ms. Wolff commented that the report was wonderful and comprehensive. She noted that the plan did not refer to maintenance vehicles driving up to the Oasis. Ms. Wolff stated that paving and benches would help. The bronze relief map is disoriented in its direction. Ms. Wolff recommends all the trails be narrow enough so that people can not drive on them. Chairperson Weber asked if there was a natural off leash dog park, would there still be maintenance. Director Hylton stated that it would be the same as a normal dog park without the turf. Commissioner Sylk commented that the plan was wonderfully done and recommends sending the plan to City Council. Commissioner Gassman commented that it is a wonderfully comprehensive plan and likes the idea of the rock lined trails. It is natural and without a lot of signage or disturbance. Ms. Gassman indicated it is more difficult for equestrian people to clean up after their horses than it is to clean up after dogs. Commissioner Gassman asked Mr. Velez if there is a standard scale that would indicate the difficulty of a trail so that new hikers can know how difficult a trail is. Mr. Velez stated that there is probably not a clear scale but can look into what others have done. Commissioner Quill suggested getting that information from Philip Ferranti. Director Hylton stated that there is a maintenance vehicle going up the path to the Cove Oasis to do maintenance. Commissioner Long stated that he had no problem understanding the report, it was very clear and the maps, were excellent. The Easily Lost at Wash Crossing may Community Services Commission Minutes dune 9, 2008 -6- need extra signage. At the west end of the dike it is difficult to get down, this should be addressed as it could become a bad situation. On page 2, fourth paragraph, replace "affects" with "effects." Commissioner Quill stated she was amazed at how well Mr. Velez took the hiking information and articulated it into the report. Commissioner Quill questioned the mileage on Page 9. Mr. Velez stated the mileage is measured from where the trail starts or ends, not from the parking lot. These can be revisited as to where the distance is measured. Mr. Velez stated that for analysis purposes, he was trying not to overlap the trails when measuring distance. Director Hylton stated that for marketing purposes, Commissioner Quill's calculation is the best way. Vice -Chairperson Leidner stated that the plan was easy to understand and comprehensive. The trail information would probably mitigate fears. A standard scale or rating for people who haven't hiked should be considered. The idea of having restrooms would be good but there is a concern for security, maintenance, and after hours. Commissioner Brodsky commented that a lot of time and work has gone into this and it is a wonderful report. Chairperson Weber stated that this is a good road/trail map to help move this process forward. There will be challenges and issues working with the different agencies. The unpaved parking lot is a concern if we have to deal with PM 10 issues. Chairperson Weber asked what some of the potential grant sources are. Mr. Velez stated that there are Conservation Land Funds, State Recreational Trails Program, and a number of smaller. more specific grants including the California Trails and Greenway Foundation. Director Hylton stated that the California State Parks has trails grants available for this kind of project. Chairperson Weber recommended the removal of extraneous signs and standardizing all signs. We have to be sensitive with clean up efforts to not damage habitats. Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and seconded by Commissioner Long to recommend the Top of the Cove Trails Plan be considered by the City Council. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Consideration of Naming the Centre Pointe Development Park Director Hylton stated that the City Council thought the Commission's recommendations were good. Council Member Sniff wanted the Commission to consider naming the park after Larry Allen. Larry Allen was one of the original Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 -7- leaders in the incorporation of the City; was the President of the La Quinta Property Owners Association; served on the City Council; served as Mayor; and was the first Treasurer of the City. Chairperson Weber stated that Council Member Kirk reminded everyone that there is a naming process that is being followed. He stated that Larry Allen is not currently a resident of La Quinta. Commissioner Brodsky stated that the Commission spent approximately 45 minutes discussing this item at the last meeting and came up with three names they thought were appropriate. Since the Commission is only advisory, if the City Council wanted to name the park after Larry Allen, the City Council should have voted on it instead of bringing it back to the Commission. Chairperson Weber stated that the other Council Members wanted to follow the park naming process. Commissioner Brodsky asked why the City Council didn't act on Council Member Sniff's desire to name the park after Larry Allen. Commissioner Brodsky asked if Mr. Allen is still alive. Commissioner Brodsky stated it was his understanding that the City does not name facilities after living people. Director Hylton stated that the policy does not reflect that and we can name parks after someone that is still alive. Chairperson Weber stated that the Commission is an advisory to the City Council and we have given City Council our recommendations. City Council took our advice, another suggestion was input, and City Council sent it back to the Commission for our advice. We have a procedure to follow and the names should have relevance to the issue and of significant impact. Vice -Chairperson Leidner asked if Larry Allen is the same Larry Allen that operates a competitive business in La Quinta and is a real estate agent and broker.. The consensus was no. Director Hylton stated the City Council had some of the same questions as the Commission. Director Hylton stated that since the park is on Seeley Drive it might ultimately be called that by residents. Vice -Chairperson Leidner stated that he does not know if there are more significant people in La Quinta that should have a park named after them. We could be offending someone that might be more worthy. Commissioner Quill stated she is not in support of the Larry Allen name. She recommended naming the park after John Pena at the last meeting, but the Commission decided not to set a precedence of naming a park after a person. She asked if the City Council was satisfied with names that the Commission Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 -8- recommended. Chairperson Weber stated that the City Council never addressed the other names. Commissioner Quill recommends sending back the three recommendations originally submitted. She suggested thinking about using Cahuillan Indian names to keep the language alive. Commissioner Quill suggested "Ahwalem Park" which is the cahuillan name for dog. Commissioner Long stated that the Commission has spent far too much time on this item. He stated that he would not recommend Larry Allen Park. Commissioner Gassman stated she was interested in reading the City Council comments from their minutes. She is concerned with naming a park or recreation center after an individual. Commissioner Gassman recommends providing staff with alternate direction to look into some other names of individuals who have been instrumental in creating the City. Commissioner Sylk feels that if City Council liked the Larry Allen name, they would have voted it in, instead they sent it back to the Commission. Commissioner Sylk stated he is against naming it Larry Allen. Commissioner Sylk suggested the Commission come up with names and topics that have happened in that area for recommendations. Chairperson Weber stated that the Council Members shared the viewpoint that they did not want to name a park based on one Council Member's suggestion. Chairperson Weber stated he does not share an affinity for naming it after a live person. Chairperson Weber suggested that the Commission might want to clarify the naming process. Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Brodsky and seconded by Commissioner Quill to resubmit the original names without Larry Allen as an option. Motion failed with Chairperson Weber, Vice -Chairperson Leidner, Commissioner Gassman, and Commissioner Sylk opposing. Vice -Chairperson Leidner stated that the Commission is here at the pleasure of the City Council and suggested researching names to see who else in the community has done a lot to build the City that should be recognized. Vice -Chairperson Leidner suggested taking time, researching, and requesting the assistance of the Historical Society. Commissioner Gassman stated she thinks it is a historical note to name parks and places after people who have had a major impact. La Quinta is proud of its culture and its art and should recognize someone whose accomplishments are merited.. Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 -9- Commissioner Long stated that the Commission owes it to the City Council to react to the request to name the park after Larry Allen. The Commission should act on the recommendation of Larry Allen Park, which he would act on unfavorably. Commissioner Brodsky stated that Larry Allen may have done all these things and he is still alive. Parks should not be named after living people. Commissioner Quill stated she would like to go back to Cahuillan names. Chairperson Weber commented that the Commission needs to be very deliberative. Chairperson Weber stated he feels uncomfortable naming something after someone that is alive. He would like to see the policy reviewed and clarified. Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and seconded by Commissioner Long to provide staff with an alternative direction, requesting assistance from the Historical Society and requesting the opportunity for the Commission to review the park naming policy. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Consideration of a Dark Meeting in August 2008 Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Gassman to elect to go dark in August 2008. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Quill asked if staff foresees anything coming up. Director Hylton stated that the City Council is dark for two meetings and does not feel that there is anything immediate. Commissioner Quill asked when the Top of the Cove Plan would be going to City Council. Director Hylton stated that if it is going as an agenda item, she is hoping to take it to the July meeting. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS 1. Monthly Department Report for April 2008 Commissioner Long noted that the Library rentals are in the red compared to last year. Director Hylton stated that facility revenue is down $26,000. Staff projected this revenue to go down once the Library Multi Purpose Room was no longer being rented. Commissioner Brodsky noted that the revenue to date is down $20,000 in 4 months and the Resident Card revenues are down over $10,000. Director Hylton stated that Resident Cards are issued every 3 years, with some of them being renewed in the next fiscal year. Commissioner Brodsky stated he would like to ask the Commission to come up with some creative suggestions to, increase revenues. Director Hylton stated that Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 -10- the ability to rent the Library is unlike anything else we have available. City Council was aware that Phase II of the Library would take away that rental revenue. Commissioner Brodsky asked if there is a charge for Civic Center Campus weddings. Director Hylton stated that there is a charge. Commissioner Brodsky asked how things are promoted to new residents. Director Hylton noted that the Marketing Plan indicates how things are promoted. Commissioner Gassman stated one way to increase revenue is for people to find out about excursions, classes, etc. from the newspaper, the Gem, and the Activities Guide. Commissioner Gassman stated that she did not receive the Activities Guide this time and suggested getting it out earlier. Commissioner Quill stated that if we send the Activities Guide too early people tend to throw them away or lose them. The Activities Guide should be sent in a timely manner. Commissioner Quill asked why there were fewer bridge classes. Director Hylton stated that there is a new instructor who is trying to build clientele. Commissioner Sylk asked if residents who have Resident Cards get discounts on activities and excursions. Director Hylton stated that the Resident Card is designed just for SilverRock Resort golf. Commissioner Sylk stated that the Resident Card should be for more than golf to get more people to buy the card. Chairperson Weber stated that the Resident Card expanded discounts is something that could be considered in the Commission meeting with City Council. Commissioner Quill requested that Steve Howlett call the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District about the gophers at the Community Park. Commissioner Quill stated that the art piece in front of Stater Bros. needs to be cleaned. 2. Calendar of Monthly Events Commissioner Gassman asked about having fireworks for the 4th of July. Director Hylton stated that staff is addressing it in the budget and will be going to City Council for discussion for next year. COMMISSIONER ITEMS 1. Reports from Commissioners Regarding Meetings Attended. Commissioner Quill stated that Steve Howlett did a good job talking about the Fred Wolff Nature Preserve Master Plan. There was no one there to lead all the people Community Services Commission Minutes June 9, 2008 -11- on a walk so Commissioner Quill and Commissioner Gassman led them on the Fred Wolff Nature Preserve. Commissioner Quill stated that the open air cinema with Surf's Up was awesome. Commissioner Gassman stated she went to the Temecula Excursion and it was fantastic. Staff does a fabulous job trying to select a variety of experiences. OPEN DISCUSSION Vice -Chairperson Leidner asked if the City has any exposure with Commissioners taking people on the nature walk. Director Hylton stated that it is within our existing park site and is not a problem. Chairperson Weber stated that the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District is not holding the Kids Summer Camp at the Community Park because they have a lack of enrollment. Director Hylton stated that the Boys & Girls is ramping up some of their summer programs. Chairperson Weber stated that he appreciates serving on the Commission and feels the Commission has done some great work. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Brodsky to adjourn the Community Services Commission meeting at 7:53 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. NEXT MEETING INFORMATION: A Regular Meeting of the Community Services Commission to be held on July 14, 2008 commencing at 5:30 p.m. at the La Quinta Study Session Room, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253. Submitte by: Angela Guereque Community Services Senior Secretary