HomeMy WebLinkAbout35 - CdM Centennial Celebration PlazaCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 35
June 22, 2004
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Economic & Community Development, Planning Department
George Berger, AICP; Program Manager
(949) 644 -3207; gaberger @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation Request for Conceptual Approval
of'CdM Centennial Celebration Plaza' project
ISSUE:
Should the City Council grant Conceptual Approval to the Corona del Mar Centennial
Foundation for a public beautification project —known as the CdM Centennial
Celebration Plaza —to be located proximate to the intersection of Coast Highway and
Marguerite Avenue?
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the conceptual design for the "CdM Centennial Celebration Plaza" and
its elements;
IRN
2. Deny the Foundation's request.
DISCUSSION:
The Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation requests that the City Council approve in
concept the overall design elements of a City beautification project proposed to be
located on a portion of the City's existing municipal parking lot and parkway near the
intersection of Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue. The proposed plaza, which will
commemorate the 100 -year anniversary of the founding of the village of Corona del
Mar, consists of decorative sidewalk pavers, a "donor" tile seat wall, ornamental trees
and landscaping, pole- mounted pennants, and a commemorative time capsule
monument that is proposed to be capped by a functional and decorative clock tower.
Background:
In conjunction with its plans for the 100 -year anniversary celebration of the
establishment of the village of Corona del Mar, the Corona del Mar Centennial
Foundation (Foundation) has submitted a request to the City for the use of a portion of
the City's municipal parking lot and sidewalk area near the southwest corner of the
intersection of East Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue to install a City
beautification project to be known tentatively as the "CdM Centennial Celebration
Plaza." Upon completion, this plaza is planned to contain a number of unified decorative
elements, consisting of decorative sidewalk pavers, a "donor' the seat wall, ornamental
trees and landscaping, pole- mounted pennants, and a commemorative time capsule
monument that is proposed to be capped by a functional and decorative clock tower.
CdM Centennial Plaza Goals:
The CdM Centennial Foundation is a 501(c)3 non - profit organization established to fund
the Corona del Mar Centennial Celebration; and thereafter, to further the physical
enhancement of Corona del Mar. Their aim is to bring together the entire community to
honor the 100 -year birthday of Corona del Mar, as a prelude to the Centennial of
Newport Beach in 2006. Along with special event celebrations, history, educational
programs and community involvement, The CdM Centennial Foundation has embarked
upon a fundraising campaign to support this proposed community enhancement project
and Centennial monument.
The four major goals of the CdM Centennial Celebration Plaza are:
1) To provide a public "statement" that represents the story and essence of the
village of Corona del Mar;
2) To create a functional public "place," worthy of the Centennial celebration, that
provides a literal and figurative sense of "time;"
3) To provide an appropriate "icon" that is apparent to travelers along Coast
Highway as well as to pedestrians; and
4) To provide an appropriate site for the commemorative Corona del Mar time
capsule.
As such, the Foundation is asking to use this public property site because of its
centrality to the community of Corona del Mar, and because the location is already
known as a community gathering point —the weekly community Certified Farmer's
Market is held in the municipal parking lot each Saturday morning, and the dolphin
topiary statues in the adjacent Coast Highway median planters at Marguerite are
beloved by visitors and local residents alike.
Vision 2004 Focal Point:
Additionally, this location was first chosen as the ideal location for an 'iconic' community
focal point project — specifically including a clock tower —by the local community of
business people and residents who came together in 1999 and 2000 to outline what
became known as the "Vision 2004: A Plan for Corona del Mar's Centennial." This plan
(see attached) represents the efforts of the City, the Corona del Mar Business
Improvement District, the CdM Chamber of Commerce, the CdM Residents Association,
individual CdM homeowners associations, and other local community groups, and was
"vetted" in 2000 and 2001 to over 3,660 households in CdM. In 2001, the City Council
approved the plan "in concept," and City staff began working with the CdM BID toward
obtaining the relinquishment of the section of Coast Highway through Corona del Mar,
which would make possible more substantial streetscape beautification projects. The
relinquishment was approved by the City Council earlier this year, and it is expected
that the final paperwork will be signed this Fall.
In the Vision 2004 Plan document, the following is noted:
"It is proposed that a 'Village Green" will be created at the parking area at
Marguerite and Bayside Drive ... [and] it is also envisioned that the "Village
Green" contain a focal point structure such as a clock tower... located near
the Marguerite and Coast Highway intersection ... and this can truly
become the "Village Center."
The Business Improvement District Board fully supports the project, and in
fact matched the initial contribution of the City Council to establish the
CdM Centennial Foundation —the non - profit organization expressly
established to raise funds for centennial activities and projects, including
the one proposed here.
Project Description:
As noted above (and on the attached vicinity map), the proposed project site is near the
intersection of East Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue. Attached are conceptual
sketches of the proposed plans, provided by designer and project architect Ron Yeo,
including a site plan indicating the location of enhanced pavers, the 18 -inch and 36 -inch
high "donor' tile seating /planter walls, the location of the 24 -foot clock tower —
underneath which will be the actual time capsule monument itself —and proposed
locations for four new ornamental trees.
The clock tower, conceptual at this time (and shown on the attached elevation study), is
proposed to have living lattice walls of climbing 'Bignonia' vine and a working, four -sided
"clockworks." The time capsule monument is proposed to be made of engraved stone,
etched with the names of major community and corporate donors, and placed under the
center of the tower. The concrete pavers — similar to those currently used at Corona del
Mar Plaza —are proposed as bands of colored concrete representing the shifting sands
of Corona del Mar Beach, with occasional pavers having etched sea creatures
appropriate to the area.
The "donor" tile seating wall is proposed to be a colorful backdrop for the clock tower
and time capsule monument, while being designed as a more appropriate and formal
entrance from the intersection to the municipal parking lot —site of the weekly Farmer's
Market, and likely other future community events. The wall is also proposed as a
decorative low seating wall, that —while still allowing visual observation into the parking
lot by public safety officers —is a suitable location for the Foundation's proposed "Tile for
Smiles" fundraising campaign. This effort is a way for families, individuals, community
groups and businesses to participate in the 100th birthday of the village and have that
participation last well into the future. Individual 8 "x8" porcelain tiles will be available for
purchase via an agreement with the Foundation and its vendor; they will then be
individually painted by the purchaser at a "Color Me Mine" retail location (CMM is the
Foundation's vendor for this endeavor), kiln - fired, and installed during the construction
of the wall. While this project is a fundraising opportunity for the project, it is also an
artistic endeavor for many local individuals, proposed as a lasting tribute to their
involvement in the community. The tiles are able to withstand outdoor installation, and a
similar tile installation has been installed at Harbor View Elementary School.
In order to accommodate for the CdM Centennial Celebration Plaza, the existing
municipal parking lot will be reconfigured somewhat in order to maintain the current
amount of available parking spaces. There are presently five spaces in the parking
"bay" that is in the project work area; the parkway planter area separating the sidewalk
from the parking lot will be reconstructed to accommodate three of these spaces —
including the two existing handicapped accessibility spaces —the other two will be
replaced, via re- striping and re- metering, elsewhere in the parking lot.
Commission Reviews:
Up to three existing Ficus trees in the landscaped area of the parking lot are proposed
to be removed, along with an existing Melaleuca tree that is on City property. These will
be replaced by four new ornamental trees and pole- mounted pennants, as noted on the
elevation sketch. The project designer is currently working with the City Arborist and
Park and Tree Supervisor to determine the most appropriate tree variety to meet both
the project's and the City's criteria — appropriate good looks, healthiness, and low
maintenance. The project was introduced to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation
Commission at their regular June 1st meeting; their involvement is advisory and relates
to the tree removal and replacement matters (see attached PB &R Commission
Minutes).
At their June 10th regular meeting, the Arts Commission reviewed the project, and
specifically discussed the items considered to be artistic in nature, notably the
decorative donor tile wall. The Arts Commission adopted a motion stating that the
Commission "...approves the conceptual design for the "CdM Centennial Celebration
Plaza" and its elements, and will forward a recommendation to the City Council. " The
only recommended contingency was that an individual from the Arts Commission be
appointed by the Chair as a representative on the CdM Centennial Committee. In fact,
both Commissioner Dennis Baker and Vice -Chair David Colley will work directly with the
Centennial Art Committee to assist in the final design of the plaza, and will act as liaison
to the Arts Commission. (The Minutes of the Arts Commission meeting are not yet
published.)
Proposed Cost:
Overall costs for the proposal have not yet been determined, as it is still conceptual in a
number of ways. However, a preliminary target fundraising budget of $150,000 has
been set by the Foundation, and all costs for this permanent element of the Centennial
Celebration will be privately raised by the Foundation. As required by State law and City
Charter, construction will be done under contract with the City. The parking lot re-
striping and re- metering project —a component that City staff have a more complete
understanding of at this time —is preliminarily estimated to cost roughly $10,000, and
will also be funded by the Foundation.
Processing Issues:
The subject site is public roadway right -of -way being used for a parking lot, and for
zoning purposes is presently un- zoned. As a guide, however, the adjacent commercial
property is in the Retail and Service Commercial (RSC) zoning district, which carries a
32 -foot height limitation; the adjacent residential lots are zoned Multi - Family Residential
(MFR), and have a 28 -foot height limit. Therefore, the proposed 24 -foot height of the
clock tower is under the maximum height limit for both the commercial and residential
properties in the adjacent area. As with other public properties, however, the City
Council is able to make any final decision on the height of a structure on this property.
In order to accommodate the Foundation beginning its fundraising activities for the
proposed project, the City Council is reviewing this proposal on a conceptual basis. If
approved, the Foundation will commence work on detailed engineering and architectural
plans, timed to submit encroachment permit applications and plans for review so that
approvals could be obtained in time for an official groundbreaking ceremony to occur
during the Centennial celebrations in mid - October.
As the project would be located on City property and owned by the City once dedicated
by the Foundation upon completion, a formal Encroachment Agreement between the
City and the Foundation has been determined unnecessary. However, all standard
encroachment and building permits are required.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Although the proposed project is still in its conceptual stage, CEQA review will occur
upon receipt by the City of plans and specifications.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
This agenda item may be noticed according to the Ralph M. Brown Act (72 hours prior
to the public meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
FUNDING AVAILABILITY:
No City funds are proposed to be used for this project, which is proposed to be financed
wholly from privately raised monies.
Therefore, the Foundation requests conceptual approval for their proposed project by
the City Council at this time, which will allow the Foundation's committees and
volunteers to begin raising funds for the project and complete the required plans and
specifications.
Submitted by:
Homer L. Bludau
City Manager
Prepared by:
7
G rge . Berger, AIC
C &ED Project Manager
Attached: 1. Project Vicinity Map
2. Site Plan, for Bandera, 1995
3. Proposed Conceptual Site Plan
4. Proposed Conceptual Elevation
5. Proposed Paver Study Photo
6. Decorative Tile wall photo, Harbor View School
7. Vision 2004 Plan Layout
8. PB &R Commission Minutes; June 1, 2004
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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2004 - 7pm
Absent: Debra Allen
Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation & Senior Services Director
David Niederhaus, General Services Director
Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS
Director Knight stated that each Commissioner was given a packet with a clipboard tonight
that she wanted to share with the Commission. Matt Lohr, Recreation Manager oversees the
Contract Class Instructors of which there are 65. She stated that he had put together an
extensive training this year for all of the instructors, which was mandatory that they attend
one of three meetings (one was during the day, another in the evening and on a Saturday) to
accommodate their various schedules. She went on to say that he created the brochure and
all the supporting materials to make sure that all the contract instructors know the City
policies as they are an extension of the City, an arm of the Department and wanted to make
sure that they are giving the best quality services to our customers as possible. Director
Knight stated that the training was well received by the instructors and we all were so
impressed with the packet and wanted to share that with you and the clipboard is a token of
our appreciation to you. She reminded the Commission that this weekend is the CdM 5K Run
and would confirm with the Chair if she is available to start the women's race if not she
stated that she would let Commissioner Brown know to be there at 8:30am. She also
commented that all should have received the invitation to the Grand Re- Opening of Cliff Drive
Park on Wednesday, June 9 at 3:30pm and urged them all to be there and if not to visit the
park as much has been done including new playground equipment, building has been painted,
basketball court has been resurfaced along with a new pole and backboard donated by some
residents and the extensive mosaic the work that was done on the retaining wall and is just
gorgeous and really sets off the park. Director Knight also stated that they would be receiving
letters very shortly reminding you of the annual 4`" of July festivities at Mariners Park to
ascertain your attendance, and if you know tonight if you will be attending she asked that
they let staff know. And lastly she asked if any of them would not be in attendance at the
July or August meetings to see if they should be scheduled dark.
Director Niederhaus stated that the Adopt -a -Beach program was very successful on May 22
with Mayor Ridgeway, Council Member Rosansky and Commissioner Tobin in attendance and
33 sign -ups. He stated that all the buckets and clean up kits were taken the first day. He
stated that Earth Resources has been asked by the City to squire that program and sign up
volunteers. Stephanie Barger, Earth Resources has already rounded up 10 more volunteers and
14
M
Convened In the absence of Chair Allen, Vice Chair Tobin called the meeting to
order at 7:03pm
by
ROLL CALL
y
Present: Tim Brown
Roy Englebrecht
Bill Garrett
Greg Ruzicka
Val Skoro
Tom Tobin
Absent: Debra Allen
Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation & Senior Services Director
David Niederhaus, General Services Director
Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS
Director Knight stated that each Commissioner was given a packet with a clipboard tonight
that she wanted to share with the Commission. Matt Lohr, Recreation Manager oversees the
Contract Class Instructors of which there are 65. She stated that he had put together an
extensive training this year for all of the instructors, which was mandatory that they attend
one of three meetings (one was during the day, another in the evening and on a Saturday) to
accommodate their various schedules. She went on to say that he created the brochure and
all the supporting materials to make sure that all the contract instructors know the City
policies as they are an extension of the City, an arm of the Department and wanted to make
sure that they are giving the best quality services to our customers as possible. Director
Knight stated that the training was well received by the instructors and we all were so
impressed with the packet and wanted to share that with you and the clipboard is a token of
our appreciation to you. She reminded the Commission that this weekend is the CdM 5K Run
and would confirm with the Chair if she is available to start the women's race if not she
stated that she would let Commissioner Brown know to be there at 8:30am. She also
commented that all should have received the invitation to the Grand Re- Opening of Cliff Drive
Park on Wednesday, June 9 at 3:30pm and urged them all to be there and if not to visit the
park as much has been done including new playground equipment, building has been painted,
basketball court has been resurfaced along with a new pole and backboard donated by some
residents and the extensive mosaic the work that was done on the retaining wall and is just
gorgeous and really sets off the park. Director Knight also stated that they would be receiving
letters very shortly reminding you of the annual 4`" of July festivities at Mariners Park to
ascertain your attendance, and if you know tonight if you will be attending she asked that
they let staff know. And lastly she asked if any of them would not be in attendance at the
July or August meetings to see if they should be scheduled dark.
Director Niederhaus stated that the Adopt -a -Beach program was very successful on May 22
with Mayor Ridgeway, Council Member Rosansky and Commissioner Tobin in attendance and
33 sign -ups. He stated that all the buckets and clean up kits were taken the first day. He
stated that Earth Resources has been asked by the City to squire that program and sign up
volunteers. Stephanie Barger, Earth Resources has already rounded up 10 more volunteers and
14
Parks, Beaches Ft Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2004
Page 2
that they have stated that they do not need to clean monthly that they will do it on a weekly
basis. Staff is beginning to see improvement on litter abatement. He noted that on June 10
the groundbreaking of Mariners Library would take place and invited. the Commission to
attend at fpm. He also noted that on June 9 at 6:30am is a 'Bee Prepared" event with an
outside speaker that will brief employees on the African Bee threat as staff is beginning to
see more swarms and are responding to this if they appear on public property, but noted that
by law if they are not on public property they are unable to disturb the bees. Director
Niederhaus stated that no changes were made on the G -1 tree policy by City Council during
reconsideration and staff has committed that all tree removals will be replaced on a one for
one replacement program and probably even more as staff has done in past years.
Commissioner Skoro asked if the trees that are removed would be replaced in the same
location or an adjacent location.
Director Niederhaus stated that it would be in the same location whenever possible unless
there are circumstances where one of the Council policies such as G -6 prohibits it and in
which case the rule is that the tree will be replaced in the same neighborhood.
Commissioner Skoro asked if it would be a 24" box.
Director Niederhaus stated that at a minimum it would be a 24" box and in some cases it
would be a 36" box tree, but staff does run into circumstances where that tree cannot be
planted at the home and staff collects a tree replacement fee of $700 and a tree is bought for
the adjacent park and that happens on a monthly basis. He stated that heavy equipment have
been moved onto Bayview Park as The Irvine Company has begun the grading on the lower and
the upper portions of the park. He stated that fencing was put up today and the grading will
continue through July. At the June 15 Park Development meeting landscaping issues will be
presented and believed that City Planner Mr. Trimble we will be presenting the perimeter
landscaping plan, and stated that as you know the inner landscaping is all set by the Coastal
Commission as native plantings and so the Committee will only be discussing the fringe area
and what could be done there. Possibly the architect, Mr. Lomeli and Mr. Trimble will be
presenting that at the meeting.
Commissioner Skoro stated that there is a fair amount of choices for native plants that can be
put in to the park and so he stated that it is important that staff try'to get copies of the
proposed plan or suggested plan to the committee members a day or so early if at all possible
to review them and then a more productive meeting can be held.
Director Knight stated that Mr. Trimble has committed to doing just that and will have a set
of plans sent to all of the Commission in advance so that if anyone wants to review them
before the June 15`h meetings they will have them.
Director Niederhaus stated that it would be a really tight timeframe and staff will do their
best.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jan vandersloot, Newport Heights residents, commented on the Brown Act as the apparent
practice of the Commission to send a -mails back and forth as stated and that since he also sits �r
Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2004
Page 3
on the GPAC Committee as well, he asked Assistant City Manager Wood to look into this
because they were told not to do that and so Sharon did some investigating and cannot seem
to find where the City Attorney has said that it is ok to for the PBEtR to do that but she stated
that she opposed his doing that even though based on the Commission's representation at the
last meeting that he had gone ahead and sent a -mails to all the GPAC members and stated
that he believes that it is questionable, and that the Commission should be looking to the City
Attorney again to see if that represents a serial meeting as they are communicating to each
other without benefit of the public being in the loop.
Mr. Vandersloot stated that he does not approve of the new G•1 policy and believes that too
many trees will be removed and looked forward to the Commission making sure that an
excessive number of trees are not removed and that a one -to -one replacement of the right
kind of tree at the same property when at all possible be done and that they will continue to
attend meetings to protect the mature trees of the City.
Larry Porter, Newport Heights residents stated that the Commission should see the remaining
Ficus tree over in Balboa and that it is incredible and wanted to share with them that the tree
is very much alive.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of the May 4. 2004 regular meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve as
written and order filed.
2. Item pulled by a member of the public.
3. Recreation ft Senior Services Activitt Report. Receive and file monthly Activity Report for
activities and upcoming projects.
4. Bench Donation. Accept donation from Mary Kilfoy of one bench to be installed at the Newport Pier.
2. Park ft Tree Division Activity Report. Jan Vandersloot commented on page 2 of the Urban
Forester report of the possible removal of some trees in conjunction with some upcoming City
Council beautification projects at Mariners Park Library and at Corona del Mar Centennial
project and wondered if there is some way for the public such as himself could be brought into
that process.
Director Niederhaus stated that he would refer Mr. Vandersloot to item 5 on the agenda as far
as the Corona del Mar Centennial project and the other issue at Mariners Parks he stated that
staff was not to that point yet and that there is not even a firm landscaping plan yet and it
would be too early to discuss tree removals.
Mr. Vandersloot stated that it would be great to get in on the ground floor of that.
Director Niederhaus stated that there would be an announcement made to the Commission
about what the Public Works library plan would be and then that would be the appropriate
time for Mr. Vandersloot and the public to speak on that issue will be when it goes to the
Council.
Mr. Vandersloot asked if it would be possible to get in on that earlier than that so that they are
part of the planning process rather than reacting to a plan.
Ito
Parks, Beaches Ft Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2004
Page 4
Director Niederhaus stated that staff would try to keep him informed as an interested party of
the process.
Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to receive and approve Items 1 through 4 of the Consent
Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
5. CdM Centennial Vision 2004 - Director Niederhaus stated City Planner George Berger,
works with the CdM BID and is in attendance tonight. He stated that the General Services
Department report has no recommendation as that this item is for information only. He
stated that he had passed out a design handout and that this project is still in the early
planning and that the volunteer architect Ron Yeo is on vacation this week and apologizes
for not being here tonight. Director Niederhaus stated that this proposed plan will be
developed and paid for by private contributions, but because the construction is occurring
in the public right -of -way it will be up for Council plan review and approval. He stated
that the only issue tonight really is just to inform you that there is a possibility, a strong
possibility that 3 to 4 of the City trees that are in the right -of -way at that location may be
removed. He asked the Commission to look at the sketch and notice the highlighted areas
that are identified by species and stated that of course the adjacent property just for
perspective is the northwest corner of Marguerite and East Coast Highway in Corona del
Mar. He stated that this was the area chosen for the Centennial Celebration monument.
He stated that the adjacent property is owned by Bandera Restaurant and that would be
in their parking lot in the upper right corner and on the left is the City Bayside Drive
parking lot. He went on to say that there is the sidewalk with a large Palm Tree off to the
left and then a series of three parkway Ficus trees. He stated that the Ficus tree on the
Left probably will not need to be removed but that it is still a possibility. He stated that
there is a possibility that 3 Ficus trees and possibly the Melaluca tree, which is a part of
the landscaping that goes on up that page where there is a series of Melaluca trees and
some shrubs that were planted by the previous developers of this property before
Bandera.
Director Niederhaus stated that the only issue the Commission tonight is information only
and that there is a little bit of a time crunch with getting approval from the City Council,
regarding the bid process and doing the work on the public right -of -way. He again stated
that Mr. Berger has been the staff liaison with the Corona del Mar BID group. Director
Niederhaus stated that he could answer any questions about the tree removals and
announced that the Clock Tower area is also associated with the project but noted that it
is not up for review by the Commission as it is not in a park and stated that it would go to
the Arts Commission on June 10 at 5pm. He invited the Commissioners to attend if they
have comments and or questions about the tower and that the architect and
representatives of the Committee would be in attendance. He restated that this evening
the only thing that the Commission can talk about is basically the three Ficus trees. He
stated that with the G -1 that there would be a one -for one replacement but at this time
the group has not decided which of the three or four species of ornamental trees that
they would like to put back there but because of the wall and the masonry work and the
tiles that are in the third photograph there it is necessary to remove the Ficus trees and it
is also prudent due to the fact that these will be pavers and it will be a very busy area 1-7
Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2004
Page 5
and could cause damage in the future and so they will be re- landscaping the area and
probably by next month he would have more information about this project. He stated
that this is just a heads up so to speak on the tree removal and replacements.
Commissioner Ruzicka asked if it would be an operational clock or is it just for looks.
Director Niederhaus stated that it would be an operational clock and asked the
Commission to review the four objectives that the Committee has developed to draw
attention to the site for time immortal so to speak.
Vice Chair Tobin opened the public discussion
Jan Vandersloot stated that the City experience with Ficus trees has shown that they can
be pretty severely pruned and asked Director Niederhaus if that were true, that the roots
of the Ficus tree and that even the branches of a Ficus tree can be pruned and that the
Ficus tree can recover and survive?
Director Niederhaus stated that that would be a fair statement.
Mr. Vandersloot stated that you can take a Ficus tree and put it into a 11 foot box and
move it and have it grow nicely and because the City is also spending more money on root
pruning of the Ficus trees that it should be considered from an aesthetic standpoint
keeping as many Ficus as we can and doing some radical root pruning of it and he stated
that he did not understand why that would not be considered and that because it's a Ficus
that it is automatically assumed that it is going to cause damage and believes that Ficus
can be root pruned and trimmed so that they do not cause damage and stated that he
would like the City take that because there are over 6,000 Ficus trees in the City and if
they are considering getting rid of all the Ficus trees in the City then he stated that is not
the right way to go and that he would much rather see the City accommodate what it has
because they are beautiful trees and that is why they were planted in the first place. He
stated that the fact that they may cause infrastructure damage has to be addressed but
that can be done with root barriers and that Ficus trees should be looked at to see if they
can be pruned to fit in the place that will fit in with the beautification project.
Director Niederhaus stated that staff would pass Mr. Vandersloot's comments on to the
CdM Committee to see if they might consider retention of the trees, but at this point it
would be too early to tell.
Vice Chair Tobin closed the public discussion
OLD BUSINESS
6. Committee Reports
• Finance - Commissioner Garrett stated that he and Commissioner Skoro would meet
with Director Knight on June 8 at 8:30am
• Park Development - Commissioner Skoro stated that the next meeting would be June
15 at 8:30am in the Fire Conference Room.
• Rec fz Open Space Element - Nothing to report. 18
Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
June 1, 2004
Page 6
• Recreation Activities - Nothing to report.
• Seniors - Director Knight stated that a meeting had been scheduled for June 10 in the
Council Conference Room.
• Beach Activities - Commissioners Garret asked staff to include Beach Maintenance as
part of the monthly Parks ft Tree Activity Report.
• Ad Hoc
Community Service Award - A meeting will be scheduled in July.
Youth Sports Liaison - A meeting vrill be held in June.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• Commissioner Skoro asked for Smoking on the Beach. Director Niederhaus stated that it was an item
for discussion with the City Council and that it was expected to be sent to back to the Commission
for their discussion. Limiting of Bench Donations, identify areas where they are needed
• Donation Brochure- July
• Irvine Terrace Park Encroachment
• Review of Council Policy G -5 possibly requiring approval of HOA where benches will be installed or
gage number of benches in parks.
• Liability Aspects at Marina Park
• Ordinance 11.04 — Conduct in Parks
ADJOURNMENT - 8:02pm
Submitted by:
Teri Craig, Admin Assistant
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