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Home My WebLink About07/07/1987 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Mo � Se�, "' filed Ayes motion Seconded Ayes 01 Item No. 3 arks, Reaches & Recreation Commission July 7, 1987 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Jack Brooks,, Park and Street Tree-Su pt. Mark Deven, Recreation Supt. Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS, Item #1 Call to Order The meeting of-the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:09 P.M. Item #2 Roll Call Roll cal'l•was taken: Commissioners Brenner, de Boom, Herberts, Konwiser, Springer; Taft and Wolfe were present. x Item #3 Approval c x Minutes x x x x x x' Commissioner Konwiser moved the minutes of the June 2, 1987 meeting be approved.-Seconded by Taft. Unanimous. Item #4 Adoption c Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Public Hearing on Art in Public Places at Inspiration Point, Speed Limits on Bicycle Trails, Attendants in Restrooms, and Proposed New Class: Item #12 to be addressed prior to Item #5. II. SEATING OF NEW•COMMISSIONER'- TAYLOR GRANT Seating of New Chair Wolfe reported seating of new Commissioners takes Commissior place at the'first meeting in the new fiscal year, however, newly appointed Commissioner Grant is out of town. Chair Wolfe then presented Commissioner de Boom with a plaque and thanked her for all her help and contributions to the City and her,participation on the Commission. Commissioner de'-Boom replied that-she has enjoyed working with the Commission and staff over the past four years. III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FISCAL YEAR 1987 -88 Election i Officers x Chair Wolfe asked for nominations for the new Chairperson. x Commissioner•Herberts, nominated Commissioner Brenner. x x x x x x Seconded by Konwiser. Commissioner Springer moved to close the nominations. Unanimous. Motion Seconded Ayes Motion Ayes Motion Ayes Mot on Seconded Ayes 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission XIX 1xx x x x N x x x x x Ix Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.rn Chair Brenner opened the nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Taft nominated Commissioner Konwiser. Second by Wolfe. There being no further nominations, the nomina- tions were closed. Unanimous. Seating of the Commissioners then took place. IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Community-Service Awards Nominations Ron Whitley reported that this Commission recognizes those who have contributed significantly to this City with a Community Service Award. Each January and July the Commis- sion and staff review those nominated for the award for presentation at the February and August meetings. Recommenc tions and respective backgrounds of those presently nominat( are included-:in the�Commission's packet. Additional nomina• tions are welcome. There being no further nominations, Commissioner Springer moved�to accept the'nomi'na'tions as presented. Unanimous. Item #6 - Lifeguard Staffing at Corona del-Mar State Beach Mark Deven referred to Captain Bud Belshe's report in the Commission packet. He-'reported staff recommends additional study for increased lifeguard staffing at Corona del Mar State Beach be referred to-the Commission's Beach and Ocean Front Committee. Chair Brenner suggested the committee include the liability issue in their'study and address the-matter of parking fees being" charged-whi'le Tifeguards are not on duty at the same time. Mark Deven'volunteered to work with the committee on the study. Vice Chair Konwiser moved to refer this item to the Beach - and Ocean Front Commi'ttee. Unanimous. Chair Brenner asked for a status report-from the committee at the Commi'ssion''s'next'regularly scheduled meeting on August 4, 1987. Item #7 - Request for•Funds•From Youth Soccer Team Ron Whitley reported that Councilmember'Maurer received a request for City funds to''help support a local soccer team' trip to Hawaii. Staff recommends the request be-denied INDEX Community Service Awards Nomination Lifeguard Staffing Request fo Funds CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH y arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX wr� set vol Mid 1 since it would set a precedent fora special interest group which would not be in the best interests of taxpayers, In addition, this is not a City program-although it receive the Department's endorsement. Chair Brenner pointed out that the group has already gone to Hawaii. Mayor-- Cox'stgned a -Proclamation for them. Commissioner Wolfe-said he would approve an entry fee of $500 since the team would be representing the City. Vice Chair Konwiser - moved' the team's request for funds be denied. Seconded by Springer. Unanimous. During discussion, Commissioner Wolfe said he felt that since the City Council had already turned down the request, he would vote for denial, however, he is not against supporting a fund raising effort. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Comments None. 1 VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #8 - Street Median Study Street Median Ron Whitley reported the City Council requested staff Study review'all the undeveloped traffic medians in the City. An inventory was completed and the Department analyzed the condition of all the medians. There is only one small area 'that is not developed located on San Joaquin Hills Road from the'Park'Newport' Complex to'Backbay Road. The medians,on Irvine Avenue from Santa Isabella to University are County property and a request to have,the'County include these on their-capital improvements list has had no response Most of the medians are on arterial highways and are a natural resource serving as buffers for smog and noise as well as having an aesthetic value. The Department has implemented an-aggressive-program towards refurbishment and should any of the Commissioners see improvement needed, Mr. Whitley asked'that' they let him know. Commissioner Konwiser reported the grass on the,Jamboree Road traffic islands° from Coast Highway to Eastbluff Drive are in need'of refurbishment. Jack Brooks informed the Commission that they will try to get funding for this area by sections in the next fiscal year. Commissioner Konwiser indicated he would like to see -this item on the Capital Improvements list next year. F CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #9 - Status of Capital Projects Status of Ron Whitley reported meetings have been held concerning Capital Projects establishing priorities for capital projects and he will give a status report,to the Commission at their next meeting. The City'Cl,erk will open the bids submitted for the Community'Youth Center on July 29 at 11:00 A.M. Plans for the West Newport'Park are in plan check and the bid should be awarded and construction started by the end of September. West Jetty Park'wi11'be started this fiscal year. The Police Department has advised that lighting be provided for the Wedge area and that there be an emergency vehicle access to the Wedge. After these two items are.completed, our crews will'start'working,'probably this minter. Item #10 - Cliff Drive Park Cliff Ron Whitley reported the Newport Heights Community Associa- Drive Park tion has expressed concern over the development of Cliff Drive Park. Mr. Whitley referred to the letter in the agenda packet from Marian•Rayl'; President of the Associatio directed to the Public.Works Director. The Public Works , Director replied to the item within his purview and Mr. Whitley•responded'to the other items. Since the Associatton-thoughtthe park would be completed in July, 1986, Mr. Whitley documented the planning process. Mr. Whitley emphasized'that staff made every effort to make sure the-Association-.was involved in every aspect of the planning process. On December 8, 1986 the City Council authorized bids be solicited and on January 26, 1987 the contract was awarded to Wakeham- Baker. The park development is not behind schedule. The Association is concerned over the location of the play- ground which has not changed from the preliminary plans. The landscape architect is confident it is not a hazardous location; and, due to the slopes in the area, it is the only place where the playground can be located. Mr. Whitley also advised that the park is a top priority and due to costs, this Department-mi'11- do the landscaping. Crews-should be ow-the site this week and throughout the summer. The Department met with the Association to select the plant material and when the landscaping is completed it will enhance the park significantly. C_) L) CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission '- Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mr. Whitley referred to a letter from Karen Harrington, Past President of'the Association, who expressed concern over skateboarding on the sidewalks. The sidewalks are designed to Public Standards and should skateboarding be- come a problem, enforcement policies can be implemented. ,The size and type of playground equipment were decided in conjunction with the Association'and placement of the play equipment meet safety standards. Mr. Whitley said-he felt the project as-designed will add to the beauty of the area and this information has been brought to the Commissi-on's attention as an information item since there is'controversy over the development. Commissioner Herberts reported she and Chair Brenner met at the site with Marian Rayl who expressed concern over the children's play area. Commissioner Herberts agreed with Mrs. Rayl that the high,circular cement planters surrounding the play-area could be an attractive nuisance. Children would want-to walk there causing them to be hazardous. Mrs. Rayl'had suggested planting shrubbery instead. -Mr. Whitley advi'sed`that the architect designed the project per the contract specs and-that'the landscaping will be added later. The elevation and steps are not in yet and changes can-be made'-later. It is not uncommon to make changes if'they'do'not prove practical. Vice Chair'Konwi•ser , gave,his vote of confidence and stated he felt the project shoul'd'be finished. Chair Brenner reported she thought the trees above the play area were suggested by'the Association so they would provide shade. •Mark-Deven advised he told the Association that the'basketba,ll backboard can be moved should this become a problem. Chair Brenner opened-the meeting to Public Testimony. Marian Rayl, President of the Newport Beach Heights Community Association, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Rayl stated the•Association at no time wanted a tot lot 10' above the b'asketba'll court. '.Mrs. Rayl said-she thinks an elevated playground is unsafe and there'is not'enough• room'for children to,play due to the-trees and play"equipment. She did not expect the trees to be in elevated•wel'ls and had thought'they would be on ground level. She feels the playground is also dangerous U I CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 .p.m. INDEX since parents will•not be able to watch their children play. She also felt the wall should be lowered and the interior walls taken out; that the galvanized pipe railing on top of the walls will, be unsightly; and that the railroad ties by the basketball court should be eliminated. Chair Brenner closed the meeting-to Public•Testimony and thanked Mrs. Rayl for--her comments. Mark Deven reported that the two play areas are smaller than those in other parks. Modular play equipment was chosen for the smailer area which will have play value, fit into -the area, and providE enough space for children to use safely. The equipment for both areas was reviewed and approved by the`Association. It exceeds the required minimum standards set'-by•the Consumer Products Safety . Commission and this Department feels it will be utilized in a safe manner. Chair Brenner suggested delaying the planting of the tree wells until the safety aspects can be seen. Mr. Whitley advised that they are not planted until it is determined there will be no problems with height. Commissioner Wolfe stated, and Chair Brenner agreed, that this Commission does not have the authority to stop-the park development, however, the Association has the option of going to the City Council who could do this. Ron Whitley said he appreciates the Association's concerns but feels they are not-perceiving the construction as it will be. There were many, many meetings during which changes were made. At-the final meeting almost everyone agreed the plan was a•good••one, therefore, construction was started on••the, premise that the Association was happy. The problems occurred when'construction started and people had not perceived it this way. Commissioner Springer,pointed out that .changing specs mid- stream is costly and, suggested -that prob1.ems be addressed when the park is completed. Chair Brenner said she and Commissioner Herberts met with the contractor who told them the playground is located exactly where it is supposed to be on the plans. Ron Whitley advised that the Public Works Inspector is on the site and the elevations and locations are to the inch as specified on the plans. Regarding the rails, the color U R CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX could be changed, however, the fabrication selected is the best for safety and maintenance. The Commission supported staff and agreed the project should continue and any hazardous items could be corrected. Item #11 - West Newport Park Basketball Court West Newport Mark Deven stated the-'report submitted summarizes a problem Park concerning the West Newport Park-Basketball Courts of which Basketball the Commission should-be aware. Court Mr. William Schumann, 5901 Seashore Drive, called this to the Department's attention 1•ast'April, and hi's letter included in the report explains-the conditions which he feels have affected his health. All efforts have-been-made by this Department to solve the noise -and - -other -nuisances resulting from use of the-basketball courts, however, the problems continue. Mr. Deven indicated this 'Department wants to solve' Mr. Schumann's concerns and welcomes suggestions from the Commission. Commissioner Wolfe reported that although basketball is an excellent activity,•the play•at this site is extremely heavy; noise, profanity and trash have become major problems. After the courts at 381:h Street Park are complete c, the courts at West Newport could be moved to another locatio . Mr.'Deven suggested a'half court could be put in between the racquet ball courts and tennis courts. Commissioner Taft agreed this was a good-idea. Vice Chair Konwiser recommende • that although basketball isI n great demand, there must be communication with the players and they'•should be confronted by the Police Department'at•2:00 A.M.; Warning signs should be posted informing the players that the courts may be dis- abled; and, as a last alternative,-eliminate the courts. Mr. Frank Spratt, 5903 Seashore, addressed the Commission. He reported the-problems referred to started over two years ago. Neighbors 10 -12 houses down are also bothered by the excessive noise and want action taken. Signs were posted prohibiting play before'8:00 A.M. and.after sunset, but to no avail. By the time the Police'arrived, no one could get back to sleep. These players are adults and very abusive. As a result, Mr, Schumann is under doctor's care for hyper- tension. Mr. Spratt stated basketball is a fine game, but 46' away from homes is too close. He supports any athletic activity but not under the present conditions. (7) �j 9 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Wolfe agreed with Mr. Spratt that the area is a large problem for�the adjacent-homeowners and the players don't care. He' recommended moving the court to another location. Ron Whitley suggested -taking the rims down to see the players' reaction. . - Mr.. William Schumann',•5901 Seashore Drive, addressed the Commission. He said-he is not against any'sport, however, the noise that'has built up'over the years is now unbearable. Mr. Schumann passed-out pictures of the courts depicting the trash, large number•of'players and observers, the signs, and the close proximity to his home. Both Commissioners-Springer and Herberts stated they supported relocating the courts. Chair Brenner directed that this item be included as an action item on the August 4 agenda. Item #12 - Commission Goals and Objectives, Committees Commissior Goals and After a brief discussion, the following committee appoint- Objectives ments were made: Street Tree Committee,- Chair Herberts Committee. assisted by Commissioners Grant and Wolfe; Recreation Program Committee - Chair Taft assisted by Commissioners Springer and Herberts; Oceanfront and Beach Committee - Chair Springer assisted•by Commissioner Taft; Capital Improvements Committee = Chair Wolfe assisted by- Commissione s Brenner and Herberts; Budget Committee - -Chair Konwiser assisted by Commissioners Brenner•and Springer; Friends of Oasis Liaison - Commissioner Wolfe; Friends of the Theatre Arts Center Liaison - Commissioner Grant; Park Maintenance Committee - Chair Konwiser assisted by Commissioners Taft and Grant; Art in Public Places - Chair Herberts assisted by Brenner; Beach Litter•Committee - Chair Konwiser assisted by Bonnie Jeannette; Arches Coast Highway Interchange - Chair Springer assisted -by Commissioner Taft. Chair Brenner reported one of her goals as Chair is to develop an orientation manual for•new- Commissioners. She foresees the manual-including .a report from each sub- committee, Council Pbl'icies, history, procedures and definitions, i.e., encroachments. Chair Brenner will work with Mr. Whitley on the manual and asked the committees to•write-a synopsis on each of their subcommittees by the August 4, 1987 meeting. C) U E CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m Item #13 - Recreation -Division Mark Deven reported the Recreation-Division is in 'their busiest season and hopes the Commissioners wfl,l observe some of the programs. The 1st Mayor's Tennis Tournament was extremely successful. Council'approved -the Recreation Supervisor's vacancy position at Oasis at their June 22 meeting. Chair Brenner reported that the late scheduling of youth activities at Oasis was -not completed in time to conduct registration. Item #14 - Park and,S treet Tree Division Commissioner Wolfe asked Jack Brooks if the Street Tree- Committee process was satisfactory to him. Mr. Brooks replied that it did slow the process down. He did state, however, that if the Street Tree Division deems a tree to be dead, they see no• reason to contact the committee. Commissioner Taft mentioned that he was pleased to see that they had planted Junippr "Trees behind the Maintenance Yard and he hopes there will be further landscaping along,Newport Boulevard. Following questions and-discussion on City tree removal by citizens, Chair Brenner directed the Street Tree Committee to review such removal and present a policy for Commission review. Review"was'al'so requested concerning'a sidewalk ramp program, however, Mr. Brooks advised that this would be under-the auspices of the General Services Department that will ramp anything over 1/2" in,hei'ght. is Hearrno on Art in Commissioner Herberts, representative to the�Art in Public Places Committee, reported that on July 28 at 7:.00 P.M. the landscape architects will each be giving their presentation for Inspiration Point which the Commissioners are invited to attend. On July 30 a panel of five.will select the three finalists and'on•August 13 the Arts�Commission will choose the finalist that must be approved by Council. Ron Whitley reported that if'this Commission wants input on the projects, the matter can be put on the agenda as an action item and the Commission's recommendation can be transmitted to Council. .INDEX Recreation Division Park and Street Tre Division Public Hearing on Art in Public Places CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ,Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX BMW I Chair Brenner agreed that this should be an action item and that it is important , the•Corona -del Mar community and Chamber be notified-of the public hearing. Mr. Whitley advised,fl•iers will be distributed to all Ocean Boulevard residents'in, addition to the normal public hearing notices. Commi'ssioner Wolfe requested a copy of the prices for each project. Commisssioner Herberts asked that the Commission give her their first, second and third choices before July 30. She will cast her vote representing the consensus of•the Commission. Item #16 - Speed Limits on Bicycle Trails Speed Limits on Commissioner Springer requested the subject•of speed limits Bicycle on City bicycle trails-be - included under Discussion Items at Trails the'Commission's meeting on August 4. She suggested a report be prepared-covering other cities' bicycle trails and that this be referred••to.the-'Bicycle Trails Committee. Item #17 - Attendants in Restrooms Attendants in Rest - Commissioner Springer-reported on the,,excessive damage done rooms to a'Newport Beach restroom and.suggested authorization be made-for attendants during peak hours. 'Mr. Whrtley stated•this has been considered in the past by Council, however,'It'was determined to be -too costly. He -suggested this matter be "referred to the Oceanfront and Beach Committee. Item #18 - Proposed New Class Proposed New Class Commissioner Springer suggested an intermediate level Banjo/ Guitar class 'be held at the Cliff Drive 'Community Center. She said •she� would conduct the class, free of charge in a jam session form. Mark"Deven replied staff will review and include the proposal forthe'Recreation Program Committee which will consider all-new classes. Commissioner Wolfe stated he has seen much growth and a more active Commission during the past few years. He feels the Department has done a great job-and compliments both the 'Department 'and Commission on the-fine 'job they have done. He thanked those who have served him'as Chair and said he is looking forward'tT working with Chair Brenner during the next year. U a CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ,Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Brenner presented the Commission's plaque to Commissi Wolfe as outgoing Chair and'thanked him for all he has done for the Commission. A brief discussion ensued concerning the dispensing of the minutes in rough draft form. Since both the City Attorney and City Clerk deemed the present procedure fair and legal, it-was the majority opinion to continue. VII. SPECIAL, UREGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS VIII. ADJOURNMENT' There being no further business, Commissioner Taft moved the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourn at 9:20 P.M. The agenda for'this• meeting was posted on June 90, 1987 at '2:55 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flo r, Secretary