HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/06/1988 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF (NEWPORT BEACH
Item No. 3
arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
December 6, 1988
City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Ex-Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley
Staff Present: 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.
Item #2 - Roll Call
Roll Call
Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, Grant,
Herberts, Konwiser and Taft were present. Commissioners
Springer and Vandervort were absent.
Item #3 - Approval of Minutes
Approval of
Minutes
Moil
x
Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes of the November 1,
Ayes
x
x
x
x
x
1988 meeting be a proved with the following correction
under Item #12 (b�, Commission Liaison Reports, Friends
of the Theatre Arts Center: "She voiced her concern on
behalf of those playgoers where elevation of homes has
blocked the view from the Theatre lobby and patio."
Unanimous.
Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda
Adoption of
Agenda
The agenda was adopted as presented with-the addition of
Approval of Concept Proposal.
II. ACTION ITEMS
Item • #5 - "China House" Roof Tiles, etc.
China House
Roof Tiles,
Director Whitley explained that the Commission reviewed this
etc.
matter at their November 1, 1988 meeting and continued it
in order to gather more information. Staff contacted those
originally interested in saving the China House, the result
of which was that it has been difficult to get positive
input concerning disposal of the remnants.
Director Whitley stated he also discussed the matter with
other members of the community, and it was their feeling
that the•only locations they would be interested in would be
near the China Cove area. Staff has investigated the
immediate vicinity and has not found,an acceptable site
inasmuch as the Bluffs would have a negative view impact
��
and slopes are unstable.
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Commissioner Herberts stated.she discussed the matter with
the Chair of the Arts Commission who indicated they would
be interested in viewing the remnants and being involved.
Director Whitley advised the Arts Commission was originally
contacted and at•the time expressed no interest.
Commissioner Brenner suggested the.0 -ity Council be notified
that this Commission can find no appropriate use for the
remnants, however,-they may want to store them and /or make
a decision.
Commissioner Taft concurred with Commissioner Brenner that
the matter be passed to Council for their action stating
preferable use would be in the China Cove area, but that
this Commission can find no suitable site.
Motion
x
Commissioner Brenner motioned to refer the matter to the
A;
'x
x
x
x
x
City Council stating this Commission can find no suitable
application on the beaches or within the park system.
Unanimous.
Commissioner Grant suggested the Director transmit to
Council that an attempt was made to contact those originally
interested in the project who are not interested now, and
that it is recommenced'Council contact the Arts Commission
since they mdy be interested.
Item #6 - Acquisition of Union Station on Balboa Island
Acquisition
of Union
Director Whitley reviewed the .11 acre parcel on Balboa
Station on
Island which has been used as a service station and is,
Balboa
being considered for purchase as a mini park. He pointed
Island
out that the buried tanks on the site could be detrimental
to the soil resulting in an exorbitant amount of money to
develop it.
Commissioner Taft stated the Balboa Island Community
Association is meeting this evening,and representatives
from Union Oil will be present. There have been many
petitions to'keep•the station which would.be sorely missed.
If the station cannot be kept, the residents would want
something in its place which would be of benefit to them,
such as open space.
Chair Konwiser pointed out that gasoline seeping through the
tanks is the main problem. However, this is not necessarily
a rush decision since much testing and work would have to
be done and, as a result, the land may sold at a differen
���
price.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Commissioner Taft stated.that should conditions change and
the land be less expensive in the future, he would like an
option to purchase if the problems could be resolved.
Commissioner Taft stated he feels the open space needs
within the City should be addressed. He suggested there be
funds available and a policy formed that this Commission
agrees upon for certain areas in need of a mini park, site
to be determined. -
Commissioner Herberts stated she felt this Commission
should be open to projects that come up unexpectedly, such
as the need for a mini park on Balboa Island.
Director Whitley reported this Commission annually reviews
the Open Space and Recreation Element of--the General Plan,
however, small parcels are not included and are difficult
to anticipate.
Motion
Commissioner Taft moved that if sometime in the future the
Ayes
x
X
x
K
.11 acre parcel on Balboa Island could be bought at a figure
Abstain
x
felt to be commensurate with the need, the Commission
would support pursuing acquisition of-the property provided
there are no-adverse factors in the acquisition. Motion
passes.
Item #7 — Night- Lighting at Bonita Creek Park
Night
Lighting at
Director Whitley reviewed Bonita Creek Park and passed out
Bonita Creek
a petition just received from homeowners objecting to the
Park
present lighting. He explained this is a major sports
facility completed six months ago. The builder informed all
buyers there would be a night lighted facility at the site.
The facility was also signed that it would be night lighted
even before the planning stages. Additional lighting will
be installed on the youth soccer field located closest
to the new homes on University Avenue.
Mr.. Whitley explained that the lights are turned off
between 10:00 - 10:30 P.M. by staff immediately after an
athletic event. He stated the lights could possibly be
shielded, however, this would affect the engineering and
cut down on the lights as originally designed for an athletic
field.
Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and
James Okuley, 4299 MacArthur Blvd. and attorney for Mr.
and Mrs. Buddy Cox, addressed the-Commission.
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Mr. Okuley reported he has been contacted by those living
in the Bay View Terrace and Santa Ana Heights areas and
they feel there is a significant amount of light that
emanates from the park after 10 :00 P.M. Some have stated
the lights are on at 2:00 - 3:00A .M, causing problems.
Mr. Okuley suggested a compromise of shielding the lights
and automatically shutting them off at 10:00 P.M. Mr.
Okuley also suggested more input be received from the
community before going forth with additional lighting.
Both Director Whitley and Chair Konwiser explained it
would be too expensive to stop the project at this time.
Referring to the complaint that the lights were on at
2:00 A.M., Chair Konwiser advised.this was a mistake which
would be corrected. Director Whitley advised this may have
been during the "burn period" wherein the contractor was
testing on a one-time basis for 48 hours.
{
Commissioner Grant suggested the lights follow the schedule
of the Newport Beach Golf-Course which is 10:00 P.M. on
weekdays and 11:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Barbara Quist of Eastbluff addressed the Commission and
stated that when'she drive's east on Bristol and south on
Jamboree, the lights blind her. She feels this is a
safety problem and suggested shields be implemented.
Patricia Cox, 2612 Mesa Drive, addressed the Commission.
She feels the lights should be shielded since they are too-
bright. She also noted they are on all night at various
times. She stated it scares her that more lights will be
put in.
Director Whitley explained that the new lights will be on
the far side of the park and pointed downward.
Motion
x
Commissioner Brenner motioned to continue -this item to the
Ayes
x
x
x
x
x
January 10, 1989 meeting. In the meantime, request a report
on shields from the electrical engineer; plan the timer
to go off at 10:30 P.M.; and'.rely on staff to turn off the
lights ,ahead of time if needed during the next month.
Unanimous.
Chair Konwiser reported this will be an action item at the
Commission's January 10, 1989 meeting, at which time a final
resolution can be made. Director Whitley will find out
when the lights are on at the golf course which affects the
same area.
71-�
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Item #8 - 'Proposed Capital Projects, FY 1989 -90
Proposed
Capital
Director Whitley reported the recommendations proposed are
Projects,
those received from the community, Commission and staff and
FY 1989 -90
are not prioritized. He briefly reviewed each project and
pointed out that -the Park Facility Improvement Fund and
Corona del'Mar Pool Project are committed. The cost for
the West Newport Community Center Refurbishment can be done
for $110,000 less by using subcontractors at a minimum.
cost and not hiring an architect. Should Council agree,
a grant can be applied for to use State funds towards the
Oasis Human Services Building, thus reducing this cost.
Commissioner Grant requested staff write a cover theet-
for each project including who requested it, date of
original request, safety and maintenance impacts and
description.
Director Whitley explained Public Works has their own form
which staff uses for such purposes. However, if desired,
the Capital Improvements Committee could implement a form
approved by this Commission to be used in the capital
improvement process.
Chair Konwiser reported-he will meet with Commissioner
Grant and propose a form•to be reviewed by Director
Whitley and the Superintendents.
Commissioner Grant suggested a Study on Big Canyon for
'$10,000 for funding for a consultant to review the current
open space plan be added to the list.
Director Whitley will contact the Planning Department to
see if it is timely for-an update on the Recreation and
Open Space Element which,would then be funded from the
Planning Department's budget. Director Whitley also
advised the Commission might want to add Seminiuk Slough
to the list after this item is discussed.
Chair Konwiser reported the.capital, improvement list will be
prioritized at the Commission's January 10, 1989 meeting.
In the meantime, he and Commissioner Grant will implement
a form to-be used in the capital improvement process.
<,
Item #9 - Volleyball Applications
Volleyball
Applications
Commissioner Taft, Chair of the Beach and Oceanfront
Committee, reviewed the committee's recommendations.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Referring to the stadium court at 1123 -25 E. Balboa, he
stated the court is well located and there is no problem
except with the existing telephone poles which are used.
The City has been authorized to do testing on the poles
to see if there is a toxic problem. If there is no
problem, the committee recommends regulation poles be in-
stalled and the court placed,on the approved list.
Motion
x
Commissioner Herberts moved to accept the committee's
Ayes
x
x
x
x
x
recommendation. Unanimous.
Commissioner Taft referred to the court in front of 3012
West Oceanfront and stated the committee recommends it be
placed on the approved list provided it•is 50' out and
perpendicular to the private property line, regulation poles
installed, and preferably moved to the street end at 31st
Street where there are fewer homes.
Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and
Mr. Max Morgan, 3004 West Oceanfront, addressed the
Commission. He stated he was speaking on behalf of the
owners on the 3000 block who do not want a court in the
block area; that the court should be installed at the
street end. Reasons include that 'there is an existing
court at 30th Street; this is the narrowest beach area;
there are problems for the beach cleaners; and the bicycle
racks are gone.
Commissioner Taft explained to Mr. Morgan that the
Committee's recommendation included locating the court at
the street end which is in accordance with his request.
Chair Konwiser advised there has been a-tremendous upgrading
of the volleyball courts, thanks to Commissioner Taft and
his committee. Each court has been, reviewed and•the
program is better than it ever has been.
Motion
x
Commissioner Herberts moved to accept the court as
Ayes
x
x
x
x
x
recommended at the street end of 31st Street. Unanimous.
Commissioner Taft referred to the court at 716 West
Oceanfront. He reviewed'the Commission's action at their
November 1, 1988 meeting for 710 West Oceanfront which is
in a similar situation. 'Action was to remove the two
courts and install one according to regulation. The
committee recommends this action stand for 716 West
Oceanfront.
CITY Off' NEWPORT BEACH
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arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Director Whitley passed out a letter from Susan Liechty,
20301 Carlsbad Lane, Huntington Beach, and property owner
in the Finley tract area, and a petition, both of which
were too late to be an action item.. However, this matter
is before the Commission.for discussion. Ms. Liechty is
requesting the house which is not owner - occupied be pur-
chased for a small park. The site is between two street
ends on the canal.
There is a major street project by Public Works to be
considered by the City Council on December 12. The
residents, according to the petition, are opposed to the
project since parking would be diminished.
Chair Konw.iser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and
Susan Liechty, 20$01 Carlsbad Lane in Huntington Beach,
addressed the Commission and stated her opposition to the
reduction in parking that is proposed. She also stated
there is no-park in this area and asked the Commission
to support purchasing the house fora small park.
Director Whi -tley advised it was his understanding the owner
did not want to sell and this fact should first be
determined.
Commissioner Herberts suggested the Department landscape
the street ends.
Chair Konwiser recommended Ms. Liechty share her desires
with the City Council at their meeting on December 12 at
which time the Public Works street improvement project is
on their agenda.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Item #10 - Animal Control Ordinance
Animal
Control
Director Whitley reported staff contacted every City in
Ordinance
Orange County and, after review, not one City prohibits
dogs in parks. Therefore, the original proposal banning
dogs in City parks is back for review in hopes of imple-
menting a better plan.
Staff's recommendation is that they meet'with• the Police
Department and City Attorney to clarify and revise the
.Animal Control Ordinance and request the Police Department
to implement an enforcement program as to dog nuisances and
dogs on leashes.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Commissioner Herberts suggested a larger fine for those not
picking up dog nuisances.
It was then determined that this item wilt be continued to
the January 10 meeting and Director Whitley will meet with
the Police Department and City 'Attorney on the proposed
Ordinance.,
Item #11 - Seminiuk Slough
Seminiuk
Slough
Director Whitley described the 2 acre parcel location known
as Seminiuk Slough that wraps around Newport Shores.
Newport Shores Community Association is requesting a review
with the idea that the property.be purchased and used as a
recreational park.
Director Whitley reported there is a question as to owner-
ship and he will ask the�City Attorney to clarify ownership
and status of the property.
Item #12 - Commission Committee Reports
Commission
Committee
(a) Capital Improvements - No report.
Reports
(b) Street Tree - Chair Herberts reported a property owner
on the Balboa Peninsula requested her tree be removed
and the request was denied-. The owner then had the
tree removed without City approval. It was decided
Director Whitley will investigate the matter with the
idea of assessing a.value-to the tree.
Chair Konwiser recommended the owner be billed for the
value of the tree and Commissioner Grant suggested this
be a discussion item at the January 10 meeting.
(c) Recreation Program - Director Whitley passed out the
Department's new winter recreation brochure. He also
passed out the Olympic Program and reported it was
well done and appreciated.
(d) Oceanfront and Beach - Chair Taft reported the
committee met November 10 and their recommendations
were acted upon under Item #9.
Volleyball courts from "B" Street to the Jetty were
posted this month which'completes all posting.
(e) Facility Evaluation - Commissioner Taft reported he has
,jr�
been turning his facility evaluation reports into
CITY OP NEWPORT BEACH
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Randy Kearns, Park Maintenance Supervisor, and has
been getting tremendous cooperation.
Director Whitley passed out new facility evaluation
forms which will be customized. Within a few months
there will be one for each facility. Plans are that
the 17 active areas will be monitored by the Recrea-
tion Division staff and the 21inactive areas by the
Parks Division staff. A report will be presented
to the Commission on a quarterly basis. The result
of this new plan will be a deletion of the Commission's
Facility Evaluation Committee.
(f) Budget - Director Whitley advised the budget forms will
be available next month.
(g) Ad Hoc Bond Issue - Chair Grant asked that the name
of the Ad Hoc Bond Issue Committee be changed to Open
Space Acquisition Committee.
(h) Chair's Report - No report.
Item 1113 - Commission.Liaison Reports
Commission
Liaison
(a) Friends of Oasis - Commissioner Brenner stated she
Reports
attended the November 4 General Membership Meeting.
The Christmas Party is December 17 to which the
Commissioners are invited.
(b) Friends of the Theatre Arts Center - Commissioner
Herberts passed out notices for "Nightwatch" which
concludes December 18. They would really like to see
the Commissioners attend their plays.
(c) CYC Booster Club - Commissioner Brenner stated there
was no meeting, however, CYC,is coming along beautifu.l7
and many children are enjoying the facility.
Item 1114 - Park and Street Tree Division
Park and
Street
-Report received and filed.
Tree
Division
Item #115 - Recreation Division
Recreation
Division
Report received and filed.
i
l
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
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City Council Chambers T p.m. INDEX
Item #16 - Future Agenda Items
Future
Agenda
Commissioner Grant recommended an update on the street tree
Items
list per street.
V. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS
Approval of Concept Proposal - Commissioner Herberts voiced
her concern over the fact that projects come before the
Commission for approval in concept but don't come back in a
.compact plan, i.e., Cliff Drive and Park Place. Plans
have come back to the Department but not this Commission,
which has resulted in a lot of wasted time for the
Commissioners.
She suggested consideration be given to not approving a
concept until there are definite plans available.
Director Whitley advised the developer goes through the
Planning Commission to get permits, etc., and then goes
ahead with the project.
Chair Konwiser explained this Commission normally doesn't
get involved and cannot approve a specific plan, however,
they can be involved conceptually in a unique project,
such as those pertaining to parks and easements.
Commissioner Grant stated this Commission's responsibility
is to make recommendations with Conditions to the Planning
Commission.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Parks,•Beaches and
Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:52 P.M.
The agenda for this meeting was posted on
November 29, 1988 at 10:00 A.M. outside the
City.Hall Administration.Building.
.�[ /D�}�rr.,✓,L.b der •
Dottie MM, Secretary