Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-13_Approved_MinutesCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BALBOA VILLAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Regular Meeting Location: ExplorOcean, 600 East Bay Avenue Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. I. Call Meeting to Order Chair Henn called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The following persons were in attendance: Balboa Village Advisory Committee Members: Michael Henn — Council Member (Chair) Tony Petros — Council Member Gloria Oakes — Balboa Peninsula Point Association Ralph Rodheim — Balboa Village Merchant Association Member Grace Dove — Central Newport Beach Community Association Tom Pollack — ExplorOcean Representative Jim Stratton — Member -At -Large Representative Staff Members: Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director Tony Brine, City Traffic Engineer Fern Nueno, Associate Planner il. Public Comment on Non - Agendized Items (comments limited to 3 minutes) Interested parties were invited to address the Committee on Non- Agendized Items. Howard Hall reported that the last meeting, there was a problem with the order for public comments that has usually been followed on agendas. He stated that when he asked for comments, these didn't matter but all that seemed to matter was to get the vote through. He stated he was unable to provide his comments at the correct time due to the order at the meeting. Committee Member Petros reported speaking with Mr. Hall and has apologized to him as Committee Member Petros was mistaken. He stated that the question was asked as to when it would be time for public comments and Committee Member Petros, when Mr. Hall spoke, thought it was the public comment section of the meeting, not public comment on that item. Committee Member Petros indicated that he was wrong and asked Mr. Hall to accept his apology. There being no others wishing to address the Committee, Chair Henn closed the Public Comment on Non - Agenda Items portion of the meeting. III. Approval of Minutes (Attachment 1) Recommended Action: Approve October 9, 2013 Minutes. Chair Henn noted his recusal from the matter since he was not in attendance at the October 9, 2013 meeting. Fern Nueno, Associate Planner, acknowledged receiving written comments from Council Member Petros and noted corrections made to the minutes. Interested parties were invited to address the Committee on this item. Howard Hall reported that all of his comments were made when Council Member Petros opened the public comments portion of the meeting and that it appears that he commented prior to that, in the minutes. He stated that his comments should be under the public comments portion of the meeting. Staff noted that Mr. Hall commented after the vote and therefore, his comments remained in that position as it was reflecting the specific item. Mr. Hall indicated he would prefer if his comments were placed under public comments. Community Development Director Brandt stated the minutes reflect her attendance, but that she was absent. Jim Mosher noted typographical errors in the minutes. There being no others wishing to address the Committee, Chair Henn closed public comments on this matter. Committee Member Stratton moved to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2013 meeting as amended, Committee Member Rodheim seconded the motion; which carried, with Chair Henn, abstaining. IV. ULI Balboa Technical Assistance Panel Report (Attachment 2) Recommended Action: Review Recommendations and Provide Direction, as appropriate Community Development Director Kimberly Brandt reported receiving a final version of the ULI Balboa Technical Assistance Panel Report, and noted that hard copies have been printed for the Committee's use and that it will be placed on the City's website. She stated that the recommendations will be reviewed in detail but stressed that this is one more document that has been created for use as the Committee moves forward with recommendations for improvements for Balboa Village. She added that not all of the ideas have to be implemented immediately, but that the document is one more resource of information available. She noted that it provides "out of the box" thinking about possibilities for the Village. Committee Member Rodheim requested that an official letter of commendation be written to Bob Voit thanking him for his support in making this happen. He noted that the report is comprehensive and forward - thinking. In addition, he suggested sending a letter to the Urban Land Institute (ULI) for their work and commented positively on the organization and its professional representatives. Staff clarified that thank you letters were sent to the ULI Panel and now that the final report is available, a letter will be sent to Mr. Voit on behalf of the Committee. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of holding a study session with City Council to review the document. Chair Henn suggested reviewing the document at the Committee level to get a better sense of the group's views about the recommendations. He stated the process was never intended that the report and recommendations become action items and indicated that the recommendations need to be vetted. His expectation is that the Committee will selectively pull from the report those items that are worth follow up and see how they can be integrated for action by the City. Deputy Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski reported that the document addresses many concepts that overlap, and that ideas and recommendations have been combined to present towards the end of the presentation. She reported that the beginning of the report provides background regarding ULI and the vision of the area, opportunities and constraints, and the scope of the analysis. At this time, focus will be on the recommendations made. She addressed arrival into the Village and looking at Adams and Balboa Boulevard as the main entry points into the Village. Toward this goal, landscape improvements and signage were suggested as well as capitalizing on the authenticity of the area through design guidelines and focusing on the existing historic resources such as the Balboa Theater. In response to Committee Member Petros's inquiry regarding special requirements to bridge a highway or right -of -way, City Traffic Engineer Tony Brine stated that he is not aware of any special requirements. It was noted that it will need to be at a certain height to allow trucks to travel under it and it was suggested that if it involves a sign, that it be a lighted. Ms. Wisneski addressed fagade improvements that have been discussed, simple updates and design guidelines to ensure that changes are consistent with the authenticity of the area. Discussion followed regarding form -based zoning, the orientation of buildings on Palm Street towards the Bay, and addressing them at staff level rather than through a form -based code. Committee Member Petros addressed a sense of discovery and stated he liked a form -based concept, not necessarily another level of zoning. Lesley Miller commented on the 3rd Street Promenade and Palm Desert and wondered how the recommendations interface with the City's Master Plan and whether there are redevelopment funds available. Chair Henn noted there is a Master Plan and suggested that Ms. Miller review the same for a better understanding. Ms. Wisneski continued with the presentation and addressed activating streets and alleys, and making buildings two- and three -sided for opportunities to tie activities to the street. Discussion followed regarding challenges with providing dining experiences on the sand, the concept of outdoor activities, and utilizing alleys. Ms. Wisneski presented important focal points to focus on including the Pavilion, the Ferris wheel, Balboa Park, Ruby's, and enhancing connections from Palm Street into the parking lot. It was noted that the orientation of the facilities need to be reviewed. Ms. Wisneski addressed improving upon existing signage. Discussion followed regarding the design and functionality of the bus - parking area. The importance of providing for bus parking was noted. Ms. Wisneski addressed specific improvements and discussion included the need for wider sidewalks, landscaping, the gateway, orienting buildings, vertical building edge, night lighting, and the possibility of lighting the palms on Palm Avenue. Discussion followed regarding closing Bay Avenue to vehicular traffic and the possibility of doing so for special events and improvements of circulation during peak periods. It was suggested to form a Sub - Committee to review each of the items and develop recommendations. Ensuing discussion pertained to traffic and the possibility of establishing a tram system, bus parking on the pier lot, removing some of the parking on Bay Avenue, generation of parking revenues, and access for delivery and trash vehicles. The importance of Bay Avenue, from a circulation stand - point, was noted. Discussion followed regarding practices in Europe where streets are tight and their implementation of poles to control street traffic. It was suggested that the use of Bay Avenue for walking, street -front shopping, and dining is necessary. Ms. Wisneski addressed recommendations for special events for residents and visitors on a year - round basis. Committee Member Rodheim reported that the Christmas -tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on December 7, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. and that activities will be held throughout the day from 2:00 p.m. on. He noted the need for volunteers on November 30, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. to help with decorating. He added that the Village is trying to spruce up for the Holiday Season. Additionally, he reported that thanks to the efforts of Visit Newport Beach, a championship football game will be held following the Rose Bowl and noted that 6,000 room nights have been sold. He stated that a Taste of Balboa is planned and lots of good things are happening in the Village. Chair Henn added that the idea is to have on -going events throughout December, leading up to the Boat Parade. Committee Member Rodheim stated that residents are working hard to bring activities for residents back into the Village and that thereby, tourists will come. Ms. Wisneski continued with the presentation addressing connectivity, pedestrian access, landscaping medians and right -of -ways, and recommendations for a plaza to create a "core" for the Village. Discussion followed regarding potential challenges with the Coastal Commission, the need to address present and future parking needs and the possibility of installing a "park /plaza" area over covered parking or a parking structure and trade -offs to doing so. Ms. Brandt noted this is a very important area of the community and stated that the concept provides many different alternatives that could be considered. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of implementing a shuttle system, eliminating parking in Balboa Village, and the need to provide parking elsewhere in the City. Committee Member Petros commented on the possibility of having immediate effects by implementing certain recommendations over others. Ensuing discussion pertained to the central park plaza concept and the possibility of implementing it for special events, in the short -term. Ms. Wisneski presented a summary of the recommendations and projects that are currently being implemented. Chair Henn commented on closing Bay Avenue and changing the parking lot into a central plaza, noting that, realistically, those ideas need to "morph" in a different direction. Ms. Brandt referenced a two -year work program established for the Committee and reported that a parking component is in process. She suggested, after the New Year, to review the various components and the work program, and infuse some of the ideas into the work program as to what the Committee would like to accomplish during the upcoming year. She suggested taking a fresh look at the work program next year to see what can be implemented, reasonably. Chair Henn added that once the Committee has an idea as to how the recommendations can be incorporated into a new work program, then that may provide a good opportunity to report to Council. Members of the Committee agreed. Ms. Brandt reported that the Planning Commission and Council are aware of what took place and that the document is on the City's website. Discussion followed regarding the timing of way- finding signage, the possibility of providing a memo to Council regarding the Committee's intention and plan, and providing a presentation to Mr. Voit at a future Council meeting in appreciation of his efforts and support. Ms. Brandt stated that she will follow up on the matter. Ensuing discussion pertained to challenges with presenting the plan to the general public and possible misinterpretations. Chair Henn indicated that an explanation of the Committee's plans can be provided to avoid confusion with appropriate disclosures. The use of correct nomenclature was suggested. Discussion followed regarding having perspective, the possibility of holding a contest to stimulate interest as with banners and the status of the parking program. v. Public Comment In response to a question by Committee Member Rodheim, Ms. Nueno noted the upcoming schedule will address and wrap -up the parking strategies including employee parking and a validation program. There were no other public comments. V1. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Balboa Village Advisory Committee, Chair Henn adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.