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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/1988 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No.-3 ML;-,on Ayes 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission March 1, 1988 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Mark Dever; Recreation Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call-to Order Cali to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:08 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, Grant, Herberts Konwiser, Springer, Taft and'Wolfe; Jr. were present. Item #3 - Approval of-Minutes Approval of Minutes x Commissioner Springer moved the minutes of the February 2, x x x x x x x 1988 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda. Adoption of Agehda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Avon Street Development, Item 9(h), Update on Increase in Parkland Fees, and Community Service Awards. II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Ocean Boulevard Ocean Boulevard Director Whitley passed out a letter which was received from Mary Burton after the agenda packet was mailed. Mrs. Burton, 2920 Ocean Blvd., lives across the street from the subject area and is in support of the proposed sidewalk along the street edge of Ocean Blvd. Director Whitley reported that this fiscal year provides for capital improvements to'the Bluffs area to-construct a sidewalk from the entrance of Big Corona to Lookout Point. The original pl'ans were to- construct a sidewalk adjacent to curb, however, there has been a proposal to take the side- walk away from the curb at the top of the Bluffs for view purposes. Staff recommends the original concept of a curb side walkway. Chair Brenner opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. John Lake, 2919 Ocean Blvd., addressed the Commission. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mr. Lake referred to his letter dated February 12, 1988 addressed to the-Commission. Mr. Lake's home is along the property where the sidewalk would be built. He stated his reasons why he feels it would not bean appropriate con- sideration to construct a walkway at the top of the Bluffs. He does, however, approve of the sidewalk by the curb and recommends a wider width where feasible. Mr. Lake would also like to-cooperate with the Parks.Division in coordinati g wheelchair ramps with the sidewalk. Commissioner Springer suggested the use of a Plexiglas fence for safety and view-,purposes. Mr. Lake agreed this might be a good idea. Mr. Owen Marshall of Costa Mesa addressed the Commission. He stated he and his wife enjoy this park area-and referred to the-bushes which are higher than the fence. He objects to a sidewalk on the edge and supports the Plexiglas fence idea. Mr. Lake then spoke of the 1•iberties the public takes on his property which would be worse if.the bushes were cut. Motion x Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. motioned to accept staff's recom- Ayes x x x x x x mendation to-construct a sidewalk at curb side. Motion Nay x carries. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Karen Evarts, Chair of-the City's Library-Board, addressed the Commission-concerning the use of-Mariners Park multi- purpose room. She reviewed the history of the building and spoke of the non - written agreement in the.early years whereb the Library would have top priority to use the room. The Board feels their priority-has diminished over the years and they want a higher priority use now. Commissioner Taft reported the Recreation Program Committee met February 29 on this issue and he thought their concerns were resolved to everyone's satisfaction with the recommenda tion that the Library notify the Department if they need the facility more than three months in advance, in which -case every effort would be made to accommodate them. Chair Brenner reported the Library wanted a year's block of time on certain dates and,-since there were objections, a compromise is being worked out. This item will be on the April 5 agenda, at-which time a compromise by the committee will have been mutually agreed upon and presented to the I LI CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commission. Chair Brenner directed Mr. Deven to..set a meeting date for the committee consisting of Karen Evarts, Mr. Deven, Commissioner Taft and herself. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #6 - Oasis Parking Requirements Oasis Parking Mark Deven advised the report provided was at the request Requirements of Howard Jadwin, President of the Friends of Oasis. The report addresses Mr. JaM n's request for a signal at 5th and Marguerite not as a traffic problem but as a parking problem compounded by traffic congestion. Mr. Deven reviewed the report and the proposed options. Both staff and the-Friends of Oasis agree -that'an expanded parking lot is the-best option to resolving the problem. Chair Brenner expressed'her concern along with Mark Deven over-the impression given the Commission at their February meeting that no one'had'been receptive to the-problems at the intersection. The report, including the history of the problem, proves that both Chair Brenner and Mark Deven have been working for some years on this problem. Commissioner Herberts. recommended seniors from Oasis be trained and employed as crossing guards to help relieve the problem. Chair Brenner opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Jim Dunlap, 41'9 Marguerite, addressed the Commission. Mr. Dunlap read a letter addressed to the Commission from . Angela Aber, 721 Marguerite. Ms. Aber protests the idea of a traffic signal at 5th and Marguerite but endorses a 4 -way stop. Mr. Dunlap- stated he and and his neighbors agree that a signal would create a hazardous situation due .to unsafe speeding and noise. Chair Brenner announced this subject keeps &coming back to the Commission arid-she-would like to see the issue resolved. Commissioner Grant stated he felt added parking is the • best solution and suggested the Police Department be con- tacted for selective enforcement. Commissioner Herberts directed staff to look into the matter of a crossing guard as soon as possible until such time as the parking lot is completed. In addition, she T - suggested the Police Department be asked to enforce the intersection. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 I- \ A City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #7 - Corona del Mar High School Olympic Pool Corona del Mar High Mark Deven introduced Ralph Rodheim, representative of the School "Swim for the Gold" Committee, who addressed the Commission. Olympic Mr. Rodheim passed out a report on their project and pre- Pool sented the background of the proposed 50 meter community pool complex to be located at Corona del Mar High School. The present pool--is too small and is 26 years old in need of $200,000-repair. The community and the School District both agree there is a•definite need for a new Olympic size pool.* Since this is a premiere project, the committee would like this Commission's support before addressing the City Council. Mr. Russell•Hardt of their Board of Directors addressed the Commission. He-explained the-many uses and•need for a community pool which would be the only one on the-east side of the bay. Mr-. Jack Hochadel, member of the-Board of Directors, addres- sed the Commission and stated they met with the Eastbluff Homeowners Association which-is in total support•of the project. They have also made a preliminary presentation to the School Board and have received their approval in concept. The School District has offered one acre of land to be allocated to the project in addition to offering maintenance of the pool. A joint use agreement would be negotiated and implemented with the City. Mr. Hochadel explained the preliminary design which would include bleachers,.coach's room, team room, weight.room, storage; etc.,-in addition to.restrooms servicing both the pool and tennis courts. Mr. Rodheim again addressed the Commission and explained their organization, Board, community committees, logo and fund raising. There is a 3 year time frame and they hope to complete their fund raising this calendar year. The project is estimated to cost $1.25 million and they would like-an appropriation from the City of about 50 %. He pointed out that the community pool would be used jointly by the City and School District and that the services offered would be a great benefit to seniors and the disabled in addition to providing recreation swim lessons, competitive swim meets and water polo. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Narks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. explained the City's budget process to Mr. Rodheim, the result of which is that the proposed project is, too late to-be funded through normal procedures for next fiscal year. Director Whitley advised the City Council can make a one time appropriation out of the normal budget process. . Chair Brenner and Commissioner Grant suggested they address Council and advise'them they have addressed this Commission which offers their full support. Commissioner Grant recommended $625,000 be funded by the City for the project subject to a strong joint use agree- ment with the School' District addressing expahsion and clarification of mutual use. He also suggested the Commissioners go on record as individually approving the project in concept. Chair-Brenner then summarized the Commission's position by stating that•t4is Commission has reviewed the proposed project and looks upon it favorably and would like to see it as an.action item in the future. Mr. Dave Dundas,-attorney and member of their Board of Directors, addressed. the Commission. He stated they will a non - profit corporation and are in the process of filing Articles of Incorporation. Item. #8 - Homeowners Association Workshop Director Whitley announced'that as a result of a meeting in December and Study Session in January, a series.of •concerns'were presented to this Department as well as other Departments by-the Homeowners Associations. Nothing has been done by staff at this point in time since many of the items are difficult to identify. Each-•concern will be addressed individually and therrespective homeowners associ tions contacted to'clarify the problem. All responses will be transmitted to this Commission. Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. reported he attended the workshop and 42 out of a total of 92 homeowner associations were at the meeting. They did not expect everything to be re- solved, but would like each problem addressed. Commissioner Grant questioned the priority of the problems and Chair Brenner advised this will be done when they are brought before the Commission. INDEX Homeowners Association Workshop UTY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #9 - Commission Committee Reports Commission Committee Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. reported the Capital Improvements Reports Committee met with the City Manager to discuss the proposed capital improvements as approved by the Commissioners. After reviewing the improvements, the City Manager eliminat d one restroom improvement-at Irvine Terrace Park; a study to determine the -best use of the Mouth of Big Canyon and the lights for the tennis courts at San-Joaquin Hills. He approved all other projects subject to discussion with the Public Works Director. Director Whitley will present the final figures at the Commission's April 5 meeting. Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. asked that the Mouth of Big Canyon be an action item at-the April meeting,to determine what can be'done with the area and if a• special request for ' funds should be made. Commissioner Herberts reported the Street Tree Committee did not meet this month. They have not yet received a list of tree removals /replacements from Mr. Brooks and asked Mr-. Whitley to provide the report. Commissioner Herberts referred to the trees on Sandcastle and presented pictures of the trees six months ago which showed them to be very attractive. She stated they have been trimmed'so severely' that they are unattractive and requests have been made for removal. Director Whitley explained that due-to tiered construction, the residents wanted them trimmed and the homeowners associations in the-past have wanted them removed. He will gather more information,for the April meeting and document the requests. Commissioner Taft reported the Recreation Program Committee met February 29. They met with a Library representative concerning the use of the'Mariners Park multi, purpose room. It was recommended the Library give a three month advance notice for usage and if they have a specific need they should communicate that and we would try to cooperate. There were no new spring programs. Future meetings will be scheduled'in advance for program submittal to the Commission for their review and approval. I q CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Priorities to use -the Lincoln facility will 'follow the same procedure as with other facilities and they will work closely with the Boys Club. The committee decided not to amend I -5 as it pertains to indoor facilities and-has worked well in the past. Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. said the West Newport Homeowner. Association-members appreciate the fine recreation programs offered by the City. Mark Deven advised the City Council passed the Volleyball Resolution on February 22 so the process of posting for installation and court' removals, etc. will begin. commissioner-Springer reported the Oceanfront and Beach Committee did not meet. She reviewed some-of-the encroach-, ment problems on Ocean'and suggested these sites be re- landscaped if the owners do not trim properly. Commissioner Herberts - recommended the encroachments be addressed as an action item. Director-Whitley will pursue the matter. Commissioner Springer proposed a capital project be implemented that takes everything-out; the area reclaimed; grass put in; and the.walkway extended and maintained. Director Whitley will study this idea. During discussion,on enforcing encroachments, Commissioner Wolfe, Jr.-suggested this be put on the agenda for the joint meeting with the Study Session. Director Whitley will meet with Public Works and report back at the next meeting. Commissioner Grant reported for the Facility Evaluation Committee and passed out a maintenance list for the fields. He suggested additional facilities such as a half basket- ball court•or tot lot be considered at Ol•d School Park subject to neighborhood input so that it gets more usage. Director Whitley will pursue and also check out additional benches. Commissioner Grant referred to Councilman •Sansone''s request to consider filling in the gully and expanding the green belt area at Grant Howald'Park. Since this might not be feasible, he suggested pursuing a joint use agreement to use Harbor'View School and the fibld during off periods. Mark Deven advised this area will be addressed at the Commission's April or May meeting. Four more park signs are ready to be installed. 16 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Barks, .Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Brenner asked about the status of the orientation manual and asked that i't.be reviewed by this Commission so that it will be ready when a new Commissioner is seated,. Director Whitley reported in lieu parkland -fees have in- creased and a Planning Department report will be ,presented to the Commission at their April meeting. Commissioner 'Wolfe, Jr. reported that the Commission welcomes back Director Whitley. He also commended Mark Deven for the excellent job he did during Mr. Wh'itley's absence. Item #10 - Commission Liaison Reports Commission Liaison There was no report from Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. from the Reports Friends of Oasis. Commissioner Grant stated'he and Rae Cohen discussed - mailing invitations prior to openings at the Theatre Arts Center. Item #ll - Status of Capital• Projects Status of Capital Commissioner Grant asked for an,81, x 11 print of the.new Projects youth center landscape plans. Mark Deven will provide this. Commissioners Konwiser and - Wolfe, Jr. asked to see the bids for the Oasis classroom -when they are opened. Director Whitley will present them to the Commission. Item #12 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Report received and filed. Item #13'- Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Director Whitley reported he will get more information on Division the trees on Sandcastle: Commissioner Herberts gave an update,on the trees at 303 Poinsettia. One tree was removed which how leaves plenty of parking space. Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. stated the Street Tree .Committee and this Commission want a tree replaced for each removal. Director Whitley advised this is the policy followed .unless there are exceptions. Commissioner Herberts reported she and Commissioner Wolfe,J . will gather a list of those addresses that need tree replacements. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Brenner stated this matter will be brought back to the Commission for a final resolution. Item $14 - Future Agenda Items Future Agenda No report. Items Item V - Communications Received Communica- tions Mark Deven summarized the Commission's and Associati'on's Received input to Public Works on the matter of a restroom at the Wedge. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Community Service Awards Community Service Commissioner Grant suggested a permanent wall plaque be Awards installed in the Department's lobby with names of those who have received the Community Service Award and /or that they be recognized in the water bill inserts. Mark Deven also suggested a picture in the lobby of current award recipients-could be displayed. Avon Street Development Avon Street evelopment Director Whitley y passed out and reviewed a memorandum from the Public Works Department on"Avon-Street Geotechnical Investigation for Retaining Wall Construction. Commissioner Herberts advised she will meet with Mr. House, Director of the Environmental Nature Center, on the subject to clarify their recommendations. Director Whitley will contact the engineers for their input. The landscape plans will be reviewed by this Commission and Mr. House may also address the Commission on this project. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:25 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on February 23, 1.988 at 8:30 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. .l 7— �a -__/� Dottie F1ohr, Secretary