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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/1994 - PB&R Commission( CITY OF Parks, Beaches J, diJ PA O�O m y 6 >f O `oh Motion Ayes NO Item No. 3 NEWPORT BEACH & Recreation Commission February 1, 1994 City Council Chambers 7 p.m INDEX e� Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Park and Street Tree Division Recreation Division Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent 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. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present, Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of January 4, 1994 Director Niederhaus reported that under Item #7, Capital Improvement Projects for 94/95 Fiscal Year, the date referring to the submittal of the capital improvement projects should be changed to December 28. X Commissioner Vandervort motioned the minutes X A X X X X X be approved as corrected. Unanimous. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item ... #4 - Park and Street Tree Division Marcy Lomeli reported that West Coast Arborists are on schedule and have trimmed 655 trees in January, their first month of service. Item #5 - Recreation Division In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort concerning the new Rollerhockey Birthday Party Service, Nancy Beard explained that a portable rink is set up and that skates, safety equipment, birthday cake and party favors are provided. The cost is $150 for two hours. There is a similar Gymnastics Birthday Party package which is also very popular. Commissioner Glasgow reported he received a letter from John Vargas, Water Polo Coach for Corona del Mar High School, commending Ted Bandaruk on the job he and his staff have done INDEX e� Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Park and Street Tree Division Recreation Division 3 'Parks, BeGaches J, d� o doh & Recreation Commission February 1, 1994 Page 2 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. tecreation Program ,ommittee Park and Ope Space Committee Budget Committee Tree Committee Oasis Liaison Dog Park Recommenda- tion with the Newport'Beach Swim Team. Item #6 - Recreation Program Committee Commissioner Schonlau reported the committee met to discuss budget requests and endorsed the following recommendations: (1) Playground Equipment Replacement Fund - $55,000, which is $20,000 higher than last year; (2) Athletic Field Maintenance Fund - $40,000, which is the same as last year; (3) Backflow Prevention Program - $40,000, which is the same as last year; and (4) Park Facility Improvement Fund - $50,000, which is the same as last year. The total is $185,000 compared to $165,000 last year. Item #7 - Park and Open Space Committee No report. Item #8 - Budget Committee No report. Item #9 - Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported Marcy Lomeli, John Conway and she visited 8 different sites and agreed on all retention and replacement decisions. Commissioner Herberts invited the Commissioners to view the excellent trimming done on 4th Street. She stated the neighbors are also impressed. Item #10 - Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer reported the membership of the Friends of Oasis has increased to 5,143. As of January 31, there is help for seniors on their income tax preparation. in addition, there is still discussion on an Adult Day Health Care Center. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #11 - Dog Park Recommendation Chair Grant reported that the site for a proposed dog park was discussed at a previous meeting and that the issue was postponed so that further research could be done at committee level. Nancy Beard passed out an updated staff report reviewed by the City Attorney based upon a thorough review of the ground lease held by I I , the Newport Aquatic Center. Ms. Beard also tecreation Program ,ommittee Park and Ope Space Committee Budget Committee Tree Committee Oasis Liaison Dog Park Recommenda- tion Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission d�q February 1, 1994 11 0 Page 3 \o �s �� hn City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX passed out a letter which was received from Kathleen Lehman in support of a dog park at North Star Beach. In addition, she received a call from Mrs. Henderson who is opposed to a dog park at this location due to noise, parking problems, etc. Commissioner Compton, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, explained that 3 months ago the City Council asked this Commission to review the feasibility of a dog park. The Commission's Park and Open Space Committee did considerable research and determined there was no suitable site. An Ad Hoc Committee was then formed to further research this subject and they recommended North Star Beach as the only site currently available for a temporary dog park. However, since the lease with the Newport Aquatic Center has been reviewed, it is now the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee that the idea of a dog park should be kept open but that there are too many restrictions to the North Star Beach site.. Nancy Beard summarized the major points of the ( ) recent report on the Newport Aquatic Center's ground lease which was also made available to the public. The ground lease has specific language identifying the use of North Star Beach for sports involving human powered watercraft, therefore, a dog park would be inconsistent use of this land. 'The use of the Aquatic Center was voted upon and approved by Newport Beach residents in June, 1982. Furthermore, the Center is limited to 250 people per day and this would undoubtedly be exceeded if a dog park were implemented. The Newport Aquatic Center is also concerned about the increased use of the public restroom which they supply and maintain. Finally, should a dog park be proposed at this site, approvals would be required by the Coastal Commission, County of Orange and the Newport Aquatic Center Board. Commissioner 'Compton pointed out that both committees feel a dog park is needed, however, a proper site needs to be found and North Star Beach would not be a suitable site based upon the lease agreement. He recommended the subcommittee remain active and review any proposed acceptable sites. Commissioner Compton pointed out that other parcels, such as the one at MacArthur and { ) Jamboree and the Castaways, may become available when The Irvine Company turns them over to the City at a future date. Commissioner Herberts noted that the land at North Star Beach is one of the largest pieces i I of property available and is sitting dormant. . Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission, y o 0 February 1, 1994 X056 �o m, Page 4 �O. s hj �o �, City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX h She urged other uses be sought for public use of this land. In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort, Nancy Beard explained that 3.98 acres of the total 11 acres at North Star Beach are leased to the Newport Aquatic Center, which includes the proposed dog site location. The entire area is designated Tidelands and is owned jointly by the City and the County of orange. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public hearing. Seth Oberg, President of the Dover Shores Community Association, addressed the Commission. Mr. Oberg stated he is not opposed to dog parks, however, he opposes a location at North Star Beach since it is in the middle of a residential area and would result in increased traffic, litter, noise and odor. He also was concerned over possible damage to the slopes and that there is no formal organization responsible for the dog / park. Mr. Oberg summarized historical concerns and conditions of use, such as the size and uses of the facility, landscape maintenance, clean up, access to roads, etc. Nora Seager, Director of the Newport Aquatic Center, addressed the Commission and thanked those involved for all the work they have done. Ms. Seager emphasized the important and cooperative relationship they have with the Dover Shores Community, which they want to continue. The Center's major concerns include the mechanics of the lease, Conditional Use Permit, and the impacts that a dog park would have, such as extra costs, road access, future expansion and liability, Commissioner Glasgow pointed out that the Commission's committees thoroughly researched all potential concerns and issues, and that there -would not be any additional costs to the Center. Joe Sanchez, 306 Narcissus, addressed the Commission and stated he is disappointed to learn that there may be no dog park at this site, however, he understands the legalities of the lease that have been raised. He stated ( ' that when a dog park is considered that the "not in my backyard" syndrome not be the problem. Mr. Sanchez urged that the idea of a dog park continue to be pursued since a large portion of the community want one. t Jacquelyn Dillman, 1200 Polaris, addressed the CITY Y ®F NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation commission February 1, 1994 O Page 5 `o �� ns °� 'n City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX it Commission. Ms. Dillman stated she lives at the corner of North Star and Polaris, and that a dog park at North Star Beach would impact her family the most. Although she would like a dog park, she does not want one in a residential area. Commissioner Herberts commented that she observed dogs running loose in this area and that there are more dog nuisances here than in the Laguna Beach and Long Beach Dog Parks. Ed Benson, 728 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission. Mr. Benson stated that although he is not opposed to a dog park, he is concerned over whose legal responsibility it would be. He recommended the Castaways site where people already take their dogs. Sean McGowan, 900 Sea Lane, addressed the Commission and stated it was he who first brought up the idea of a dog park. There are many who have worked hard over the past six months to find an appropriate site, however, no identified location will be totally ( ) unaffected. Commissioner Compton thanked Mr. McGowan for all the work he has done and pointed out that Mr. McGowan has secured sponsors who will donate their time and money towards signage, fencing, water, costs, etc. He also noted the large number of people who have indicated their interest and are desirous of a dog park. He suggested, private land be pursued. There being no further public testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion X Commissioner Compton motioned that this Ayes X X X X X X X Commission transmit to the City Council that North Star Beach is not a viable location for a dog park; however, if a viable location can be found, the subcommittee thinks a dog park is a good idea. Unanimous. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #12 - Communications Communicat Received and filed. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Chair Grant passed out the Commission's 94/95 Calendar and asked that any changes be transmitted to Nancy Beard. Commissioner Demmer inquired if the Harbor View Nature Park should be added to the Commission's facility inspections list. Chair Grant requested the park be added. it CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation commission February 1, 1994 C-o o �� �0, m Page 6 ' 0 �"hds h��? ohs `n City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Schonlau reported he received a call concerning funding assistance in the amount of ,$2,500 for the Newport Harbor High School softball field. He advised the requestor to first raise $1,500 from private sources so that the request for public funding would be reduced to $1,000. Commissioner Vandervort reported two T- shirts were donated to the California Park and Recreation Society Conference booth, and that she has two extra tickets to the conference dinner on February 4. Chair Grant reported the Commission's goals will be reviewed at their March meeting. Commissioner Grant stated Frank Robinson and he discussed the Coastal Commission's conditions of approval at North Star Beach and he requested staff clarify the beach improvements that were to coincide with the development of the Newport Aquatic Center. I � VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 8:30 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on January 25, 1994 at 2:00 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building.