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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/05/1988 - PB&R CommissionItem, No. 3 ` a l CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH \2 \_Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Motion x Ayes x x x 3 July 5, 1988 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Ex- Officio Member Present: .Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Maintenance Supt. 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 7:03 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, Grant, Herbert Konwzser, Springer and Taft were present. Commissioner Wolfe, Jr. was absent. Chair Brenner expressed, her gratitude for the quality of service and role model provided by Commissioner Wolfe during his term as Chair of the Commission. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes of the June 7, 1988 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Back Bay Regional Park and Griswold Property. II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Seating of New Commissioner - Jo Vandervort Director Whitley introduced newly appointed Jo Vandervort who then took her seat on the Commission. Commissioner Vandervort gave a brier6 background of herself and stated she is not only interested in all aspects of parks, beaches and recreation, but has also wanted to serve on this Commis- sion for a long time. - Election of Officers for Fiscal Year 1988 -89 Chair Brenner asked for nominations for Chair of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission for Fiscal Year 1988 -89. INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adopti on.'of Agenda Seating of New Commissioner ( Election of Officers I CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Motion x Commissioner Grant nominated Commissioner Konwiser. Ayes x x c x'x x x Commissioner Konwiser announced that he had prior commit- ments for the next two meetings and•would not be available to serve at these times. There being no•1urther nominations, Chair Brenner closed the nominations. Unanimous. Chair-Konwiser asked for nominations for Vice Chair. Motion x *Commissioner Taft nominated Commissioner Springer. Seconded x • Seconded by Commissioner Herberts. Ayes x x xx x There being no further nominations, Chair Konwiser closed the nominations. Unanimous. Chair Konwiser commended Commissioner Brenner's efficiency during the year and stated he hoped to follow through as well as-she did. Chair Konwiser then presented a plaque to Commi,ssioner•Brenner for her work and dedication as past Chair of the Commission. Commissioner Brenner stated she has enjoyed the opportunity to work directly with City staff, and Director Whitley thanked Commissioner Brenner for all her services.' Chair Konwiser informed the public attending the meeting that the Commissioners are volunteers and their advisory role is a wonderful way to serve the community. Item #7 - Tree Removal Appeal, 1260•Somerset Lane Tree Removal Director Whitley reported the owner's request for tree Appeal -removal was denied by the Street Tree Committee and is now being appealed to the Commission. Commissioner Herberts reported the original request was for two removals, one of•which was removed. She said she would have no objection to the other tree being removed provided the applicant pays for one being planted on Somerset and one on Highland since the area is so barren. Commissioner Taft concurred. During discussion, Jack Brooks stated that:•since the Associa tion,'does not have a preference for the type of tree planted the Tree Division would make this determination. Commissioner Grant suggested.a list of designated trees be 1A compiled and approved by the Street Tree Committee. Director Whitley suggested the Street Tree Committee could CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council, Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX work with Associations desirous to do this. Motion x Commissioner. Springer motioned to approve the removal of Ayes x x x x x x x the tree at 1260 Somerset Lane provided two trees, one on Somerset Lane and one on Highland, are planted at the owner's expense. Unanimous. Item $8 - Tree Removal Appeal, 2201 Aralia Tree Removal Director Whitley reported the owner presented material 'Appeal concerning her request to appeal the Street Tree Committee's decision during Public Testimony at the Commission's June 7 meeting.-Additional photos and a report from the Chair of the Street Tree Committee were included in this month's agenda. Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Eileen Cirillo, 2201 Aralia Street, addressed the'Commission. Mrs. Cirillo reported their large landscaping project is now complete, however, she is still concerned about the hazardous sidewalk lift and standing water in-the gutter. She is, however;•willing to wait and see how the grass grows under the tree. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission followed. Commissioner Herberts stated she has pictures of the site should anyone want to see them. She would like to see the tree saved and asked if General Services could repair the sidewalk, whereupon a barrier could be put in. Jack Brooks advised the subject sidewalk is on the General Services list for repair. Commissioner Brenner said she felt the tree is beautiful and adds to the home and suggested input from the Associa- tion be solicited. Commissioner Taft agreed with Commissioners Herberts and Brenner and stated it would be a shame to remove the tree if it can be saved. Motion x Commissioner Herberts moved the request by-the applicant Ayes x x x x x x x to remove the tree be denied and root barriers be put in when the sidewalk is repaired. Unanimous. Director Whitley advised the applicant she can appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. i 5� c" CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #9 - Beach Volleyball Applications Beach Volley-' ball Mark Deven reviewed in depth the three recommendations pre- Applications sented in the report submitted in the'Commission's agenda packet. He pointed out that both the-Marine and General Services Departments reviewed the recommendations. For the 'record, he noted he has received 3 letters supporting staff's recommendations to remove the court at the 40th St. location. These letters were from Mrs. Halleck, 3901 Seashore, Tom Blandy, 3903 Seashore, and Bruce Giese, 3915 Seashore. Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mrs. Sidney Bickel, 3801 Seashore, addressed the Commission Mrs. Bickel referred to'the court at 38th Street. She reported that with each storm the beach is"cut away and now the 'balls are constantly in her patio. She asked that the poles be moved until such time-as the beach is wider. Mr. Michael Roland, 1251 43rd-St., addressed the Commission. He referred to the court recommended for removal at the 43r St. site and stated there is an amiable relationship with the people who live there: There'.5s also a court between 42nd and 43rd. Both are heavily used in the summers on -weekends and, if one were taken out, there would be a 3 -4 hour wait for a court. He asked that both courts remain. Mr. Ed Sybesma, 789 Bayview in Laguna Beach, addressed the Commission on behalf of Mr. Little on 301h St. Mr. Little feels that if the courts were removed, additional pressure would be added at the other sites. Chair Konwiser closed the meeting to Public Testimony. Commissioner Taft stated'he agrees with Recommendation No. 1. However, since the 40th -48th St. courts-get such good -use, he would like to see a. compromise such as moving the 40th and 42nd St. sites to the street end or finding other locations that are convenient for-the residents. Commissioner Taft noted the court at "M" St. does not meet the authorized volleyball court requirements. However, since there are no problems and plenty of space, he asked that it remain. He also pointed out there are"now 10 courts at Big Corona, rather than 6,.and asked staff to investi- gate. Commissioner Taft also pointed out that the court at 61st St. and Oceanfront is 60' east, not 160' east, as written'in the report. Mark Deven agreed. 0 i CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Springer concurred with the recommendations submitted with the exception of removing the.court at 43rd St., however, she pointed out the ability to provide Marine safety here should be addressed. Commissioner Herberts concurred•with Commissioner Taft and agreed that the courts at 43rd and 40th'Streets be retained and moved to the street -end due'to the volume of play, Mark Deven advised'it is important to consider the input from the Marine and General Services Departments. Should a court be at a street end, it cannot be near a lifeguard tower. Commissioner Grant approved the recommendations as pre- sented but suggested the words "until such time as the beach replaces itself" be added to Recommendation No. 3. Mot.•..n x Commissioner Taft moved to approve,Recommendation No. i as Ayes x x < x x x x written and to refer Recommendations No. 2 and 3 to the , Beach and Oceanfront Committee with-further review by the General Services and Marine Departments to see if these courts can be replaced at more desirable locations. Unanimous. Item #10 - Bolsa Avenue Park Proposal Bolsa Avenue Park Director Whitley explained the City Engineer's recommenda- Proposal, tion not to vacate the street to provide a park site for the West Newport Heights area. Director Whitley also informed the Commission that he talked to Karen Smith, who originally-brought.up the concept. Mrs. Smith indicated the residents were unprepared for this evening's meeti'ng and preferred this item be continued. Director Whitley advised the company intending to purchase the church site is still in the application mode and that other variables inhibit the process at this time. Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 16th St., addressed the Commission and referred to the application which was denied by the Planning Commission. Chair Konwiser suggested he talk to the City Clerk since this is not in this Commission's purview. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Director Whitley advised that if a street is vacated, it reverts in ownership to the adjacent property owner. Commissioner Grant referred to the bond issue and suggested funds be set aside for future park acquisition and also for those that arise unexpectedly, such as the one under discussion. Commissioner Brenner questioned the location of play equip- ment Mrs. Smith referred to,in her letter. 'Director Whitley advised it cannot be put at the top due to view• obstruction and other areas are too narrow-and hazardous. Motion x ' Commissioner Springer motioned to continue this item upon Ayes x x x x x x x request from the neighbors. Unanimous. Item #11 - Policy to Recognize Community Leaders Policy to Recognize Director Whitley reviewed Council's request that the Community Commission develop a policy to recognize community leaders Leaders due to the recent request to rename Mariners Park. Director Whitley reported staff's recommendation, as 'written, to establishea Commission Committee for this purpose has been changed. Since contacting 27 cities in Orange County and finding 3 that have a.policy for naming facilities, staff is recommending. these 3 policies be reviewed and a draft be presented at the Commission's August 2 meeting. t' Commissioner Taft asked that the policies of the other cities be included in the.draft and Commissioner Herberts recommended the draft be reviewed before the matter is placed as an action item on-the agenda. Motion x Commissioner Herberts moved to refer the matter back to Ayes x x x x x x x, staff to'present a preliminary draft, including policies from other cities, as a discussion item at the August 2 meeting. Unanimous. Item, #12 - Bond Issue for Park and Open Space Bond Issue for Park Director Whitley reported the Commission's-recommendation to and Open delay pursuing the bond issue until 1989 was transmitted to Space Council. Council agreed and suggested a Commission'Ad Hoc Committee be established to review the Open Space and �� Recreation Element and determine specific •sites and acquisi- tion costs for bond purposes. CITY .OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation, Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Grant recommended this matter be brought up under Item #17,,Commission Committee Reports:. Item #13 - China Cove Volleyball Court Regulations China Cove Volleyball Mark Deven reported the Commission, at their May 3 Court Regu- meeting, directed staff and the Beach and Oceanfront lations' Committee to work with China Cove residents and develop a plan of action and regulations agreeable to all. Following their June 9 meeting, the proposed recommendation as written are submitted for the Commission's review. The report was also sent to members of the Committee who have further stated the situation is much•.improved,,i.e., the language is better; the net is removed; parking is improved, etc. Commissioner Grant reported he was at the site on the afternoon of July 4 and there were no people in the volley- ball area. He feels too much time will be taken away from the court area with the proposed hours. Commissioners Springer and Taft agreed with the rules as presented since they are agreeable to•the residents. Commissioner Springer motioned to approve the recommenda- tions as listed. Commissioner Brenner suggested Recommendation No. 5 read "Volleyball nets shall be removed during non playing times and daily at sunset." Motion x Ayes x x x x x x Commissioner Springer amended her motion to include Nay x Commissioner Brenner's statement. Motion carries. Item #14 - Oceanfront Equipment Ocean Front Mark Deven reported the Beach and Oceanfront Committee met Equipment as a result of correspondence from Laurie McKenzie requestin play equipment at 10th St. which had been removed due to unsafe conditions. Additional' consultation with the - Assistant City Attorney resulted in the recommendation as written. It was felt that play equipment belongs in parks and not on the beach. 61 Motion Ayes' i 10 X CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission f City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Commissioner Brenner'agreed.that; due to liability, unauthorized equipment should be removed. She did, however . feel there is a need for play equipment at-certain areas. Commissioner Grant concurred. Commissioners.Springer and Taft agreed play equipment on the beach causes Tiability problems and is not practical. These facilities are provided in public parks-and, generall, there have been no requests for play equipment. They also suggested referring the matter to the community association Commissioner Grant felt unauthorized equipment should be removed; however, he felt a demand exists and sees no safety reasons not to install in areas that are wide enough to accommodate the equipment. Commissioner Brenner felt the matter needs more investiga- tion and association input. She disagrees that play equip- ment belongs only in parks since children often use lifeguard towers as play equipment. Commissioner Brenner motioned to authorize posting removals of unauthorized play installations and referring installa- tion of play equipment to associations, stating the matter is under investigation and input from - residents 'is desired. The issue will be brought back to the-Beach and Oceanfront Committee. Unanimous. etic Mark Deven presented a color layout of the Preliminary Plan He reviewed the funding for renovation and pointed out this was presented to the-Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board on June 28. The Board asked that vehicular access be installed; the asphalt-be upgraded; parking expanded; and conflicts between fields be minimized. Should the Commission approve the plans, the design should be completed in August. Commissioner Taft suggested additional basketball courts be installed in the hard area, rather than-parking.-to make more efficient use of the facility. Mark Deven answered questions regarding the new gym fl funding, maintenance, etc. INDEX Preliminary Plan Approval CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Grant made several suggestions, such as in- corporating the ability to have a grass infield; designatio of a site on the plan for a concession; and designation of a tot lot. He also asked for a schedule for the rest of the process. Mark Deven advised he will discuss these matters and parkin lot lighting with the School District. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to approve the plan as presente Ayes x x x x x x x with the Commission's suggestions and a review of tree planting. Unanimous. Item #16 - Proposed Amendment No. 664 Proposed Amendment Director Whitley reported the proposed amendment is a No. 664 result of the Planning Commission's review of the Open Space and Recreation Element. It makes zoning consistent by establishing two classifications of'open space which distinguish between active and passive recreational areas. Motion x Commissioner Taft moved to accept the amendment as proposed. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS 'Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 16th Street, addressed the Commission regarding Cliff Drive Park. He discussed three issues, namely (1) Trees are dyin on the Avon Street side; (2) Flooding of Avon Street; and (g3) His son broke his arm falling off the retaining wall bordering Riverside Avenue. Concerning the trees dying, he felt the roadway into the park may have caused this and suggested Public Works be contacted to speed up restoration. Regarding the flooding problem, on June 24 the culvert that drains Avon Street creek was bulldozed and the creek over- flowed and flooded Avon Street. He asked the Commission to take a look at the site. Concerning his son's broken arm, the 4j year old climbed on top of the retaining wall made of railroad ties and fell. He suggested the height be lowered to help prevent future accidents. r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair•Konwiser advised Mr.•Vandersloot that this Commission's responsibility is limited; the Avon Street project is a Public Works project and the flooding problem is the responsibility of the Public Works Department. The retaining wall, which helps prevent erosion, will be reviewed by staff. Commissioner Herberts stated that since the trees are on park property, they are under this-Commission's jurisdiction. Although it is a Public Works project the problem should be investigated. Commissioner Grant agreed and asked for a response from Public Works. Director Whitley advised Public Works was given authority to build an access road and this Department has urged them to finish the testing. Director'Whitley also advised the retaining wall was put in at that particular.height to provide a better erosion contro wall and to discourage children from climbing on it. The Department will look at it again in terms of putting safety rails on it. Commissioner 'Springer said she would. work with- Commissioner Herberts to pursue resolving the road and tree issues. Jack Brooks advised his staff will investigate the tree problem, consult with the City Engineer, and report back. Concerning the retaining wall, Mr. Brooks advised that vines were planted and, when fully covered, wi1'l be a deterrent to walking on the wall. Lowering it would require regarding an unstable slope. Peggy Clark, 415 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission on the Avon Wetlands. Ms. Clark stated the area is a natural habitat for birds as the Eucalyptus Trees provide a natural shelter. The park is also unique since it has natural water at the Avon Creek Wetlands and she would like to see it preserved and a boardwalk installed. Marian Rayl, 426 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission regarding soil studies being done at Cliff Drive Park. She said she was told by Public-Works the studies would be completed months ago. They are still there and need to be taken out or the trees will be affected. She asked that the hillside be restored and the soil studies completed before the trees are gone. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mrs; Rayl said she felt the 'retaining wall- should be lowered for safety and aesthetic reasons. She added that the sidewalk that winds through the park is also for those with strollers and-should present no problems. Director Whitley reported'he has the Land Deed which was transmitted to Public Works. The creek is the boundary of the park; the dedicated park area ends where the creek begins. Commissioner Springer complimented the Newport Heights Association for their involvement in the area. IV. DISCUSSION;ITEMS Item #17 - Commission Committee Reports Commission Committee Chair Konwiser bridfly reviewed the responsibilities of Reports each committee and asked for volunteers for.the next fiscal year. The results were as follows: Ad Hoc Bond Issue Committee: Commissionerg.Springer, Taft and Grant. Capital Improvements: Konwiser as Chair; Commissioners 'Grant and Herberts. Street Tree: Herberts as Chair; Commissioners Brenner and Springer. Chair- Konwiser suggested separate reports be presented for each Commissioner's area. Recreation Program: Vandervort as Chair and Commissioner Brenner. Oceanfront and Beach: Taft as Chair; Commissioners 'Springer and Vandervort. Facility Evaluation: Grant as Chair and Commissioner Taft. Commissioner Taft reported Newport Harbor High School landscaping looks good, but that West Newport along Coast E Highway needs improvement. 13 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH r arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 1 7 p.m. INDEX Jack Brooks announced the latter is being delayed until the wall is completed. Chair-Konwiser advised watering the Oleanders on Bayside which are in bad shape. Commissioner Grant announced.he and Randy Kearns walked Buffalo Hills and improvements are being prioritized. He recommended working with the various youth organizations, to improve the fields and perhaps closing them down for 2 -3 weeks so grass can grow and the holes filled in. Budget: 'Konwiser as Chair, and Commissioners•Vandervort and Herberts. Chair's Report: Chair Konwiser referred'to•the difficulty of seeing each other due to the seating arrangement and asked the Commissioners to speak louder so all can be heard: Item #18 - Commission Liaison Reports Commission Liaison Friends of Oasis Liaison will be Commissioner Brenner. Reports Friends of the Theatre Arts Center Liaison will be Commissioner Herberts. Alternate-is Commissioner Taft. Item #19 - .Status of Capital Projects Status of Capital Director Whitley announced that henceforth when a project Projects is completed, it will'be taken off-the list and the 1987 -88 items are now considered carry over projects. Item• #20 - Park and Street.Tree Di- vision Park.and Street Tree Jack Brooks answered the Commission's questions and advised Division that the Eucalyptus being cut down at•Corona del Mar High School are a result of the School District's project. The Department will start improvements along the perimeter of Ensign's fields at Horace Ensign in July, and Commissioner Herberts asked to be involved in the process. She suggested a sign informing the public be put up stating that the trees'are a result-of the Ci•ty's program. Commissioner Brenner mentioned her conversation with The Irvine Company regarding their Palm Trees and monthly spraying. Jack Brooks announced he will be contacting The. Irvine Company regarding pesticides and will bring this information back to the Commission within 60 days. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Is' arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts suggested the City apply for "Tree City USA" which'is a free program. Director Whitley will pursue the matter. Item #21 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Mark Deven answered questions and pointed out the Division is in its busiest period now. Item #22 - Future Agenda Items Future Agenda Mark Deven reported.nominations for Commission Community Items Service Awards should have been on the July agenda but will be addressed at the August 2 meeting. Commissioner Brenner questioned the status of the China House and Director Whitley advised there has been no response from the owners. Director Whitley reported the Inspiration Point project is going to City Council soon for authorization to bid. V. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Back Bay Regional Park Back Bay Regional Director Whitley reviewed..-the open space and ownership Park interests in the area. He invited the-Commissioners to a presentation by the County at 2:00 ,P.M. on July 11 at the Council's Study Session. Commissioner Grant asked for a topo of the area. Griswold Property Griswold 'Property Director Whitley reported residents in the Begonia Park area are urging the City to acquire the subject property. The property is presently being appraised, after which negotiations will begin. Options would be that the City could purchase it; Mr. Griswold could donate it; a combina- tion thereof; or use of Assessment District funding. VIII. 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 July 5, 1988 at 3:10 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Floir, Secretary