CITY OF INDIO

Youth Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting

April 4, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

150 Civic Center Mall

Indio, California

Regular meeting called to order at 5:10 pm by Don Martin.

Pledge of Allegiance led by Don Martin.

Committee Members Present:

Mike Wilson, City Council, Chair (arrived at 5:11 p.m.)

Carey Carlson, Coachella Valley USD Administration (arrived at 5:12 p.m.)

Trina Jellison, JFK Memorial Hospital

Regina Hawkins, Youth Advisory Council Advisor

Don Martin, CV Recreation & Park District

Ann Reinhagen, Coachella Valley USD

Pamper Rodriguez, Parks & Recreation Commission

Committee Members Absent:

Jim Ducatte, Boys & Girls Club, Vice Chair

Craig DeWitt, YMCA

Ron Hare, Indio Chamber of Commerce

Luciano Ramirez, Desert Sands USD

Brad Ramos, Chief of Police/IYTF

Father John Vieira, Ministerial Alliance/OLPH

Staff Present:

David Ison, Youth Coordinator

Ben Guitron, Administrative Officer

Martha Sommons, Executive Assistant

1. Report on new City Manager Glenn Southard (Verbal Report by Chairperson Wilson)

Chairperson Wilson stated Glenn is both youth and community oriented. He has 17 years experience in Claremont and has brought his Assistant City Manager Bridget with him to Indio. He anticipates a lot will be accomplished in a short period of time. Glenn is looking into acquiring land for parks. He is 110% behind Glenn. Claremont is one of the first cities to have a youth master plan. Glenn will move 150 miles per hour.

2. Report on Youth Master Plan Steering Committee Past Year Achievements (Verbal Report by David Ison)

David Ison reported on the first 15 months of work done on the Youth Master Plan. A survey of 1,456 students was conducted from 5^th to 11^th grade. The results will be used to develop the Master Plan and local after school program providers are evaluating the information and making adjustments to their activities accordingly. We received 81 responses to the second survey on service providers. The responses received provided valuable information, but the most important was what the service providers perceived as barriers and gaps in service that exist and what three additional services should be provided to our youth. More than 175 meetings with individuals ranging from educators to parents were held, providing information beneficial to our planning process. So far, 250 leaders from the Coachella Valley participated in two separate meetings. The first meeting focused on bringing a diverse group of people to address subjects that were very specific. Claremont’s City Manager and Human Services Director made a presentation on the challenges and rewards. Due to his role as Youth Coordinator, he has been asked to serve in several youth oriented organizations. The initial information gathered identified several key issues – lack of facility based programs in north Indio. There is now an effort by the Sunrise Rotary Club to raise funds for construction of a 10-12,000 square foot youth center. The Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council are working together to create a Park Master Plan to address current and future park needs. In November a delegation of 4 adults and 5 teenagers, sponsored by the City, attended the Search Institute Healthy Communities – Healthy Youth Conference. The conference emphasized the importance of the 40 developmental asset model in developing youth. It is crucial that this model be infused into all aspects of the final draft of the Master Plan and are working with both local school districts in infusing the philosophy into their programs. Finally, a discussion with both school districts was held to explore the joint use of facilities. Moreover, the City is exploring constructing new parks adjacent to new schools. A discussion followed about the Quimby Act fees, City Council providing direction on parks, two new projects proposing to build each a 5 acres park and the joint use of school facilities.

3. Update on the Asset Developer Recruitment (Verbal Report by David Ison)

David Ison stated the process is slower than what he would like it to be. He requested from committee members to provide referrals for asset developers.

4. Discuss June 8, 2005 Community Meeting (David Ison)

David Ison remarked Mark Scharenbroich will be making a presentation at the June 8^th community meeting. It is expected 200-300 people will attend the meeting at Fantasy Springs Casino. He anticipates people will enjoy the presentation based on the 40 development assets, helping parents with their parenting skills.

5. Report on the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians Grant Application (Verbal Report by David Ison)

David Ison reported he submitted a proposal last year for $80,000 in grants funds to the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians for kids program. The Augustine Band thought it was a good idea and granted the request. This year a grant request was submitted for $131,000, but told to ask for more funds. He submitted a second proposal for $200,000, but told to submit for $425,000. For the third time he submitted proposal for $431,000. According to the Augustine Band, of the 9 proposals received, Indio scored the highest. By May, we will know if we will receive the grant funds.

6. Update on Park Grants (Verbal Report by David Ison)

David Ison provided an overview of the park grant funds received. Barbara Baker of the State Department of Parks & Recreation will look at Miles and Carreon parks. The City submitted an application for $1.8 million with the City to match $400,000 for Dr. Carreon Park. We will know next month of the result.

City plans to improve some parks including Yucca Park by installing playground equipment and a 48’ x 60’ shade structure over playground equipment and resurfacing of the basketball courts. Dominguez Park will follow with improvements.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. by Chairperson Wilson.