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Parks and Recreation commissioners schedule oral presentations for soccer RFP as residents urge tougher alcohol rules
Summary
Commissioners heard an RFP update for youth soccer operations, were told four qualifying bids were received and that the top three will present at the next meeting; commissioners and public commenters urged stronger MOU language to address alcohol and field upkeep while staff confirmed waived youth league fees since 2021.
The Parks and Recreation Commission of Coachella City received an update on a soccer-league request for proposals and agreed to invite the top three bidders to give oral presentations at the next regular meeting, staff said.
Public Works Director (speaker 4) told commissioners the city received four qualifying bids and that reviewers evaluated proposals on league background, organization capacity, league structure, program fee schedule and unique league features. "We received a total of 4 bids that were qualifying bids," the director said, and reported average scores: CISA 84; Coachella Football Association 82.3; Coachella Valley Sports Association 81; California State Soccer Association 79.
The presentation set the next procedural steps: staff will forward the individual scoring sheets and the original RFPs to commissioners and schedule oral interviews with the three top-scoring applicants. The commission will make a recommendation that staff plans to present to Coachella City Council in May, staff said.
Commissioners and members of the public used the discussion period to press for tighter accountability in the leagues' memoranda of understanding. Commissioner Andrew Gallegos (speaker 1) said adding enforceable MOU language on alcohol-related misconduct could improve safety and the city's reputation. "If they're gonna be, you know, taking action towards the alcohol because now we're having, you know, people from out of town, they say we don't wanna come because Coachella, all they do is just drink and fight," Gallegos said, arguing MOU provisions that carry penalties could change conduct at fields.
A Spanish-language public commenter asked that city children receive registration priority and urged consistent enforcement when alcohol or other misconduct is found at parks, saying the permit should be revoked in those cases. Staff said MOU provisions related to drinking exist and could be strengthened, including adding penalties.
Commissioners also discussed finances and field care. Staff confirmed that fees for youth leagues have been waived since 2021 and that the city provides a reimbursement program for a portion of registration fees. Commissioners estimated the combined waived field-use fees at roughly $60,000 annually (one league about $35,000, the other about $25,000); the public-works representative said the department’s spending on field maintenance exceeds that figure. Commissioners suggested including clearer responsibilities for routine repairs and field upkeep in future MOUs.
Staff said it would deliver the scoring sheets to commissioners ahead of the next meeting and schedule the oral presentations; a formal recommendation to city council will follow after the commission’s review and any motion the body chooses to make. The commission also approved its agenda and bundled meeting minutes earlier in the session.
The commission did not make a final selection at the meeting; the process will continue after the scheduled presentations and any formal recommendation to the City Council.
