2007 10 08 CSC MinutesAPPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 8, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order at
5:31 p.m. by Chairperson Weber.
Vice -Chairperson Leidner led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioner Sheldon Brodsky
Commissioner Andrea Gassman
Vice -Chairperson Bob Leidner
Commissioner E. Howard Long
Commissioner Robert F. Sylk
Chairperson Mark Weber
STAFF PRESENT: Edie Hylton, Community Services Director
Steve Howlett, Golf & Parks Manager
Christina Calderon, Recreation Supervisor
Angela Guereque, Community Services Senior Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
Motion - It was moved by Commissioner Gassman and seconded by Commissioner
Sylk to confirm the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
Mr. LeGrand Velez, Executive Director, Coachella Valley Community Trails Alliance
(CVCTA) handed out updated flyers and outlines explaining this new 501(c)3
nonprofit organization. The CVCTA mission is to marshal private and public
resources for the development of a multi -use urban trail network in the Coachella
Valley.
Paved off-street trails constructed in linear parkways provide greater safety and a
superior hiking/cycling/rider experience through reduced user interaction with
traffic. Whenever possible, the CVCTA advocates for the creation of multi -use
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Community Services Commission Minutes October 8, 2007
trails that provide dual paved and graded earthen paths to serve a broad community
of users, including bicyclists, walkers, joggers, hikers, equestrians, skaters, children
in strollers, and people using mobility devices (such as wheelchairs). These
community trails will provide recreational and health benefits as well as non -
motorized transportation linkages between schools, homes, parks, hiking trails, on -
street bike lanes, commercial areas and other points of interest.
CVCTA's initial focus is in the east Coachella Valley, where the opportunity exists
to establish a community trails network in conjunction with on -going development.
The Coachella Canal and the Whitewater Storm Channel will serve as the backbone
for a larger linear parkway system. Parks are planned adjacent to the canal that
will serve as trailheads and provide parking. The CVCTA envisions a regional loop
trail system that will eventually connect the entire Coachella Valley, from Palm
Springs to the Salton Sea. This trails network will integrate the Coachella Valley's
many jurisdictions and help to develop a sense of community.
CVCTA provides regional information on all types of trails, including bike lanes,
equestrian trails, hiking trails, and mountain -biking trails. In order to succeed,
CVCTA needs the support of the community.
Commissioner Gassman asked if the paths would be along the Storm Channel. Mr.
Velez stated that they will be along the Whitewater Storm Channel and the
Coachella Canal. Commissioner Gassman asked if heat retention in the canal
would be an issue. Mr. Velez stated that the paths will be on the banks, not within
the canal.
Commissioner Gassman suggested mile markers being placed on the Urban Trails
and the Bike map.
Vice -Chairperson Leidner asked if there would be fencing along the channels. Mr.
Velez stated that there should be fencing for safety.
Mr. Velez requested the Commission to recommend a letter of support to the City
Council. The Commission agreed to consider this at their next meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Approval of September 10, 2007 Minutes
Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Sylk and seconded by Commissioner
Long to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
Community Services Commission Minutes October 8, 2007
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PUBLIC HEARING
None.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Consideration of a Commissioner to attend the CPRS Conference February 26-
29, 2008
Commissioner Sylk suggested that Commissioner Long attend this conference.
Commissioner Gassman commented that this conference was excellent in
Sacramento and it might be more beneficial for a new commissioner to attend.
Commissioner Long stated he would like to go.
Motion — It was moved by Vice -Chairperson Leidner and seconded by
Commissioner Sylk to recommend Commissioner Long to attend the California
Parks and Recreation Society's Annual Conference in Long Beach, California
February 26-29, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Consideration of Two Tile Murals in Old Town
Director Hylton presented the history of this project and stated that Old Town
would like to see this work finished.
Commissioner Gassman asked where the original project was going to be. Leslie
Locken stated Mural #1 will be placed in the same area the original project was to
be.
Vice -Chairperson Leidner asked why we would want something larger or more
expensive. Leslie Locken stated that Old Town wanted a larger representation with
quality and character.
Vice -Chairperson Leidner asked if Wells Marvin is willing to fund the difference of
$4,080. Chairperson Weber stated that Mr. Marvin should consider funding the
difference.
Vice -Chairperson Leidner asked why there was a disparity in the square foot price.
Nancy Cush stated that one mural takes more work than the other, due to the use
of field tile for the background which is commercially made.
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Community Services Commission Minutes October 8, 2007
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Vice-Chairperson Leidner asked who commissioned the previous artist, Tom
McGraw. Commissioner Gassman stated that Mr. McGraw approached Wells
Marvin.
Commissioner Long stated that he looked at the wall where Mural #2 will be placed
and it seems to be dark and hidden. Commissioner Sylk asked if this area could be
illuminated. Leslie Locken stated that this is an archway and it can have
illumination.
Commissioner Gassman asked how long Larry Cush has been doing art. Mr. Cush
stated that he has been doing art for over 30 years.
Leslie Locken asked if the City has looked into recovering the money from Tom
McGraw. Chairperson Weber stated that the amount is not significant to warrant a
recovery.
Commissioner Gassman stated she was concerned with this process without the
benefit of an RFP. Director Hylton stated that whenever the City has a project it
goes out to bid. The APP Ordinance allows for developers to go out and pick an
artist of their choice.
Commissioner Brodsky would like to see the locations before voting.
Commissioner Long suggested delaying the decision until a field review could be
done.
Commissioner Gassman suggested finding out the cost of lighting.
Motion — It was moved by Commissioner Long and seconded by Commissioner
Gassman to table this item until November 19, 2007. Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
1. Community Services Department Programs, Accomplishments, and Goals
Director Hylton explained that this document is directly related to the Fiscal Year
2007/2008 Budget. These items are integrated into the Commission Work Plan.
Commissioner Long asked what the current Senior Center cancellation rate is right
now. Christina Calderon stated the highest cancellation rate is in the Summer at
approximately 50%. The average cancellation rate is between 30% and 35%.
2. Monthly Department Report for August 2007
corrvnunity Sorvices Commission Minutes October 8, 2007
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Commissioner Long stated that the Department Report should state "September"
not "October."
Chairperson Weber noted that the numbers for AYSO went down. Director Hylton
stated this was from their camp attendance.
3. Calendar of Monthly Events
Commissioner Gassman stated that she will be judging at the Dog-O-Ween with her
husband, Alan.
4. Senior Center Monthly Luncheons and Special Events for Fall 2007
5. Practicing Planner
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
1. Reports from Commissioners Regarding Meetings Attended.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Commissioner Gassman shared her support of the La Quinta Historical Society
membership and urged the Commission to support it.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Sylk and seconded by Commissioner Long to
adjourn the Community Services Commission meeting at 7:12 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
NEXT MEETING INFORMATION:
A Special Meeting of the Community Services Commission to be held on October
23, 2007 commencing at 7:45 p.m. in the La Quinta Senior Center, 78-450
Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, CA 92253.
WbmmitteAby: 016k
Angela Guereque
Community Services Senior Secretary
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