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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/03/1998 - PB&R CommissionQ!vm 1 COMMISSION Minutes March 3> 1998 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH t I Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 — 7pm CONVENED AT 7pm I. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park & Tree Maintenance Superintendent Steve Hunt, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Executive Secretary 11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Vice Chair Beek to approve the minutes of February 3, 1998. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff,Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None III. PUBLIC COMMENTS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR 3. Recreation and Senior Services Items removed from Consent Calendar 1. Correspondence —. The following letters were acknowledged: To: Mayor and City Council, February 9, 1998 From: Richard Harris, Exchange Club, January 28, 1998 Claudia Owen, Spon, January 30, 1998 Michael Manahan, February 27, 1998 Sheldon S. Goodman, March 2, 1998 Councilman Tom Thomson, received March 2, 1998 Kenneth A. McCarren, Irvine Apartment Communities, March 3, 1998 Royal Radtke, Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, March 3, 1998 Commissioner Skoro suggested that a reply to the Exchange Club was needed. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing Mr. Richard Harris, Exchange Club stated that he was just informing the Commission of the upcoming event, and that the Club would be proceeding through normal channels to process his permit. Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearine Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 I Page 2 2. Park and Tree Division — Jan Vandersloot 2221 16'h Street, Newport Beach, wanted to make sure that City staff was abiding by the same Tree Removal policy. Director Niederhaus stated that the three trees in question at City Hall had been a factor in the flood. The City is taking a wait and see look. Director Niederhaus added six additional trees that are located on 4'h Avenue, Corona del Mar for emergency removal. Director Niederhaus also'noted that the trees at 3230 Aralia and 3238 Aralia would not be removed at this time, but would appear on next months report. 4. Approval of Tree Donation for Castaways Park — The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission congratulated Jan Vandersloot on receiving the Frank and Frances Robinson Award. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to accept items 1 through 4 on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None V. Discuss ION ITEMS 5. Review of Peninsula Park Renovation Plans — Director Niederhaus introduced Glen Goldstein of Hirsch and Associates who presented the proposed' renovations to the Commission. Commissioner Skoro questioned Mr. Lomeli on whether resident and homeowner associations had been notified. Mr Lomeli stated that all had been notified. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing Hearing no comments the Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Beek to accept recommendations on the proposed renovations but insuring that staff will not bend on the quality of product that will be used in the construction of the park and should there be any questions that it will be broughuback to the Commission. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain:' None 6. Tree Removal Appeal — Director Niederhaus stated that 50 trees along 4`h Avenue in Corona del Mar had been tested including the two trees of concern to Mr. Trush which were found to be sound. Staff finds no reason for the two trees to be removed, as they do not represent any liability to the City. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing I James M. Trush, 621 Narcissus, thanked the Commission for continuing this item from last month. Mr. Trush requested a copy from staff of the contractors report on the 50 trees that had been tested. Mr. Trush stated that during the December and January winter storms, the Blue Gum trees fell at a rapid rate. He presented a Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 Page 3 diagram to the Commission showing where the trees had fallen. He questioned staff on whether the two trees that fell in December had root failure, and if not, what would stop the two trees on his property from falling. Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearing Director Niederhaus stated that the report was still in draft form, but they would be forwarded to Mr. Trush when completed. The trees that fell in December did have root decay and fungi in the trunk. He also reported that a Capital Improvement Project for $20,000 had been submitted to remove within the next two years 40 of the remaining Blue Gum trees because of their 70 -year maximum life span. This project would include the trees Mr. Trush is concerned with. Director Niederhaus stated that the City did not have the funding to replace these trees at this time. Commissioner Glasgow stated that according to Mr. Trush's letter, he had already committed to pay for the removal of the trees. Director Niederhaus stated that staff has no objection for a motion to grant the removal of the trees and the purchase of replacement trees at the homeowners expense, when the new street tree is designated. Costs would be approximately $400 for removal of each tree and $200 for each replacement. Chair Schonlau reopened the Public Hearing Jan Vandersloot noted his concern of a de facto reforestation and requested that the Commission not base their decision on future tree removals, but only on property damage. Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearing Motion by Commissioner Pfaff that because of property damage, permit homeowner Trush to remove the two trees and replace them at his expense; that the City will cover anything above $600 per tree. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None 7. Review of Proposed Modifications for Lincoln Athletic Center — Senior Recreation Manager Hunt stated that this item had been brought back to the Commission for further public comments. Mr. Della Grotta, President of the Newport Beach. Little League, clarified that there are no new field lights being installed; that they are not building a new concession stand and that no food is stored in the trailer. The Little League will move through the approval and permit process as required and are not asking for or expecting special treatment. i I Chair Schonlau reminded the public that the agenda item to be discussed is the Review of the Proposed Modifications for Lincoln Athletic Center and that discussions by law must focus only on that particular agenda item. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 Page 4 Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing Charles R. Gross, 2001 Yacht Mischief, President of Board of Directors of the Seaview Lutheran Plaza and authorized to speak for the Lutheran Church of the Master, expressed surprise that as the two major property owners directly across the street from the Center, they had not'been contacted of this. They are in support of the plan as presented, but noted that parking is a problem and unless there are some changes to that, they would oppose these modifications. The following spoke against the modifications to the Lincoln Athletic Center Carol Fallon, 2762 San Joaquin Hills, Newport Beach Anne McGrath, 3 Crest Circle, Corona de Mar Robert Kopicki, 10 Crest Circle, Corona del Mar Terry Martin, 24 Crest Circle, Corona del Mar Karen Kopicki, 10 Crest Circle, Corona del Mar Tim Pinkerton, no address given Michael Wade, 33 Belcourt Drive, supported this endeavor and anything to improve the quality of life for children. Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearing Commissioner Beek questioned whether there was an increase of players this year ,J versus last year. Mr. Della Grotta stated that there had not been an increase of players. Commissioner Beek questioned Mr. Della Grotta on the number of fields used last year versus this year. He noted that there had not been an increase of fields. Commissioner Beek reminded the Commission that at the last meeting she had disclosed that she was a past president of the Little League and would be abstaining from any vote on this issue. At the request of Charles R. Gross Chair Schonlau reopened the Public Hearing Mr. Gross, 2001 Yacht Mischief, stated that these enhancements will bring more spectators and cannot believe that nothing will be done on the parking issue. Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearing Commissioner Glasgow asked if there could be an additional three carrot wood trees added that might help the noise factor. Mr. Della Grotta assured the Commission that it would not be a problem to add the trees. Commissioner Phillips noted that a Dedication Wall is necessary for fundraising purposes. Motion by Commissioner Glasgow to approve the modifications to the Lincoln Athletic Center as presented with three additional trees to help mitigate the noise. Commissioner Skoro asked Mr. Lomeli to discuss the placement of the trees with the homeowners. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 ') Page 5 Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: Beek 8. Discussion of the Boys and Girls Club Facility_ — Director Kienitz reiterated the fact that the Commission had stated the need for additional gym space in the City; that the facility appears to staff to be under utilized; that staff, as requested by the City Council, had reviewed potential options for the site to benefit all the residents of the City in the years to come. Commissioner Beek stated that she will abstain from any vote on this issue tonight or in the future because of her affiliation as 151 Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club. Commissioner Skoro asked staff to quantify needs for future use. Director Kienitz stated that staff had not been requested to research this and did not have a report at this time. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing ] Councilman John Noyes reminded the public that the reason this issue had been brought to the Commission was because the lease had expired; the City Council has not made any decision, but that this issue is being discussed at Legislative, Finance and Harbor, Beaches and Parks Committees of the City Council and at the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meetings for the public to respond. The one problem is the maintenance of the building; possibly a joint use should be reviewed. He stated that this issue is not about money but about use. The following spoke against any changes to the Boys and Girls Club Lease: Richard Power, 2555 Vista Del Oro, Newport Beach Kate Keeschen, 11 Bellevue, Newport Coast Trevor Freeman, 2440 Vista Hogar, Newport Beach Dorothy Hanley, 2440 Vista Hogar„ Newport Beach Bill Welch, 1835, Port Margate, Newport Beach, Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club W. Richard Smith, 1620 Bella Vista Dr., Encinitas, Volunteer, Boys and Girls Club Hall Seely, 2833 Carob St., Newport Beach John Holleran, 1921 Altura Drive, Newport Beach Paul Orris, 6621 Crista Palma Dr., Huntington Beach, Basketball Coach, CdM High School David Northridge, 31'0 Avenida Cumbre, Newport Beach Seymour Beek, 528,5. Bay Front, Balboa Island John Houten, 499 E. 18`h St., Costa Mesa, Treasurer, Boys and Girls Club Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearing Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 Page 6 Motion by Commissioner Glasgow to recommend to City Council that the City continue the lease to the Boys and Girls Club for 25 years, at a minimum, at the recommended rate of $1; that the City not get involved in the management of the Club; but should the opportunity arise, that the City be allowed to use the Club facility when not in use by the Club. Substitute Motion by Commissioner Skoro that City staff and the Boys and Girls Club discuss joint usage and return at the next meeting with proposals. Motion failed for lack of a second. Original Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau Nays: Skoro Absent: None Abstain: Beek 9. Inspiration Point Handrail — Director Niederhaus noted that the handrail had been finished but had inadvertently been constructed in black. The contractor regretted the error and was willing to write off $3,500, which would stay in the Park Improvement Fund for other uses. He stated that the color is not offensive in his opinion and that no comments have been received from the Arts Commission. Director Niederhaus recommended that the color be.accepted. Commissioner Skoro commented that this was a gross error, that the subcommittee has talked to Chair Valentine of the Arts Commission and they would like to see the $3,500 used for a bronze railing from the upper observation area to the lower observation area. Director Niederhaus stated that this money had not been expended. In order to put an integrated bronze railing at the location as Commissioner Skoro suggested would cost approximately $20,000. The additional $16,500 to fund the remainder of this project has not been approved. Director Niederhaus recommended that the railing remain as is. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing Hearing no comments the Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Beek to accept staff's recommendation to approve the color black of the newly constructed handrailing at Inspiration Point and accept the $3,500 settlement. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None t I 10. Review of Proposed Fencing and Landscaping on Ocean Blvd Fence on Ocean Boulevard — Director Niederhaus recommended the installation of fencing along the sidewalk and adjacent to the bluff east of Inspiration Point for safety reasons. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 Page 7 Commissioner Phillips expressed concern about noticing the public. Mr. Lomeli stated that notices had been sent out to the public, the Corona del Mar Community Association and local residents. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing Hearing no comments the Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Phillips to accept staff's recommendation of the installation of a 230 foot fence along the sidewalk and adjacent to the bluff east of Inspiration Point. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None Landscaping on Ocean Blvd — Director Niederhaus stated that this item, had been brought back to the Commission because of a controversy over the maximum height of the landscaping of two feet. He also added communication from Mr. Radtke of the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce. Discussion continued regarding the size and survivability of native plants at the location. Chair Schonlau opened the Public Hearing Bruce Colbert, 423/2 Iris Avenue, Corona del Mar, distributed, a list of approximately 60 residents in the area requesting landscaping of not more than one foot in height because of view obstruction. Director Niederhaus conveyed his concern on being restricted to native plants with maximum heights of one foot. The slow growth rate of native plants also concerns staff. Chair Schonlau closed the Public Hearin Motion by Commissioner Dunn to accept staff's recommendation of planting of the California native plants that will attain a maximum height of two feet at Inspiration Point. Commissioner Beek reassured the public that the Commission has their best interests at heart, and is not in favor of blocking views. Mr. Colbert read from the letter from Mr. Radtke that the City had agreed to cut back plants if they exceed the one -foot level. Chair Schonlau stated that this had not been agreed to. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro 1, Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1998 (" Page 8 VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS — Commissioner Phillips asked that the design of a City Historical Plaque be placed on a future agenda. VII. ADJOURNMENT— 11:37PM 6 SUBMITTED BY: LUA Teri Craig, Communit Services Executive Secretary