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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/02/1999 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting -March 2, 1999 — 7pm CONVENED AT 7:02pm ROLL CALL Present: Beek, Franklin, Pfaff, Sinclair, Skoro, Tobin Absent: Glasgow Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Steve Hunt, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Executive Secretary ll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 2, 1999. Motion carried by acclamation. 111. PUBLIC COMMENTS None ( ) IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Correspondence — Correspondence from Todd Swanson, February 24, 1999, was acknowledged. The correspondence from Barry MacPhereson, received February 26, 1999; Vicki Fults, February 26, 1999; and David Fults, February 26, 1999, were added and acknowledged. 2. Park and Tree Division - Received and filed. 3. Removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Commissioner Skoro. 4. Senior Services — Received and filed. 5. Bench Donation — Approve the bench donation for West Jetty View Park from Chris Sullivan. 6. Tree Donation —Approve the donation of one Firewheel Tree and plaque from the Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary Club to be planted at Buffalo Hills Park. The verbiage and size of the donor plaque conforms to City Policy G -5. 7. Removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Commissioner Skoro. 8. Removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Commissioner Skoro. Items removed from Consent Calendar 3. Recreation Services — Commissioner Skoro asked staff if additional complaints had been received regarding the lights at Lincoln. Senior Recreation Manager Hunt stated that no others had been received. Chair Beek reminded the commission that the lights and the installation of the scoreboard at the Lincoln Athletic Center would be on the City Council agenda on March 8. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 2, 1999 l� Page 2 7. Tree Planting at Castaways Park —Commissioner Skoro thanked Mr. Vandersloot and SPON for applying for the tree grant. 8. Street Tree RedesiEnation — Commissioner Skoro asked if any trees would be removed or would just they just be planting Queen Palms on an as needed basis. Director Niederhaus stated that the Queen Palms would be planted in parkways wherever homeowners are willing care for the trees. Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to accept items 1 -8 on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Commissioner Glasgow arrived at 7:10om 9. Bonita Canyon Park — Chair Beek asked that the commission review the conceptual and financial plans that were distributed. Senior Recreation Manger Hunt stated that Mr. Green from Harbor 'View Homeowners Association requested that staff tell the commission of their appreciation for the many public hearings that have been held and that they plan to be at the Council meeting. Mr. Hunt stated that the City Attorney received confirmation from The Irvine Company attorney that the $3.25 M funds must be used for the "school site," but that the remaining funds $2.5 M can be applied elsewhere. Chair Beek thanked the commission and the public for the design of such a grand park. She also reminded the commission that a more formal presentation would be on the City Council study session agenda on March 22. Chair Beek opened the public hearing Mary-Ann Weber, 2306 Port Lerwick Place, noted that a berm is needed along Ford Road to soften the sound. 'She and her neighbors are very concerned about the noise from San Joaquin. Ms. Weber also stated that she had already sent a letter to Kevin Murphy many months ago regarding this. Director Niederhaus stated that trees could be planted that would soften some of the noise and a berm will be considered. Chair Beek closed the public hearing Director Kienitz stated, that this item would be on the afternoon agenda of City Council on March 22 at 4pm, and that staff report will include the alternatives for the next steps requesting the employment of landscape architectural firm. (4) Motion by Commissioner Franklin to approve the conceptual and financial plans of Bonita Canyon Park and forward to City Council for their approval. Motion carried by acclamation. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 2, 1999 t Page 3 10. Volleyball Court Removal — Manager Hunt reviewed the appeal to remove the volleyball court at 2406 Oceanfront. He stated that a notice had been posted on the court for 30 days, that staff has monitored the courts, and is working on lessening the impact on the nearby residents. Chair Beek opened the public hearing David Fults, 2806 W. Oceanfront, stated that he has been a beach community member since 1941 and an active member of the volleyball play and supports the court remaining. Erik Thurnher, 2406 Oceanfront, stated that he had lived at this address for four years. He stated that the men that regularly play there are pretty good guys, some are professional, and use the court three to four days a week during the summer and sometimes draws a crowd. He stated that the problem is having the court used constantly, which impacts his quality of life. Mr. Thurnher also noted that this court is closer to the homes than other courts in the area. Commissioner Skoro stated that the court is 80 feet from the homes, and that it seems unconceivable that windows have been broken from playing volleyball. Joel Faucette, 24021/2 Oceanfront, stated that he has lived at this address for about 12 years, and works at home. Mr. Faucette distributed pictures that he took today showing that the I other courts are not used. He noted that this particular court is used primarily because of its location to the parking lot and the restrooms. He stated that there are some safety issues and has had to offer many people first aid at this location. Commissioner Skoro asked if he has records of accidents. He stated that he did not. Patrick Daw, 259 Lower Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, stated that he used to live at 23`d street, but currently resides in Laguna Beach. He stated that he has played volleyball at this location for years; that they are nice people; and that the noise is not only from them but also the boardwalk. Mr. Daw stated that the volleyball court should remain. Mario O'Geary, 3406 Marcus, stated that he has been coming to the beach for the last 10 years. He enjoys watching the volleyball players and feels perfectly safe there with his children. He also stated that the court should remain. Charles Hartewell, 2408 Oceanfront, stated that a lot of the players practice off the court and that sometime the balls come onto the boardwalk. He stated that there is such confusion and erosion of the beach that the volleyball court should be removed. He stated that the problem really occurs in the summer when these players actually displace people that come down for the sun. Mr. Hartewell distributed his plan for the relocation of the courts. Commissioner Skoro asked Mr. Hartewell if he was a renter. He stated that he was but had a first option to buy. Chair Beek asked him if he personally had witnessed'the players asking people to move so that they can play volleyball. Mr. Hartewell stated yes. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 2, 1999 Page 4 Brad Dorfman, 2402 W. Oceanfront, stated that the players are great, but the sport as they play causes conflict, becomes a spectator sport, crowds appear, and accidents can and do happen. He stated that it is very frustrating not to be able to have friends sit down in front of the house without the possibility of being hit with a volleyball. He urged the removal of the court. Stan Hatch, 1547 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, stated that during the winter months the courts at 241h, Colton, and 32 "d street are used. He stated that they have been playing at these courts for many years, and always police the beach before leaving. He also stated that people leave on their own accord once they see a volleyball court net being put up. Commissioner Franklin asked why they use the court at 24'h Street so often. Mr. Hatch stated that the closeness of businesses and parking is a factor. Moses Mortazavi, 2406 Oceanfront, stated that this court is used more than the others, and that it has gotten to be just too much. The court is too close to the homes. Grant Dietz, 118 24`h Street, stated'that he has lived there for many years. He noted that the homeowners that live on the oceanfront knew they were moving to a public area and the court is just another public area. Most of the homeowners that live there now, knew that a volleyball court was there when they moved in. He stated that most of the players are older i ) now and have families and try to be good neighbors when they are there on the public beach. Andy Reinking, 6001 Newport Shores, stated that he had collected 647 signatures, 276 residents, 43 businesses and 328 non - residents, all are in support of the court. Chair Beek asked if the players follow the ordinances regarding foul language. Mr. Reinking stated that they do. Mr. Dietz stated that they sometime remind the public of the no profanity rule. Chair Beek closed the public hearing Commissioner Sinclair stated that volleyball attracts people, and that should be a positive thing. She also stated that the pier area is always going to be congested. Commissioner Sinclair stated that the volleyball players should continue to play, police the area and adhere to the no profanity rule. Motion by Commissioner Sinclair that the volleyball court at 2406 W. Oceanfront remain. Motion carried by acclamation. Chair Beek asked the players to be respectful of the homeowners and to try to be good neighbors. !, ) 11. Tree Removal Appeal — Director Niederhaus stated that Mr. Parker had requested that the Brazilian Pepper be removed about a year ago. The Urban Forester has stated that the tree is healthy and although there has been some minor hardscape damage, it will be repaired. Staff is not convinced that any sewer damage is caused by this tree. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 2, 1999 Page 5 Chair Beek opened the public hearing, Mr. James Parker, 2327 Arbitus, stated that if one of the five conditions of removal is met then the tree should be removed. He stated that this tree has caused repeated damage to hardscape. Mr. Parker distributed pictures taken on February 3, 1999. He stated that this tree has caused cracks and raised the sidewalk. He also stated that this tree never should have been planted in its present location near the water line and the curb. Commissioner Glasgow asked Mr. Parker if he would be willing to have another tree planted there in the parkway. Mr. Parker stated yes, as long as it is moved away from the water line. Jan Vandersloot, SPON Tree Committee, stated that the trees received from grant will be planted at Castaways Park on March 13, 1lam - 4pm. He also stated that this Brazilian Pepper is worth approximately $3,000 and is a beautiful tree. He stated that no one knows what will happen once the City repairs the curb damage and the drainage line. He stated that the homeowner should wait until this has been completed. Chair Beek closed the public hearing. Commissioner Pfaff asked if the City had replaced the sidewalk at that location Director Niederhaus stated that the sidewalk has been replaced once. He stated that a small portion of the sidewalk, curb and gutter is being replaced. He stated that this tree had not done a significant amount of damage, and that there are insufficient grounds to remove the tree. He also stated that a tree would never be planted there now because of the proximity to the water line and the driveway, nevertheless the tree has not caused significant damage. Director Niederhaus stated that the sewer line has a hole in it and that is why it has been repaired. Commissioner Pfaff stated that he believed that there has been enough hardscape damage so that the tree should be removed. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to support staff recommendation and deny the removal of one Brazilian Pepper parkway street tree at 2327 Arbitus Street. Director Niederhaus stated that in his opinion, the Commission cannot recommend removal if it does not meet the minimum requirements of the City's G -1 Policy. Commissioner Pfaff stated that seems that there has been significant hardscape damage and that the commission should be able to remove the tree. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek. Franklin, Skoro, Sinclair Nays: Glasgow, Pfaff, Tobin i Chair Beek asked Mr. Parker to work with staff and to document any future problems and forward them to Director Niederhaus. Mr. Parker was advised by staff of his right to appeal the commission's decision to the City Council. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 2, 1999 Page 6 12. Tree Removal and Planting Appeal — Director Niederhaus stated that this item has been delayed and possibly resolved. He will update the commission in next month's report. 13. Subcommittee Reports • Liaison Committee - No meeting. • Open Space Committee - No new information. • Budget — Commissioner Skoro stated that they would be meeting with staff at 1 pm on March 10" and with the City Manager on March 12`h. • Liaison with Oasis - Commissioner Tobin met with Senior Manager Jardine -Haug and agrees with the location for the parking lot lights. • Naming of Parks - Commissioner Glasgow stated that the committee would meet soon. • Community Services Award - No new information. • Skateboard — Commissioner Franklin stated a public hearing will be held March 16, 7pm, Newport Shores Community Clubhouse, 511 Canal Street. VI. Future Agenda Items Environmental Nature Center offer to assist with the planting plan for Castaways Park. VII. ADJOURNMENT- 9:23pm i SUBMITTED BY: -j- l k - TERI CRAIG, COMMUNITY SERVICES EXECUTIVE SECRETARY