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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/5/2013 - PB&R Commission This Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires that the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission agenda be posted at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of each regular meeting and that the public be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission and items not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission. The Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission may limit public comments to a reasonable amount of time, generally three (3) minutes per person. It is the intention of the City of Newport Beach to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City of Newport Beach will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. If requested, this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. Please contact the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Secretary at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible at (949) 644-3151 or recreation@newportbeachca.gov. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 3300 NEWPORT BOULEVARD TUESDAY, February 5, 2013– 6PM PB&R Commission Members: Staff Members: Kathy Hamilton, Chair Tom Anderson, Vice Chair Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Jack Tingley Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, Municipal Operations Director Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 1) CALL MEETING OF THE PARKS BEACHES AND RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER 2) ROLL CALL 3) PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER AWARD – EVAN DEBOUB 4) PRESENTATION TO CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 5) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Public comments are invited on agenda items generally considered to be within the subject matter jurisdiction of the PB&R Commission. The City provides a yellow sign-in card to assist in the preparation of the minutes. The completion of the card is not required in order to address the PB&R Commission. Speakers must limit comments to three (3) minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record. The PB&R Commission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on agenda or non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all speakers. As a courtesy, please turn cell phones off or set them in the silent mode. 6) CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed under Consent Calendar 6A-6C are considered by the PB&R Commission to be routine and will all be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. The Commission Members have received detailed staff reports on each of the items recommending approval and there will be no separate discussion of these items prior to the time the Commission votes on the motion unless members of the Commission, staff, or the public request a specific item to be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Members of the public who wish to discuss a Consent Calendar item should come forward to the lectern upon invitation by the Chair. A. Minutes of the December 4, 2012 regular meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Parks & Operations Division Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. 2 Page 2 7) CURRENT BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Appeal for Tree Removal at 214 Heliotrope Avenue Recommendation: Deny appeal of Franklin Vranicar to retain one City Aleppo Pine parkway street tree located at 214 Heliotrope Avenue. 8) PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION / STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) 9) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Public comments are invited on non-agenda items generally considered to be within the subject matter jurisdiction of the PB&R Commission. Speakers must limit comments to three (3) minutes. Before speaking, we invite, but do not require, you to state your name for the record. The PB&R Commission has the discretion to extend or shorten the speakers’ time limit on non-agenda items, provided the time limit adjustment is applied equally to all speakers. 10) ADJOURNMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2012 – 6pm 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 6:06 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Present: Kathy Hamilton, Chair Tom Anderson, Vice Chair Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Absent: Jack Tingley Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation and Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, Municipal Operations Director Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the October 2, 2012 regular meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Removed by Director Harmon C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. D. Removed by Director Harmon Motion by Commissioner Marston to approve Consent Calendar items 4A and 4C. Motion carried by acclamation. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR B. Parks & Operations Division Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Director Harmon reported that the second page of the report shows the Irvine Avenue median, that the subject has been discussed extensively in the past and that the median is now completed and re-landscaped in conjunction with the City of Costa Mesa. He commended the Public Works Department and noted that numerous compliments had been received on the landscaping of the median. He discussed the reasoning for tying the canopy of the palm trees. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 2 Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher requested clarification regarding the current status of Sunset Ridge and Marina Park projects. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion D. Reforestation Request – Harbor View Hills South HOA Recommendation: Approve request to remove and replace one City Carrotwood tree at 3719 Park Green Drive. Director Harmon clarified that there are three reforestation requests on the agenda; the reason that this request is listed on the Consent Calendar is that it is part of an ongoing reforestation and addressed previous actions and approvals that the Commission has taken. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Marston, to approve Consent Calendar items 4B and 4D. Motion carried by acclamation. 5) CURRENT BUSINESS A. Special Tree Removal – Groves Bike Trail Recommendation: Recommend removal of 54 Special City Trees – Blue Gum located along the Groves Bike Trail. These trees are listed under Landmark Trees. Director Harmon presented details of the report including a brief history of the Blue Gum Eucalyptus. He stated that there had been a determination that these 54 trees are diseased and have been rated a high risk for failure. He addressed the notification to residents within 500 feet of the area as well as the HOA's in proximity. He stated that not all of the existing trees will be removed. Director Harmon addressed the timeline for removal and replacement and noted that the estimated completion should be summer 2013. He added that the remaining healthy Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees will remain. He went on to say that that there will not be a one-for-one replacements but rather determined once the phasing begins. Discussion followed regarding the number of diseased and healthy trees, and the different variety of trees in the area. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher commented that this is a major decision affecting a City landmark and felt that the notification may have been inadequate. He stated that he believes that many of the trees seem healthy in appearance and suggested a more measured approach to confirm that the arborist's assessments are correct. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 3 Director Harmon stated that there is no way to determine the state of a tree just by looking at it and that that these trees had been reviewed by three certified arborists who all concluded that they are diseased. He addressed the noticing and that staff has done its due diligence and continued with the recommendations as presented. He also commented that trees are not removed until they have been posted for 30 days after approval has been given to remove. Bob Adams stated he would be in favor of the recommendations if it was proven that those trees were, in fact, diseased. He wondered if there were other investigations that could be conducted to ensure that they are diseased. He also wondered what measures could be taken to ensure that the remaining trees do not become diseased and asked if healthy trees were removed on Irvine Avenue. Drew Warmington expressed concerns with the timing of notification, commented on the age of the trees and encouraged the Commission to proceed slowly with consideration of the matter. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Discussion followed regarding noticing requirements and posting notices on the trees thirty days prior to the work starting, removal of trees on Irvine Avenue and the possibility of alternate options. Director Harmon noted that certified arborists know what to look for in assessing the health of trees. In addition, he reported that the majority of trees removed from Irvine Avenue were diseased with many having roots missing and the same thing occurred on Holiday. He indicated that there may come a time when the remaining healthy trees will need to be removed. He noted that staff will continue with the maintenance process and mitigate as much as possible. Discussion followed regarding the intertwining of roots and the availability of growth space for the remaining fifty trees. It was noted that this type of tree is not appropriate for that area and discussion followed regarding providing notification. Director Harmon reported that he had received comments from residents in the neighborhoods who supported the removals. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve the removal of 54 Blue Bum Special City Trees located along the Groves Bike Trail. Motion carried by acclamation. B. Reforestation Request – Cliff Drive Park Recommendation: Recommend approval of reforestation request of the applicants of the Cliff Drive Park area and San Bernardino Avenue to remove and replace four City trees of various species within Cliff Drive Park. Director Harmon presented details of the report noting a request was received for reforestation of trees located in a City Park, and that it involves a view issue for several residents. The applicant obtained support from twenty-five neighbors indicating support for the removal of the trees. He stated that the residents will pay for the removal and the replacement with four new 36" box Water Gum trees. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 4 Discussion followed regarding type of tree and if it is part of the Eucalyptus family, the appropriateness of the recommended tree for the area, the number of residents who initiated the request and related provisions in City Council Policy G-1. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed, Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve the reforestation request of the applicants of the Cliff Drive Park area and San Bernardino Avenue to remove and replace four City trees of various species within Cliff Drive Park. Motion carried by acclamation. C. Reforestation Request – Port Theater Recommendation: Recommend the reforestation request from the Port Theater to remove and replace a City Hong Kong Orchid tree at 2905 East Coast Highway. Director Harmon introduced the item and presented details of the report. He addressed the location of the subject tree, consideration and approval of the issue by the BID and noted that the applicant will pay for the removal and replacement of the subject tree. He addressed the proposed replacement tree (King Palm), which will provide a view to the marquee. Discussion followed regarding over-trimming of the existing tree and other King Palms in the area. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jessica Prause representing the Port Theater noted that the only types of trees in the area are Orchid and King Palm trees. She stated that the proposed tree would be consistent with what exists in the area. She asked if the location could be moved to the other side of the theater so that the marquis is not obstructed. She presented pictures of the proposed location. Director Harmon indicated that staff can work with the applicant to determine an alternate location for the proposed King Palm. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Lugar, to approve the reforestation request from the Port Theater to remove and replace a City Hong Kong Orchid tree at 2905 East Coast Highway. Motion carried by acclamation. 6) PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION / STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Director Detweiler provided an update on Sunset Ridge and Marina Parks noting that staff is still waiting for the permit from the Coastal Commission and staff is continuing to work with them to resolve any questions. She stated that the permits should be issued in the near future and that work should begin by April 2013. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 4, 2012 Page 5 She reported completion of the Flag Football season thanked the coaches, staff and participants for their efforts. She reported that the first Council meeting at the new Civic Center will be next Tuesday but that the Commission will continue to meet at its current venue until the project is complete. Chair Hamilton commented on the increase in graffiti through the City. Director Harmon explained that staff works closely with the Police Department on this issue. He addressed the process for enforcement. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented that Council Policy G1 is confusing and outdated. He suggested that the Commission place an item on a future agenda to discuss the review the policy. 8) ADJOURNMENT – 7:25pm Submitted by: Approved by: Teri Craig, Admin Asst Kathy Hamilton, Chair Recreation Services Monthly Activities Report To: Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission From: Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Re: Recreation Division Monthly Activities Report SUNSET RIDGE PARK Recreation and Public Works staff met with EPT Design in January to review active park elements and refine the tot lot features of Sunset Ridge Park. The plans are nearing completion and the project should begin soon. NEWPORT COAST COMMUNITY CENTER On January 15, NCCC staff provided an afternoon training on fire prevention, active shooter scenarios, a CPR refresher and First Aid training for all staff at the facility. SEAWEED BIODIVERSITY EXPERT WEIGHS IN During December 2012, the City of Newport Beach, with the support of the Orange County Marine Protected Areas Council (OCMPAC) was fortunate to have Dr. Kathy Ann Miller from the Berkeley Jepson Herbarium spend three days examining the biodiversity of our local seaweeds. Believe it or not, this has never been done before, and no record currently exists of the variety and types of seaweeds living off of our coast! Dr. Miller toured the intertidal zone at several Orange County locations, including Crystal Cove State Park and Little Corona in Newport Beach, Dana Point, and Treasure Island and Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach. In addition to spending more than 40 hours in the field during her visit, Dr. Miller spent at least 20 hours in the lab identifying algae and making specimens for the Berkeley Herbarium. The herbarium samples will be scanned into the herbarium database, thus creating a permanent, publicly accessible and documented record of the seaweeds found in Orange County. Dr. Miller also collected several samples for genetic analysis to assist in confirming species identifications. Dr. Miller and Dr. Jennifer Burnaford of CSU Fullerton continue to collaborate on a planned public exhibit highlighting Orange County Seaweed Biodiversity, which will be developed for the Back Bay Science Center and Crystal Cove State Park. NEWPORT COAST COMMUNITY CENTER (NCCC) Over the holiday break new carpets were installed, operable windows were placed in the front office and the floors in the two back rooms were re-surfaced. Twelve rental events took place in November and December including birthday parties, holiday parties, banquets, a trunk show and professional trainings. Item 6C February 5, 2013 2 AQUATICS  The Aquatics Division welcomed two new Senior Pool Lifeguards, Brandon Zell and Josh Mirelez. Both have extensive aquatics backgrounds, including supervising and managing pools for other cities. We’re excited to have them join our team!  Interested in working as a pool lifeguard/swim instructor this summer or know someone who is? Recreation will be offering a Pool Lifeguard Training Class on the following dates (all training dates are mandatory) at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center at CdMHS. Thursday March 7 5-9pm Friday March 8 5-9pm Saturday, March 9 8-6pm Sunday March 10 8-6pm Participants must be at least 15 years old by the start of the first class; successful completion earns the American Red Cross certifications in Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR/AED. Cost of the class is $150. For more information please contact Leslie Hardy at lhardy@newportbeachca.gov.  A survey was sent to all participants who enrolled in the summer Learn-To-Swim program. On a 4- point scale, with 4 being the highest, the amount of fun by the participants received an average score of 3.71, and the amount of improvement seen in skills received an average score of 3.48. Of those who responded to the survey, 93.5% reported that the program either met or exceeded their expectations. Most importantly, 87.1% of responses indicated that they intend on bringing their child back next summer for more lessons which are currently being planned! NEWPORT BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPS! Youth Flag Football Finals were played in December. Newport Heights took home all the glory in both divisions! In the C division, Newport Heights (coached by first-year coach Evan Daboub) defeated Harbor Day 1 (coached by Ethan Machado) in a highly contested game with the final score of 12-6. In the B Division, Newport Heights (coached by Program Coordinator Angie Ernst) won handily 36-0 against the Lincoln 1 team (coached by second-year coach Aaron Hogue). NBTV was there to catch all the action, look for the show. The top two C Division teams and the Champion in the B Division competed in the Southern California Championship Tournaments December 8-9. Another great season of Football was completed! Congratulations to all coaches, teams, competitors, and weekly spectators! 3 COME AND VISIT THE BACK BAY SCIENCE CENTER! The Back Bay Science Center is open to the public every Sunday from 10am-2pm during “Community Day” which was featured on the front page of The Current. Additionally, an educational opportunity is offered the first Monday of each month with the “Orange County Natural History Lecture Series.” Community Day at the Back Bay Science Center gives Orange County residents and visitors a chance to tour the facility that is otherwise closed to the general public. Take a moment to walk through the teaching lab and view the native bay and tidepool organisms in the aquaria, spend some time getting to know the seastars, sea cucumbers, and urchins in the outdoor touch tank, stroll along the nature trail and soak in the view, let your artistic side shine with some sponge painting. City of Newport Beach staff members are available every Sunday to answer questions and educate visitors about the beautiful natural habitat surrounding the Center. In January, the City of Newport Beach and ExplorOcean began their partnership to bring weekly activities to Community Day. These activities relate to the seven principles of ocean literacy which take an ocean- oriented approach to teaching science standards. Staff and volunteers from ExplorOcean are focusing on ocean literacy principles each month through June 2013. Community Day is free so come visit us any Sunday from 10am-2pm at 600 Shellmaker Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660. If you have any questions about this program please contact Michelle Clemente mclemente@newportbeachca.gov. 4 PARK PATROL Requested calls are assigned visits by staff or schedule or phone requests. Customer Contacts are the number of times they stopped and spoke to customers other than requested calls. Due to the timing of the meeting, these monthly summaries will be two months behind (i.e. in June you will receive April summary). During the month of November/December, Park Patrol had the following number of contacts: 1. Requested Calls  96 with Youth Sports Groups  51 Field related issues/checks  10 Park/Picnic/reservation issues/checks  130 Community Center issues/checks  121 Playground checks  65 other 2. CDM Beach Contacts  2 BBQ’s 3. Event Checks  3 Pre-event check  1 Post-event check 4. Public Contacts  229 education  13 alcohol  251 dog related NOV Written Warnings Issued – 11 parking violations Citations Issued – 2 citations issued for parking violations FACILITY RENTALS & SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS During the period of Nov 16, 2012 – Jan 15, 2013 there were:  56 Picnic/Park Area Rentals  32 Room Rentals  11 Field Rentals  13 Gym Rentals As of January 15, 2013, there were 18 Special Event Permits processed and issued for the year. Those events of note for this period are: CdM Christmas Walk: CdM Beach, December 2, 2012 - Attendance: 5000 Christmas Boat Parade: Newport Harbor, December 19-23, 2012 - Attendance: 1 million 5 Senior Services Monthly Activities Report To: Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission From: Celeste Jardine-Haug, Senior Services Manager Re: Senior Services Division Monthly Activities Report OASIS SENIOR CENTER The Center is back in the swing of things with new classes and activities. With all the New Year’s resolutions, many people have joined the fitness center and exercise classes. A group of students from Sage Hill High School Dance team visit once a month and perform and teach the audience the dance; this last month was the Cha Cha. These performances are free of charge and part of the students’ service learning project. The “Let’s go Trippin” group provided a fantastic presentation on Bali, Borneo and beyond. This group meets once a month on a Wednesday evening. Sign-ups for income tax preparation began January with over 50 appointments made on the first day. This is a popular service with nine volunteer tax counselors preparing taxes every Friday beginning February 1. The taxes are completed on computers in the computer lab. The income guideline for being eligible to use the service is $75,000. FACILITY RENTALS During the period of Nov 16, 2012 – Jan 15, 2013 there were: 3 rentals of the Event Center 6 rentals of classrooms 6 NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2012 OASIS UTILIZATION REPORT PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING25,234CUSTOMERS RECREATIONAL CLASSES3,909CUSTOMERS FITNESS CENTER10,836CUSTOMERS PERSONALIZED SERVICES PROVIDED3,667CUSTOMERS Includes: Blood Pressure 95 Rental Inquiries 46 Counseling-persons 120 Rentals (Paid)12 Eldercare 0 Senior Assessment(hrs)80 Employment 35 Telephone Reassurance 370 HICAP 103 Visual Screening 5 Housing counseling 50 Taxes (Seasonal) Information and Referral 2739 Legal Assistance 12 SENIORS RECEIVING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 1,870RIDERS Care-A-Van/Shuttle CUSTOMERS RECEIVING NOON MEALS @ THE CENTE 3,677CUSTOMERS *includes meals on wheels VOLUNTEER SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE CENTER 2,001HOURS Includes:Kitchen & Home Delivered Meals (*equiv. to 9 full-time employees) Front OfficeTravel Office Gift ShopLibrary InstructorsPresident Treasurer Vice President BookkeeperTaxes PARTICIPANTS IN FRIENDS OF OASIS TRAVEL 222CUSTOMERS Day Trips Long Trips Viejas Casino 51 Central Coast by Rail 5 Palm Springs Follies 36 Golden Nugget- Las Vegas 52 Cleopatra Exhibit 44 LACMA 34 SPECIAL EVENTS/SCREENINGS/LECTURES 1,053PERSONS Trail Trekkies 17Thanksgiving Luncheon208 OASIS Golfers232Movie "The Big Miracle"70 Computer Friends45Piano Concert50 Let's Go Trippin'105HOAG Stroke Lecture45 Big Band Seminar115Bone Density Screening42 Holiday Luncheon200UCI Lecture: Dizziness75 Movie "Joyeux Noel"25 Line Dancing Social97 Cookies and Cocoa100 Comments on February 5, 2013 PB&R Agenda Items from: Jim Mosher ( jimmosher@yahoo.com ), 2210 Private Road, Newport Beach 92660 (949-548-6229) 6) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the December 4, 2012 regular meeting. I noticed two very minor typos in the draft minutes (corrections indicated by strike-out): 1. On page 4, at the end of the three-sentence paragraph under “C. Reforestation Request – Port Theater”: “… which will provide a view to the marquis marquee.” 2. On page 5 , under “7) Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items”: “He suggested that the Commission place in an item on a future agenda …” With regard to the Port Theater item, although not a correction to minutes, I might note that I attended the January 24, 2013 meeting of the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District. Their Board has some authority over the PCH streetscape and had approved this item prior to PB&R, but several Directors were quite unhappy with what they regarded as a gross distortion of their approval. As indicated by their minutes found in the December PB&R agenda packet, they were willing to consent to the Port Theater’s request only if a tree were maintained at the existing location and if the existing Orchid tree could be relocated to a location missing a tree on PCH. Yet without reporting back to them, staff apparently determined (as it reported to PB&R) that relocation was not feasible, cut the existing tree off near ground level and appears to plan to put a new tree at a different location, unreviewed by the BID. As one Director indicated, the City seems “anti-tree,” and it seemed pointless to ask the BID to deliberate and make a carefully thought out recommendation (they were particularly concerned about setting a precedent whereby every merchant claiming interference with sign visibility could have a tree removed) if every aspect of it was to be ignored. B. Parks & Operations Division Activity Report. With regard to the Parks Maintenance Division Activities report, I am surprised to not see among the projects listed the removal of 54 trees from the Groves Bike Trail as authorized by the Commission at its December meeting. Although the minutes of that meeting mention only an expected Summer 2013 completion date, I seem to recall Director Harmon saying that pursuant to the noticing requirement found at the bottom of page 5 of Policy G-1, the first trees to be removed would be tagged shortly after Christmas with removal beginning in January, after expiration of the 30 day post-tagging appeal period specified there. I have seen no tags, so it would seem useful to update the Commission on the status of this project – one of the very few major projects to have come before PB&R in recent months. Although that possibility has not been mentioned by staff, I suspect the Groves Bike Trail tree removal project may require a Coastal Development Permit before it can proceed, for even though the blue gum eucalyptus is not native to California, I believe similarly situated trees at Bolsa Chica have been protected as an important part of the wetland ecosystem, and the California Coastal Act seems clear that any February 5, 2013 PB&R comments by Jim Mosher Page 2 of 3 removal of major vegetation for other than agricultural or timber harvesting purposes requires review and permitting (see definition of "Development" in California Public Resources Code Section 30106). With regard to the other activities listed, it seems appropriate to remind the Commission of the remaining powers and duties of government assigned directly to it by the people of Newport Beach through Section 709 of the City Charter as modified in last November’s election: There shall be a Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission consisting of seven members which shall have the power and be required to: (a) Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to parks, beaches, recreation, parkways and street trees. (b) Assist in the planning of parks and recreation programs for the inhabitants of the City, promote and stimulate public interest therein, and to that end solicit to the fullest extent possible the cooperation of school authorities and other public and private agencies interested therein. (c) Establish policies for the acquisition, development and improvement of parks, beaches and playgrounds and for the planting, care and removal of trees and shrubs in all parks, playgrounds and streets, subject to the rights and powers of the City Council. (d) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter. Under the terms of the Charter, the following projects listed in the report would seem to have required advice from the Commission, and consistency with its policies, prior to action – yet, to the best of my knowledge, none of these have been reviewed or commented on by PB&R: Balboa Blvd Medians Bristol Street South Landscape CdM Entrance at MacArthur Blvd Civic Center Park China Cove Slope Dover Drive Median I Street Median Lido Village and existing City Hall site Playground donation at Balboa Blvd and Miramar Street Redlands Avenue Right-of-Way The Tree Division Activities report sadly suggests little change to the recent pattern of the City removing more trees than it replaces. February 5, 2013 PB&R comments by Jim Mosher Page 3 of 3 8) PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION / STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT Reviewing past PB&R agendas, I notice there used to be an item consisting of reports from various standing committees of the Commission. As of October 4, 2011 they consisted of: Park Development – Anderson, Lugar, Marston Recreation/Senior Activities – Anderson, Hamilton, Lugar Budget – Lugar, Marston, Tingley Community Service Award – Englebrecht, Cole, Hamilton Youth Sports Liaison – Anderson, Englebrecht When the Commission reconvened on January 3, 2012, these committees seemed to have disappeared, and reports were agendized from just two Ad Hoc Committees, which have since completed their work: Fire Rings Bench Donation Process Although the stripping of PB&R of its budget oversight role by Charter Measure EE in November 2012 has made the “Budget” Committee irrelevant, it is unclear to me what the status of the other committees might be. As best I can tell, none of them have been heard from for more than a year. Should they be resurrected, it is important to note that the meetings of standing governmental committees are fully subject to the Brown Act regardless of how many (or few) members they have. 9) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS At the City Council’s January 12, 2013 Saturday Planning Session I commented on what I view as the increasing marginalization of PB&R. Reviewing the remaining obligations enumerated in the Charter Section highlighted on the previous page, with the exception of occasional tree removal requests, the current Council seems to be short-circuiting each and every responsibility of PB&R. For example, the Council has appointed separate “Citizens Advisory Panels” to review plans for landscaping, and unilaterally accepted park donations with no PB&R advice or review. Similarly, major initiatives regarding bicycle infrastructure and tidelands/beach management seem slated to go forward, apparently with no input from the Commission. I believe PB&R needs to be pro-active in reasserting its rightful role.