Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/1991 - PB&R Commissionu Motion Ayes (j 9 Item No. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH X.Parks., Beaches & Recreation Commission August 6, 1991 �cn y2m�� O N - City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division Ex— Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent 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 7:00 P.M. by Vice Chair Compton. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts and Konwiser were present. Chair Vandervort was absent. Item #3 - ,Approval of Minutes - Meeting of Jul 2, 1991 Commissioner Grant recommended that Item #15, Basketball Court - Bayview Park, page 8, second paragraph, read . "hearing process and the Bayview Park owners bought their homes "... x Commissioner Demmer motioned the minutes be x x x x x adopted as corrected. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Little League Presentation to be addressed under Item #8. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item 45 - Park and Street Tree Division Commissioner Demmer questioned the unusual high number of 14 dead trees listed in the staff report, and Director Whitley advised he will consult with Jack Brooks and report back at the Commission's September meeting. Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Grant requested a representative from the Park and Tree Division attend Commission meetings when Jack Brooks is absent. Director Whitley agreed that this will be done in the future. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that there are more trees being removed than replaced, and Director Whitley advised Jack Brooks will provide an explanation at the next meeting. Vice Chair Compton referred to the Superior and Coast Highway area and offered to accompany Jack Brooks during his walk through. Item 06 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Nancy Beard passed out a report on Rollerblade Hockey which is for the Commission's information and is being referred to the Recreation Program Committee. Commissioner Demmer advised that the City of Huntington Beach recently installed two skateboard courts and that she has obtained data from them for the Commission's information. Commissioner Grant pointed out that the Recreation Program Committee's Objectives Numbers 5 and 6 address the subject of street hockey and skateboard facilities in the Goals and Objectives report. Item #7 - Tree Committee Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee did not meet this month. Item #8 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Ken Gilmore President of Newport wport National Little rogram Committee League, addressed the Commission and complimented the Department for providing the best fields in Orange County. He further commended the park maintenance crews, Nancy Beard and Dave McConnell for their efforts in helping make their program run smoothly. Steve Doby, representing the west side of the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH t ) 9 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 Citv Council Chambers 7 n_m_ INDEX Park and Open Space Committee Beach Committee Budget Committee Oasis , Liaison City for Little League, addressed the Commission and expressed his thanks and presented shirts and plaques to the Commission and Director Whitley. Director Whitley reported that, on behalf of staff, Newport Little League has developed an excellent program consisting of volunteers who provide an outstanding and cost efficient service to the City. Commissioner Grant reported the Recreation Program Committee met with the field users and that Dave McConnell will soon be issuing a specific schedule. The meeting was very successful and they have agreed to schedule two meetings in the future, one being in June and the other in October. The committee will meet separately with the pool users on August 21 and then again later in the year. Item 09 - Park and open Space Committee Commissioner Compton reported the committee did not meet this month. Item #10 - Beach Committee Commissioner Glasgow reported the committee met to review beach volleyball rules and that, when approved, they will be posted. Item #11 - Budget Committee Commissioner Konwiser recommended the Commissioners start reviewing a copy of the budget so that they will be familiar with it when the process begins. Item 412 - Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer asked that a letter from the Friends of Oasis addressed to Director Whitley be reviewed at the end of the meeting. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Bill Jennings, 28 Cagney, addressed the Commission and thanked them for their past efforts for the linear park at Cal Trans East. i INDEX Park and Open Space Committee Beach Committee Budget Committee Oasis , Liaison CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 (`.ifv (.nunril ('.hamhara 7 ., ... IAIMITW Mr. Lars Hansen, 27 Encore, addressed the Commission and reported that, thanks to this Commission, 75 -80% of their goals have been achieved to date. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Mr. Hansen explained that the EIR should be finalized by the end of the year, after which time the plans will be presented to the Planning Commission and then to the City Council. IV. ACTION ITEMS Item 413 - Upper Newport Bay Regional Park Upper Prod ect Newport Bay Regional Director Whitley reported that Orange County is Park Projec the second largest County population -wise in the _ State and that they are to be commended for the work they have done in developing regional parks. He then passed out a recent article in the L.A. Times addressing open space parks for the Commission's information. Director Whitley explained that two years ago The Irvine Company dedicated 100+ acres to the County for an Upper Bay Regional Park. Since the Back Bay is a natural resource, the County has proposed a regional park be developed in this area which is within the City's boundary lines. Mr. Bob Fisher, Director of Harbors, Beaches and Parks for the County, addressed the Commission. Mr. Fisher reported the County acquired the property from The Irvine Company in 1989 with certain restrictions; and that the property be restored to passive environmental protected uses compatible with the ecological reserve which would also protect rare and endangered species. Mr. Fisher further stated that the City owns 7 acres in the park area which, upon approval of the plans, would be dedicated to the County. Mr. Fisher stated they have been having monthly fJ meetings at the Dunes for public input and that they have been working closely with the State Department of Fish and Game. The meetings have produced some controversy in that some people CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX ti feel there are not enough paths for equestrians and bicyclists. Following the County's presentation, Mr. Fisher asked for the Commission's support of their plan. Mary Murray, Project Manager for the development, addressed the Commission on the park planning purposes. Ms. Murray reported the EIR is being prepared and should be available for public review in September. Ms. Murray explained the formation of the Citizens Advisory Committee consisting of homeowner associations, special interest groups, businesses, City, County and State agencies, and interested citizens. When they originally met in C..,� March, 1990, there were 40 members compared to over 200 now. Meeting once a month, opinions and issues are addressed concerning the basic characteristics and uses of the park and the interpretive center. Ms. Murray then presented and explained the Park Goals which will be part of the General Plan Development. Ms. Dana Brown; consultant for the County, addressed the Commission regarding how the plan will work. Referring to maps provided by the County, she explained the biological communities and associations where plants and animals can live along with endangered species. Ms. Brown further explained the sensitive biological resources, the largest of which are by the west bay parcel. Ms. Brown stressed that all areas of the park will be intertwined. Ms. Murray explained the plan represents compromises and will be a special park for the enjoyment of natural resources. The interpretive center will educate the public on preserving resources and will be built on the east bay parcel which is the least sensitive biologically. Ms. Murray explained the design and purpose of the interpretive center which will have no potential visual impact. She stated they are bstill in the process of developing the Resource Management Plan which will be part of the General CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH L� Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Development Plan. Following questions and discussion, the Commission asked to be added to the Citizens Advisory Committee's mailing list for their monthly meetings. In response to a question by Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley advised it would require State legislation for the Back Bay Drive to be transferred to the County. Mr. Bob Fisher addressed the Commission and reported the City Council requested State authority first be obtained and that the matter be brought back after restrictions, such as parking, etc., are addressed. He explained that . the park plan will work with or without changes ( ) to Back Bay Drive. Commissioner Herberts stated she would like more details on the plans and would prefer reading available material before voting. Commissioner Grant suggested the nature trail remain where it is; that speed bumps be implemented on the bicycle trail, and that the trail be connected to Irvine Avenue. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to endorse the Ayes x x x x x x County's plan and process if there are no significant changes and, upon approval of the EIR, recommend the City Council approve the plan in which case it would not be necessary to bring it back to this Commission. Unanimous. Item 014 - Review of Cliff Drive Park Protect Review of Director Whitley reported that this Commission Cliff Drive Park Projec reviewed the last portion of Cliff Drive Park and that development was delayed until the four homes were completed. During the process of designing a traditional planting, there were residents who f expressed an interest in using native, drought resistant California plants on the west portion of the park. Staff has met with the Park and Open Space Committee and all agree with the new concept. Since notification of this meeting, there have been a number of calls and letters CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 D.M. INDEX G - A -- supporting the development of this area in a natural way. Commissioner Grant reported that the Park and Open Space Committee determined there must first be proper notification and clarification of the plan and that it receive Jack Brooks' endorsement which it does. Peggy Clark, 415 San Bernardino Avenue, addressed the Commission. Stating her support for the proposed plan, she presented a picture of a home garden using native plants which was very pleasing. Dr. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street, addressed the Commission and thanked them for considering the new plan. He reported the new ( } plan has community support and pointed out this could be a useful demonstration project for the City and others. Carrie Slayback, 426 Riverside, addressed the Commission., She reported native plants were planted around the new Fountain Valley library and are used for ornamental uses in many homes. She urged the wetlands remain and that this be written into the plan. Marian Rayl, 426 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission and spoke in support of the new plan and advised that the Newport Heights Community Association paid the landscape architect for their services. Janine Gault, 406 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission on behalf of the Newport Heights Community Association and presented their letter supporting the plan. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to approve the revised plan for the west side of Cliff Drive Park as presented. (._ •� Commissioner Demmer commented that she hoped the trees in the plan will enhance views and not obstruct them. She also recommended that Public Works be contacted to retain the wetlands; that there continue to be an assessment of erosion on CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX the east side of the park; that the dead trees be removed and new trees planted; and that the Bougainbillea be preserved. She commended Dr. Vandersloot and the Association for their efforts and interest in continuing to beautify the area. Commissioner Grant amended his motion to include that the trees be planted so as to preserve existing views and that Public Works be asked to Ayes x x x x x x preserve the wetlands area. Unanimous. Item 015 - Tree Removal Appeal - 1026 White Sails Tree Remova W, av Appeal Commissioner Herberts reported the subject tree was looked at again and the Tree Committee determined that it should be replaced with a - Ficus Benjamina. She further reported that there are ten locations on White Sails Way which need trees and the committee would like to reforest the bare spaces with Ficus Benjaminas, the designated tree. In response to a question from Commissioner Konwiser, Director Whitley explained that the Department can plant new street trees, however, it is usually done upon a homeowner's request. If the Ficus Nitida is a problem in this area, proper notification could be made to all residents that the Department is planting trees and encourage the homeowners to join a program to plant Ficus Benjamina. Commissioner Grant suggested a program of removing one tree and replanting more be considered. Commissioner Herberts voiced her concern over taking out healthy trees, but agreed that if the trees should be removed, that they be replaced with the Benjamina. Motion x Commissioner Demmer motioned to remove the A� i x x x x x parkway tree at 1026 White Sails Way and inform x the homeowner that the Department will be /� replacing it with two more appropriate trees for `� this street. Motion passes. Motion Commissioner Herberts motioned to reforest White CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Ayes Moti Ayes Moti Ayes arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 Gity Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Sails Lane with Ficus Benjamina at ten specific locations. Commissioner Konwiser pointed out that if this is done, there should be proper notification to the homeowners with an opportunity to respond. Commissioners Compton, Grant and Demmer agreed that a certified letter should be sent and that a response is only needed if a homeowner is opposed. x x x x x x Unanimous. Item 416 - CdM State Beach Volleyball Rules CdM State Beach Commissioner Glasgow reported staff wrote the Volleyball 1 proposed volleyball court rules for Corona del Rules Mar State Beach which the Beach Committee reviewed and endorses. He suggested staff monitor the courts at busy times so that the rules can be implemented. Nancy Beard advised that the purpose of these rules is to assist the lifeguards and that staff will proceed to monitor for a trial period. on x Commissioner Glasgow motioned to accept the x x tx x x x volleyball court rules as presented. Unanimous. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 417 - Capital Improvement Projects Capital Commissioner Grant corrected the subject report Im Projectsent to read that the Bolsa Avenue Mini Park is for design only. Item 418 - Goals and objectives Goals and on x Commissioner Grant motioned to accept the Goals Objectives x x x•x x x and Objectives as presented. Unanimous. 1 VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Demmer reported she had asked Director Whitley to write the Theatre Arts Center and Oasis concerning their needs for a Commission liaison. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 Citv Council Chambers 7 n -m. lmnrzy Director Whitley reported the Theatre Arts Center responded that they have a staff member and are not in need of a liaison, however, Friends of oasis feel the need and continuance of a liaison. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow motioned to approve Ayes x x x x x x commissioner Demmer as liaison to Oasis. unanimous. The Commission then determined to drop the Theatre Arts Center liaison and keep the Oasis liaison. VII. ADJOURNMENT' There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at ( - -) 9:20 P.M. The .agenda for this meeting was posted on July 31, 1991 at 10:00 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, Secretary