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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/1988 - PB&R CommissionMotion Ayes CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Item No. 3 Beaches & Recreation Commission August 2, 1988 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Mark Deven, Recreation Super- intendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to Order Call to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. A Item #2'= Roll Call •Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, Grant, Herberts, Springer, Taft and Vandervort were present. Chair Konwiser was absent. Due to Chair Konwiser's absence, Vice Chair Springer presided. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes x Commissioner•Vandervort moved the minutes of the July 5, x x x x x x 1988 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented. II: JOINT MEETING WITH•FRIENDS OF OASIS Joint Meeting Vice Chair Springer turned the meeting over to Charles with Friends McCann, President of the Executive Board of the Friends of of Oasis Oasis. ' Dr. McCann introduced Celeste Jardine -Haug, the new Recrea- tion Supervisor for Older Adult Services, and the newly elected Executive Board, after which the Commissioners introduced themselves. Mr. Boyd Stillings, 1st-Vice President, gave an•update on the status of the new Arts /Crafts Room, which is 70% completed. He said the construction work was done in a very professional way, however, there was some confusion due to the architectural plans, i.e., wiring outlets, c CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX alignment of the building and roof area. He asked for the Commission's endorsement and support,i.n• getting the roof completed and funded as originally designed. Mr. Stillings explained that the building is at a different height and the roof.over the -breezeway was removed from the plans, most likely due to fire hazard precautions by the Fire Department and architect.'- in the meantime, their concerns have been resolved. - Mark Deven advised there are two existing project accounts from which the roof could be funded, i.e.', funds left from the construction of the building and /or funds designated to re -roof the entire Oasis facility. He would, however, want the City's Engineers to look at the situation. Commissioner Grant suggested the new roof be significantly changed•to enhance the overall appearance so it doesn't look like a patch -up job. Following a brief discussion, Vice Chair Springer gave the Executive Board this Commission's general approval for the room's completion, including the roof over the breezeway. 'Dr. McCann introduced Jim DeLamater, 2nd Vice President ' and Chair of the, Long Range Planning Committee, who read his report and presented it to the-Commission. In his report,-Mr.. DeLamater - explained their goals for the future development of Oasis and the 1.06 acre property on the north side of the Center. They are reassessing their membership survey and building plans and are asking the Commission's assistance on obtaining demographic material concerning the senior - citizen population of the City in order to develop a realistic and financially sound plan. Director Whitley advised that the 1980 Census has been updated which could be of use to them. Commissioner Grant suggested contacting the original developer for additional marketing information. He also suggested mutual use of the new Youth Center's facilities and equipment be pursued. Dr. McCann reported they want to develop a proposal for a Services Annex and storage area. They are hopeful ,Human. the design will minimize-traffic-congestion, parking and senior security. 3 r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Brenner stated.-her awareness of the Friends' concern over traffic and asked if they were-aware that Marguerite is on the circulation ,element as an alternate highway. ,Dr. McCann pointed out the Friends' concern over' this. Commissioner-Brenner said, that as the Oasis liaison and a %resident of the area, she.would be-glad to work with the Friends on this matter. Commissioner Herberts referred to the previously endorsed idea of a.volunteer crossing guard which the Police Department would train. Dr. McCann-said the Oasis Board is considering this; they have also urged the Police Department to put in a spot crossing guard. Mrs. Jardine -Haug recommended 'a Crime Committee be selected as a liaison for the seniors with-the Police Department. Mark Deven said he believed the main focus should be to 'bu.il'd'a parking lot tied into the Master Plan on the same side of ,the street•to relieve congestion. Commissioner Grant suggested that they work with the Youth Center in sharing equipment whenever possible. Dr. McCann thanked the Commission and said the Friends appreciate their good support and leadership. I'd I. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Bolsa Avenue Park Proposal Bolsa Avenue Park Director Whitley reported that, although the Newport Proposal Heights area is deficient in parks, the original idea from the community will be impossible to implement at this time. He referred to the-City Engineer's report on the subject.:and reported the residents now-realize their pro- posed project is not possible. Ms. Shari Rooks' request was also received by the City Council•. Item #6 - West Bay Regional Park West Bay Regional, Director Whitley reported representatives from the County Park of Orange and The Irvine Company are present to answer the Commission's questions on the proposed - regional park. Grace Secketa, President of the Orange County E.M.A., Harbors, Beaches and Parks, addressed the Commission and reviewed the 120 acre park. The park has been on the Master Plan for years and the offer bf dedication is in �( process. Use restrictions will limit the area to passive r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX uses only, such as, picnic facilities, trails and nature viewing platforms. Regarding the 6t acres the City owns at the West Bay site, she stated the County would accept title or a joint powers agreement. Concerning the County's interest in North Star Beach, which is co -owned with the City, they want to retain their'ownership. Preliminary Plans will be submitted to the City for review and approval. ,,Commissioner Grant stated he felt this is an opportunity, which' is missing in the plans, to develop a more intense recreational park-yet still passive in, nature near Irvine Avenue /University Avenue Interchange that would have no impact on the Back Bay. 'He suggested trees and an open turf area'as a transition from Irvine Avenue to the Bluff Tops. Director Whitley advised the local community wants the site kept as a natural area and that the 6 acres the City owns is an archeology site. He.-also advised that, since the County is'very receptive to receiving input, this should be done in the early planning stages. Ms.•Secketa addressed the Commission again and referred to .the Bluffs area on the east side. She explained the stoppage and liability aspects resulting in consideration of an Ordinance to prevent over watering. Concerning the West Bay am a of Irvine Avenue, some parking spaces and perhaps an interpretive center may put in. Trees and native plants would also be planted in order to have a grassland meadow condition., Commissioner Herberts favored the predominently open space and passive use of the park as presented. Vice Chair Springer felt the area should be kept in its natural state and remain a passive park. Commissioner Brenner agreed with Commissioner-Grant that in order to get maximum use of the area, there should be some recreational use. Most-.of'it, however, should be an open space /passive area. Commissioner Grant stated his ideas include a staging area for bicycles, shade trees, picnic tables and-parking at the �.• corner area, and Ms. Secketa assured him these would be on the plans. Mr. Dave Dmohowski from The Irvine Company addressed the Commission concerning constraints to prevent commercial r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX utilization of the park, thereby keeping the area passive. If the Covenants are not followed, they can take the area back and offer-it to the City. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to accept the four recommenda- tions as presented and add a fifth recommendation as follows:- "That the-County of Orange recognize that this Commission should be.used as a sounding board for the City of NewpoPt Beach's input'into the design process of the park." Motion x Commissioner Herberts made a substitute motion to adopt Ayes x x x staff's recommendations numbers 1 through 4. Motion Nays x' x x fails. Commissioner Grant withdrew his motion. Motion x Vice Chair Springer motioned to accept recommendations SE :dec x 1 through 4 as presented and-adopt recommendation A as AyGa x x x x x x follows: "The County is requested to include the Parks, Beaches and-Recreation Commission in the design phase-of the park development." Seconded by Grant. Unanimous. Item #7 - Policy for Naming Parks, Policy for Naming Director Whitley reported the proposed broad policy for Parks naming.parks has been drafted for the Commission's review. Policies from three other cities are attached'for informa- tional purposes. Commissioner H'erberts.suggested an additional item address a six month waiting period after a death before appropriate recognition is considered by the Commission. Vice Chair Springer said she felt future parks should not be, renamed. Commissioner Brenner referred to recommendation #1' and suggested it read• "Existing parks should'not'be renamed unless there is a problem with'communi•ty identification." She also recommended encouraging dedications, rather than renaming parks. Commissioner Grant suggested recommendation #1 read "Existing park names should not be changed to assure Identity as developed by time" and that recommendation #3 (a) be moved to the bottom. He also recommended the first paragraph, second sentence be changed to read ... "publi recreational facility..." r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts suggested recommendation #3 (c) read "Streets or schools bordering the park:" She also recommended community centers,,buiidings and rooms be considered for name changes,'rather-than parks. Commissioners Grant and,-Brenner suggested Item 3 read ... "should be considered, but not limited to,..." 'Vice Chair Springer recommended inserting the following as the first sentence of recommendation #2: "New or existing *community centers, buildings, rooms or site amenities may be dedicated in honor of persons who have served their community in :an exceptional and distinguished manner." Referring -to Commissioner Herblerts' previous suggestion, Commissioner Grant recommended recommendation #5 be added to read "With the exception of Item 4 above, prior to the dedication or naming of a park or public recreational facility for a deceased person, there should be a passage of six months." There was considerable discussion as to whether schools and outstanding community leaders•shoul'd be included in the'naming of park facilities. A straw vote resulted in a 3 -3 split. In order to facilitate passage, Commissioner Taft switched his vote to provide for the inclusion of the above. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned the new policy for naming Ayes x x K x x x City parks incorporating the Commission's recommendations be approved with the wording changed as follows: i 1. Existing park names or public recreational facility names should not be changed to assure identity as developed by time. 2. Suggestions for naming new parks shall be reviewed by-the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission with a recommendation-being transmitted-to the City Council for approval. 3. New park names can be chosen from, but not limited to, the following categories: a. Streets or schools bordering park b. Topography c. Theme d. Renowned citizens of the community. 4 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX 4. The tree lined walkway at-Oasis Passive Park beginning at 5th Avenue and Marguerite in Corona del Mar should be identified as'an area'where the trees can be dedica- ted by bronze plaques as community-leader recognition locations. 5. New or existing community centers, buildings, rooms or site amenities may be dedicated in•honor of, persons who have served their community in an'exceptional and distinguished manner. 6. With the.exception of Item 4 above,.prior to the.dedica- tion- or•naming:of a park or public'recreational facility fora deceased person, there should be a passage of six months before the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commissi n acts upon the.'request and makes a recommendation to the 'City Council. Unanimous. Item #8 - Commission Community Service Awards Commission Community Director Whitley-reviewed-the-four nom ?nations for the Service prestigious Commission "Community Service Awards. Awards Commissioner Brenner suggested news releases be sent out stating the Commission is accepting recommendations for Community Service Awards. Commissioner Grant suggested a recipient's peer group be notified of the award presentation. Motion x Commissioner Herberts moved to accept-the nominations as Ayes x x x x x x presented. Unanimous. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr: Michael Roland, 125 ^43rd Street, addressed the Commission: Mr. Roland-stated-he met with-'Commissioners Taft'and Vandervort and Mark•.Deven. They-determined that, since one voll.eyball court was taken down.between 42nd - 43rd Streets, one be put back up, resulting in two courts. He wants to be assured the court will remain. Mark Deven recommended all the courts remain since there was a misinterpretation, and that this item be-brought back later as'an Action-Item. There have been no problems except one objection from the•resident'at 4205 Seashore. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Following discussion regarding posting, placements, etc., Mark Deven and Commissioner Taft agreed that-the volleyball players should review•staff!'s report on the courts. If It is-favorable to them, they do not-have to come 'back since their recommendations will be approved. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #9 - Commission Committee-Reports Commission Committee (a) Capital. Improvements -'No report due•to•Chair Konwiser's Reports absence. (b) Street Tree -'Chair Herberts reported they responded to 18 tree requests. *Results were to retain 12 trees; remove and replace 4 trees; and'refer 2 trees .to--,the Corona del Mar Residents Association. They are also recommending street trees be-planted-in the 600 block of Heliotrope and the 1700 block of Antigua Way as, soon'as possible.' Commissioner'Grant requested an update on the.pianting.of new trees at the Theatre Arts Center by °the adjacent developer. Commissioner Grant referred to his facility, evaluation report stating the-tree next to the Day "'Care'fatility at Eastbluff Park i's hazardous-and that trees be planted in Buffalo-Hills Park. Commissioner Herberts advised these requests should-be directed to the Park and Tree Maintenance'Superintendent. slack Brooks reported the City Engineer is doing a survey on the boundaries at"Avon Street. The Parks Division is still in the process of restoring the slope. (c) Recreation Program - Chair 1andervort reported the committee reviewed and approved.27 new proposed fall programs, They felt these will add to a well rounded and diverse .selection of* activities. The committee also met with. members of'the American Kite Flyers-Association in-response to a letter from the Airport Manager.' They concurred with the'Kite Flyers to restrict flying kites to a• maximum 500' of string. Director Whitley advised their recommendation will be transmitted to.the City Manager-since the was-originally directed to him. Gletter I r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. 'INDEX (d) Oceanfront and Beach - Chair Taft reported that most of the volleyball problems have been resolved and some were-covered during Public Comments. He also reported there are 3 new parallel courts between the Balboa and.Newport Piers; Mark Deven'•advised these will be posted within two-weeks. Mark Deven reported the 38th Street court was removed' due to complaints; it was closer than other courts to nearby residences.•'He informed the Commission courts are moved almost daily and that perhaps another survey •should be done to update the situation. Both-Commissioner•. Taft and Mark Deven;agreed that courts could remain unless there are complaints; and that courts should be posted for removal unless they are in an unsafe position. (2) Facility Evaluation— Chair Grant reported he and Randy Kearns had walked the fields some time ago and he is still waiting for a response. He also talked to the School District about aerating the soccer fields and then closing them for a few weeks. Commissioner Grant and Jack Brooks will work on both these matters together. (f), Budget - No report due to Chair Konwiser's absence. (g) Ad Hoc Bond Issue— Chair Grant stated they met and a report will, be forthcoming. Due to absences at the previous meeting,, it is advisable to set up another meeting soon and withhold the written report until after the-meeting. (h) Chair's Report - Vice Chair Springer asked that meeting notices be sent sooner than past notices have been. Item #10 - Commission Liaison Reports Commission Liaison (a) Friends of Oasis - Commissioner Brenner reported the Reports Board meeting was very informative (b) Friends of the Theatre Arts Center - Commissioner Herberts reported she talked•with Rae Cohen, President of the Theatre Arts Center Board and they are starting . plans for next season. Season tickets range in price from $40 to $60. The present play is receving great. reviews and the Board would appreciate the Commissioners �� supporting their plays. Their next meeting i•s August 10. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes 1. arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mark Deven reported the Theatre Arts Center i.s etting strip lighting on their steps. They also received a 1,000 donation to be used for scaffolding. Item #11 - Status of Capital Projects Status of Capital Director Whitley reported 'planning has just started for the Projects new fiscal year projects. Mark Deven explained the City's use of'the private Newport Christian's facilities. Item #12-- Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Jack Brooks announced there has been some controversy over Division the Newport Beach entry signs, however, these were imple- mented by the Environmental Affairs Committee and comments should be addressed to them. Landscaping on Newport Boule- vard is out to bid; bids will be opened August 5, 1988. Commissioner Vandervort informed Mr. Brooks that concrete has been poured at.1201 Somerset;-Mr. Brooks will investigate. Item #13 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Commissioner Vandervort pointed out the favorable letter received from Mr, and Mrs. Peters congratulating the Commission and Department. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT x There being no further business, Commissioner Taft moved the X x x x x meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission be adjourndd at 10:38 P.M. Unanimous. The agenda for this meeting was posted on July 26, 1988 at 8:30 A.M. outside the City Hall Adminis- tration Building. dgla 1. L,�LA —mil Dottie Flohr, Secretary