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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/02/1997 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes September 2, 1997 Item II ,l CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2,1997 - 7:00 P.M. Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Steve -Hunt, Senior Recreation Manager Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau and Skoro were present. Commissioners Beek and Dunn were absent (excused). II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Pfaff moved that the minutes of the August 5,1997 meeting be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro III. INTRODUCTION OF RECREATION COORDINATORS Steve Hunt introduced Christine Page and James Pittenger and gave a brief background on the new Recreation Coordinators who started working for the Recreation Division on August 18, 1997. On behalf of the Commission, Chair Schonlau welcomed Chris and James to the City. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None V. CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1- Park and Tree Division Accept report of the Park and Tree Division activities during August and the upcoming projects in September. 3 __1' arks,_ Beaches.and.RecreationCommission September 2,1997 Page 2 } Item #2 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #3 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #4 - Removed from Consent'Calendar Item #5 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #6 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #2 - Recreation and Senior Services Steve Hunt gave a brief background of the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation ( SCMAF). SCMAF has invited the Commissioners to a dinner which will be followed by an informative presentation before the Angels game at Anaheim Stadium on September 16. He encouraged the Commissioners to attend and contact him for reservations. Steve Hunt also invited the Commissioners to the Sixth Annual Arts and Music Festival on September 20 at Peninsula Park. The event features arts and crafts vendors, music groups and food vendors. Item #3 - Resolution of Thanks Commissioner Glasgow stated he was disappointed that the recognition plaque for Bob Henry Park did not include the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. Past and current Commissioners spent hours of their time on the project and he feels they should be recognized for their efforts. Director Niederhaus advised that the Public Works Director was responsible for the plaque and perhaps the oversight can be rectified at another area. ,Chair Schonlau reported Vice Chair Beek and he concur with Commissioner Glasgow's concern. Chair Schonlau directed staff to pursue a plaque and location that honors the Commission for their efforts on the Bob Henry Park project. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the Resolution of Thanks as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: 11 Parks, Beaches and Recreation,Commission September 2,1997 Page 3 Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Chair Schonlau thanked the sponsors of the Bob Henry Park Dedication, particularly Jo Vandervort, Chair of the Committee, who worked eighteen months on the opening ceremony. Jo Vandervort addressed the Commission and requested that past Commissioners, particularly Taylor Grant, be recognized for their efforts on the project. She thanked the Commission for the opportunity to chair the project and stated this was an excellent example of staff and the community working together toward a positive goal. Chair Schonlau presented Jo Vandervort with a framed autographed poster of the Bob Henry Park for her efforts on the opening day ceremony. Item #4 - Gateway Parks In response to a question from Commissioner Skoro, Director Niederhaus explained that cost estimates on lighting have not been confirmed with Peggy Ducey. He will inform Commissioner Skoro when more information is received on the design of the parks. Item #5 - Inspiration Point Walkway Handrail Commissioner Skoro reported the Commissions Community Liaison Committee met with the Arts Commissions Committee on August 28. They agreed that this is an Art in Public Places project and support the installation of a handrail. Item #6 - Bench Donation Commissioner Skoro stated he supports the donation but recommends the official bench list be reviewed in the future and those benches deemed inappropriate could be deleted. Commissioner Phillips reported Commissioner Skoro and he will meet with the Arts Commission Committee on September 4 regarding adding additional benches to the list. Director Niederhaus thanked the donors for their bench donation and contribution to the City. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission September 2,1997 Page 4 Commissioner Skoro moved to approve Items.2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #7 - Recreation and Open Space Element Director Kienitz introduced Larry Lawrence, consultant for the project, who addressed the Commission. Mr. Lawrence reviewed the revised Table of Contents and stated that the changes in the Element have been updated to make it a more user friendly state - of -the -art document and to, address changes following its last revision in 1985. Mr. Lawrence gave an overview of Chapter 1, the Introduction, which includes the goal of the Element, state law requirements, related plans and programs to the City's open space system, parkland dedication standards as required by the Quimby Act, a description of the City's service areas, clarification of special issues affecting provision for recreation facilities and open space, and a description of the different types of parks. Mr. Lawrence then summarized Chapter 2, Needs, which identifies the needs for open space and recreation facilities as a result of a combination of surveys, observation and other sources. He gave an overview of Chapter 2 wluch includes parkland summary, community surveys, parkland acreage needs, City wide needs, service area needs and regional needs. Item #8 - Tree Removal Appeal Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Barbara Edwards, 5011/2 Narcissus Avenue, addressed the Commission. Ms. Edwards stated the Eucalyptus tree and Melaleuca tree are constant and dangerous problems due to their heavy limbs that drop on her property and hit cars. In addition, the curb and gutter have recently been replaced due to the trees. Director Niederhaus reported there is no record of claims for the past five years at tlus site. Minor repairs were made to the curb and gutter; the root system is subgrade; the trees are healthy and liability is not anticipated. I Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission September 2,1997 Page 5 Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Skoro moved to approve staff's recommendation to retain the trees. Motion carried by the following, vote: Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Chair Schonlau advised Ms. Edwards that she can appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. Item #9 - Park and Facility Inspections Steve Hunt reported the Commission annually inspects facilities and requested the inspections be completed on the forms provided by November 7. Item #10 - Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center Steve Hunt reported there have been a few complaints concerning noise from whistles during the Junior Olympic Water Polo games which were held August 3 -8. Mr. Hunt reviewed the background of thejoint agreement with the School District that provides for the pool to be utilized for training and polo meets. A ' sound wall was built in 1991 to help defray noise and restrictions were implemented on the use and times of whistles, PA systems, etc. Commissioner Skoro suggested utilizing landscaping.as a means to help mitigate the sound. Commissioner Glasgow stated that the current policies and regulations work well, however, he feels the solution to the noise problem would be a better scheduling of the tournaments. He recommended the polo games be spread more evenly to other local areas. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Don Slaughter, 2200 Aralia, addressed the Commission. Mr. Slaughter stated he has been directly impacted by the wlustles during water polo games since the sound wall was constructed. Although he has no objections to other water sports or tournaments, he feels the issue is the scheduling of tournaments. The repetitive nature of whistles blowing for twelve hours a day on six consecutive days is the problem. Following discussion, Commissioner Glasgow moved that the Corona del Mar Aquatics Board be contacted regarding the noise problem; that staff scrutinize Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission September 2,1997 Page 6 scheduling; and that possible alternatives such as landscaping be pursued to alleviate the noise. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Commissioner Glasgow stated he will contact the President of the Corona del Mar Aquatics Board relative to addressing solutions to the noise problem. Item #11 - Possible Alternate Uses for Las Arenas Park Commissioner Skoro reported the area between 15th and 1911, Streets encompasses approximately 10 acres, half of which is governed by the Tidelands Trust Agreement and half is City property. The consultant, Keyser Marston, is basing their recommendations on the maximum dollars that can be generated for the area. Commissioner Skoro urged the Commission become actively involved in maximizing the recreation facilities and park space in order to improve the quality of life for the community. He recommended the RFP be rewritten to accommodate recreational needs, such as the tennis courts, tot lot, green belts and a window to the bay. Mary Ann Nethercutt, 2118 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Ms. Nethercutt stated that the Balboa Peninsula Point Association sent a letter to the'City Council in support of the existing leases with'the American Legion, Marinapark, Girl Scout House and the retention of the Las Arenas Tennis Courts and 15th Street Park. Virginia Herberts addressed the Commission as a representative of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association. She stated that this is realistically an "either or' situation. Mrs. Herberts read a statement from the Association supporting the retention of Marinapark, rather than the construction of a hotel or condominiums. She is also hopeful the Commission will support recreation facilities on the Peninsula. Grace Dove, 117 -15th Street, addressed the Commission. Ms. Dove, Vice President of the Central Newport Association, thanked Commissioner Skoro for his support and requested the Commission recommend to the City Council that Marinapark be deleted in the RFP; that the Commission support retaining Las Arenas Park; and that this item be postponed to October in order that their Association can take a full vote on the matter. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission September 2,1997 Page 7 During discussion, Commissioners Glasgow and Skoro commented on the need to retain recreation facilities and provide a window to the bay for public access and views. Item #12 - Toint Meeting with City of Costa Mesa Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission Director Kienitz reported the joint meeting with the Costa Mesa Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission is scheduled for September 23, 6:00 p.m., at the Central Library. Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the September 23 meeting date. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Following discussion, Chair Schonlau moved that the agenda include Shared Use with the Newport -Mesa Unified School District, including shared use of City facilities; Landscaping on Irvine Avenue Median; Parkway Tree Issues and Youth Sports Programs. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Item #13 - Subcommittee Reports Commissioner Phillips reported that, dependent upon the cost for installation, etc., the Bluewater Grill would be interested in constructing a permanent placement for the Marlin sculpture in the Rhine Wharf area. Another suggestion was the Lido Park area. The City's Arts Commission Committee also endorsed the location of the Bluewater Grill at their joint meeting on August 28. Director Niederhaus advised that staff will research costs and sponsors and also notify the Cannery Village merchants and residents regarding the proposal. He expects the cost of installation to be approximately $3,000 - $4,000. Commissioner Phillips reported that at their joint meeting on August 28, the Community Liaison Committee agreed with the Arts Commission's Committee to keep the benches at Inspiration Point uniform. They will review alternative benches for the lower area at their next meeting on September 4. VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None r Parks, Beachessand Recreation Commission September 2,1997 Page 8 VIII. ADTOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:20 p.m. The agenda for this meeting was posted September 27,1997 at 8:00 a.m. on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. I