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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/01/1996 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes October 1, 1996 Item II I CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH I 3 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 1, 1996 - 7:00 P.M. Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent John Conway, Urban Forester Lauren Farley, Risk Manager Eldon Davidson, Utilities Services Manager Steve Hunt, Senior Recreation Manager Dottie Flohr, Secretary CALL TO ORDER The Parks,, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Beek, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau were present. Commissioner Compton was absent. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regarding Item #6, Tree Removal at 1207 Pembroke Lane, Commissioner Dunn stated that he was dissatisfied with the replacement size of the Magnolia tree. Commissioner Demmer moved the minutes of the September 3, 1996 meeting be approved as corrected. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Perks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Commissioner Bonner moved that the following items be approved except for those removed from the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #1(c) - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Park and Tree Division Approve report of Park and Tree Division activities during September and, upcoming projects in October. Item #3 - Recreation and Senior Services Approve report of activities during September for these two divisions. Item #4 - Balboa. Island Bench Donation Approve one 6' teak bench donation from the Balboa Island Improvement Association to be installed at Apolena Avenue and North Bay Front on Balboa Island. Item #5 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #6 - Street Tree Designation for 16th Street Approve the parkway street tree designation of Pyrus calleryana "Aristocrat" for 16th Street, east of Dover Avenue. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 (c) - Communications In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Ed Benson explained that he would like his letter referring to shade structures to be considered in the development of the Castaways Passive Park. He has seen similar gazebos in other parks used by seniors and artists for resting and painting. They are both attractive and useful. 9 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Page 3 Director Kienitz pointed out that the catalog on gazebos is in the Community Services Department office and that this information has been forwarded to the Public Works Department. Commissioner Glasgow moved to accept the letter from Chet Beiler to Ed Benson and forward it to the Public Works Department. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #5 - Exchange Club of Newport Beach Bench Donation Vice Chair'Demmer stated she appreciates the bench donation to Bob Henry Park, however, she has concerns regarding the design, location and color. Director Niederhaus reported that the bench is an additional bench with the same design to match the other benches in the park which were approved in the planning process. The location has not yet been determined. Director Niederhaus further explained that the bench will seat 4 -5 adults; it is coated to limit vandalism; it provides arm rests for comfort; and the design will hinder skateboarders from vandalizing the bench. Director Kienitz recommended the bench be approved with the condition it meets the approved specifications.. There being no,persons to address the Commission during public hearing, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public testimony. During discussion Commissioner Beek voiced her concern over the color and amount of seating. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that the Commission did not approve this bench in the plans. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve staff's recommendation to accept one concrete bench location from the Exchange Club of Newport Beach to be installed at Bob Henry Park. Motion was carried by the following vote: J Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Ayes: Bonner, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Nays: Beek and Demmer V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #7 - Bayside Drive Director Niederhaus reported that two months ago ,the Commission directed that landscape plans be prepared;for Bayside'Drive in anticipation of a future capital improvement project. Pedersen and Associates were selected to prepare three alternatives. The three affected homeowner associations have been notified of this meeting and two, Mai Kai Community Association and Irvine Terrace Community Association, are in attendance. Bob Pedersen, Pedersen and Associates, addressed the Commission. Mr. Pedersen presented the parkway improvement plan, a 3 year capital improvement project which would initially retain the existing trees and intersperse them with new trees and shrubbery. Over a period of time the original Eucalyptus trees would be removed when the new trees gain maturity. Mr. Pedersen presented slides of the area and explained the improvements that would be divided into three annual phases. The first phase would be the improvement of the Jamboree Road /Bayside Drive intersection area. His presentation included an explanation of the slough wall, tree and shrub plantings, grading, retaining wall, and irrigation. In response to questions from the Commission, Director Niederhaus advised that the City requires a ,grading permit and a geologist will review the area before the slope is disturbed. Prior to Phase 2, the City will investigate the idea of undergrounding utilities. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Val Skoro, 1601 Bayadere Terrace, addressed the Commission. Mr. Skoro, President of Irvine Terrace Community Association, stated he supports the plan presented. Since it is anticipated that it would cost the 6 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Paoe 5 homeowners $20,000 each to contribute funds toward .underground utilities, he doubts that this project would be approved by their Association. John Reid, 1207 Dolphin Terrace, addressed the Commission and stated he is opposed to underground utilities due to the cost. He supports the proposed plan as presented. Pat Ormsbee, 1219 Bayside Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Ormsbee stated he is a board member of the Mai Kai Community Association and supports the plan as presented. An informal poll was taken regarding underground utilities, result of which they would support such a project provided it is a communal effort with public funds. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission and stated a plan was approved not to remove the trees. She urged the trees remain and'be properly trimmed since it is difficult to get anything to grow in this area, an irrigation system is expensive, the trees provide a nice buffer and are not a fire hazard. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Bonner moved to recommend the plan as presented with the condition that funding be provided for Phase 1 as a capital improvement project and that it be evaluated in one year. Motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #8 - Hoag Linear Park Vice Chair Demmer reported the Park and Open Space Committee held two meetings regarding the proposed park. City staff and representatives from Villa Balboa were present. Bob Pedersen, landscape architect, presented and explained the proposed plan. He clarified the bluff top, bike trail, bench sites and landscaping. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Paae 6 There being no public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting'to public hearing. Vice Chair Demmer reported the committee recommends the plan be adopted; that Villa Balboa and the City coordinate a maintenance agreement for the park; and that the Community Services Director provide direction in the naming of the park in accordance with City Council Policy I- 9. Director Niederhaus advised that City staff is responsible for maintenance of all park areas. The medians and roadside areas are privatized. Commissioner Demmer moved to approve the plan as presented by Bob Pedersen and pursue naming of the park. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #9 - Appeal of Tree Removal at 3 Hampshire Court Director Niederhaus introduced John Conway, Urban Forester, Lauren Farley, Risk Manager, and Eldon Davidson, Utilities Services Manager. Director Niederhaus reported he spoke with Linda Kanen last week and, although she wants the tree retained, she agrees to its removal if staff determines it presents a liability after hardscape removal. The tree would not be replaced due to the location of the sewer line. In response to a question from Commissioner Bonner, Director Niederhaus explained there are no current sewer problems and no plans to move the sewer line. Lauren'Farley, Risk Manager, explained that the extent of liability depends upon the stress test. She recommends periodic checking, particularly after a severe storm. In response to a question from Vice Chair Demmer, Director Niederhaus explained the process of stress testing which determines tree or root base C� Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Paoe 7 movement. The City remains, liable and he supports removing a tree with any instability, rather than taking a risk involving human lives. There being no public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Glasgow moved to accept staff's recommendation to retain the tree provided it is not subject to failure after hardscape removal. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau Item #10 - Tree Appeals on Leeward Lane Director Niederhausreported.a meeting was held with representatives of Leeward Lane and concluded with the recommendation that as many trees be retained as possible provided they are not subject to failure after hardscape removal and a stress test. Currently seven trees need to be removed due to major private and public hardscape damage. A majority of the adjacent homeowners concur. John Conway, Urban Forester, presented slides showing the tree situations at 2100, 2106, 2112, 2121 and 2127 Leeward Lane and described the damage, replacement costs and hazards. He also described the Bronze Loquat which is the current designated replacement tree. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission and stated the ideal method to save a tree is to root prune one side, install a root barrier, and then root prune the other side 6 -9 months later. John Conway reported that it is professionally recommended that roots be cut from one side of a tree in any one year with one year intervals thereafter. I Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Commissioner Beek reaffirmed staff and the Commission's desire to retain trees, however, she pointed out that it is also their responsibility to avoid liability and catastrophic failures. Mark Byers, 1839 Leeward Lane, voiced his concerns that there may, be preconceived ideas as to which trees can remain. He also questioned the stress test and pointed out there is always some risk involved. He recommends there be a clear view of the real risks involved. Vice Chair Demmer explained the great lengths to which the City used to nurture and save trees, however, budget constraints and staff cutbacks no longer allow this. Mark Byers commented that removing 35 year old trees that can never be replaced is short sighted, however, the budget will eventually change. Bob Eaken, 1924 Leeward Lane, addressed the Commission and stated he purchased his home due to the tree scape. He feels the replacement tree is "sick" and recommends the utility lines be moved rather than removing the trees which will take 50 years to replace. Mark Murrel, 1533 Anita Lane, addressed the Commission and stated Anita Lane was in the same situation, however, trees were removed with no stress testing. He feels the process is incorrect and that real estate values are also affected. Sissa Cruse, 1921 Leeward Lane, addressed the Commission and urged the trees remain due to their beauty and effect on property values. She opposes the replacement tree and questions the risk factor. Sandra Glaser, 2100 Leeward Lane, addressed the Commission in opposition to the replacement tree. She recommends the Tomlinson Ash remain the designated tree since it fits the tree scape and has non- invasive roots. She also suggested the most fragile trees be root pruned and later tested. I Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Paae 9 Chair Schonlau .pointed out that the City is one of the few in the country to be named Tree City USA, which is a result of nurturing and preserving trees. Mike Talbott, 2015 Leeward Lane, addressed the Commission and spoke of the emotional situation that exists in his neighborhood and the importance of the correct decisions. He acknowledged the City's concern for safety and liability and recommended a Task Force be implemented' comprised of residents and staff to study and evaluate the methods for testing trees before they are removed. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow concerning the use of rambling sidewalks, Director Niederhaus explained that in 1988 metal and wood ramps with signage were hand - crafted for use on Poppy Avenue. Although the sidewalks have endured, they attract skateboarders and rollerbladers and there is no longer staff and funding for a similar project. Director Niederhaus reviewed the liability claims for which the City has been responsible and pointed out the need to recognize these issues. Lauren Farley, Risk Manager, advised that it is necessary to evaluate what has happened in the past and look at the future. If the elevation between two sidewalks is greater than 3/4 ", the courts consider this a dangerous situation. Director Niederhaus reported that sidewalk repairs and liability concerns cannot be ignored and that the project is scheduled.for next month to ensure completion before the rainy season has an effect on any root pruned trees. Commissioner Dunn stated his concerns over the non - scientific method to conduct stress tests and the need for further evaluation and examination of costs to re -route utility lines. Commissioner Glasgow moved that representatives from the community, staff and the Risk Manager meet with the City Manager as soon as Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 possible to research if it is a viable option to save the trees by changing the sidewalk. Commissioner Dunn recommended staff research a device that provides a scientifically valid stress test. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau The Committee will consist of Mark Byers, Jim Kalmbach, Mike Talbott, Phil Glasgow, Ken Bonner, Bill Schonlau, Lauren Farley., -Dave Niederhaus, Eldon Davidson, Marcy Lomeli, John Conway and a Public Works engineering representative. Item #11 - Tree Removals on Candlestick. Glenwood, Sandlewood Lanes and Starlight Circle Director Niederhaus reported staff recommends this item be postponed until .the trees on Leeward Lane and this issue are addressed by the committee formed by formal motion on the last item. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Jeanne Wanlass, 1700 Candlestick Lane, addressed the Commission. She spoke in favor of the Commission's decision to form a committee and requested a representative from Candlestick Lane be included. She prefers the Lemon Gum as the replacement tree. Director Niederhaus advised that a community can initiate the process to designate a different street tree; otherwise it remains the same. Joe Norman, 1707 Candlestick Lane, addressed the Commission and urged more creativity towards saving the 35 year old trees. Realizing some may need to be removed, he hopes that most remain as they also provide a bird sanctuary. P- Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 Page 11 James Norman, 1707 Candlestick Lane, addressed the Commission and spoke on behalf of the grove effect of the trees which he hopes can be maintained. Mark Murrel, 1533 Anita Lane, addressed the Commission and stated he supports the committee process which was just instituted. He requests a study be done on Anita Lane in regard to tree removals. Director Niederhaus reported five phone calls were received today from residents on Anita'Lane in support of the recent ficus tree removals. Commissioner Glasgow moved this item be postponed until after the committee has met, at which time it will be brought back to the Commission for their review. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Bonner, Demmer, Dunn, Glasgow and Schonlau 'Item #12 - Park, and Open Space Committee Steve Hunt reported the committee will be scheduling another meeting to review the Technical Supplement of the Recreation and Open Space Element. Item 013 - Subcommittee Reports Chair Schonlau reported the Budget Committee will meet October 3 to review the KPMG Peat Marwick study and how it relates to the Recreation Division. Commissioner Beek reported the Tree Policy Committee met with the City Manager and Council Member O'Neil to finalize policy parameters and language. Commissioner Glasgow reported the Community Service Awards Committee will meet next week to determine award guidelines. Steve Hunt reported the.Opening of Bob Henry Park. Committee will meet October 15. The dedication opening is scheduled for February 1, 1997. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 1, 1996 The Commission determined that the Park and Open Space Committee will recommend names for Hoag Linear Park for.the Commission's review. Item #14 - Christmas Party Vice Chair Demmer will pursue scheduling the annual holiday dinner at the Riverboat Cafe on Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 P.M. VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will include Joint Meeting with City of Costa Mesa, Redesignated Street Trees and Park Utilization. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:00 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted September 24, 1996 at 2:00 P.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building.