Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/05/2000 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 — 7pm CONVENED AT 7:05pm ROLL CALL Present: Beek, Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Tobin, Skoro Absent: Allen, Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian David Niederhaus, General Services Director Andrea McGuire, Senior Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Admin Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Chair Beek to approve the regular minutes of June 6, 2000. Motion carried by acclamation. PUBLIC COMMENTS • Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that the high growth of the salt bush at Castaways prevented the people trampling the bushes to view the fireworks, and urged that reconsideration be given regarding removal or trimming. He also noted that several pine trees on Cliff Drive are dead because of severe topping and wondered if they would be replaced. Director Niederhaus stated that the pine trees had been illegally topped by unknown homeowners and would be replaced. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Beek thanked the staff and Commissioners for their support during the last year and stated that it had been a joy to serve as Chair. Chair Beek opened the nominations for Chair. Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to nominate Commissioner Skoro as Chair. Nominations closed. Commissioner Tobin asked Commissioner Skoro if his duties as President of the Corona del Mar Community Association and President of Irvine Terrace Homeowners Association would cause any conflicts as chair of the Commission. • Commissioner Skoro stated that he was no longer chair of the Corona del Mar Community Association and that his term as President of the Irvine Terrace Homeowners Association 11 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 Page 2 would expire in September and that he would not seek reelection, although he would continue to serve on committees within the Association. Chair Beek stated that she has been assured by Commissioner Skoro that he would not seek reelection. Motion carried to appoint Commissioner Skoro as Chair. Chair Beek opened nominations for Vice Chair Motion by Commissioner Skoro to nominate Commissioner Pfaff as Vice Chair. Motion carried by acclamation. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Item removed by staff 2. Item removed by a member of the public 3. Community Services • 4. Proclamation — July as Parks & Recreation Month Motion by Chair Skoro to accept Items 3 Et 4 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 1. Communications From: Sharon Z. Wood, Assistant, City Manager, May 31, 2000 Melinda Marie Luthin, June 7, 2000 SPON, June 14, 2000 Christine Shingleton, President Board of Directors, Girl Scouts, June 15, 2000 Julie Morris, President, IMUA Outrigger Canoe Club, June 22, 2000 Sharon Z. Wood, Assistant, City Manager, June 26, 2000 Commissioner Beek stated that the letter from Marie Luthin should be referred to the Park Et Open Space Committee. Chair Skoro concurred. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`" Street, stated that SPON had submitted the letter to the Commission regarding the Newport Village parcel behind the library. Director Kienitz stated that Council has not asked the Commission to look at this site. Commissioner Beek stated that it would be more appropriate to discuss Mr. Vandersloofs • letter under item 5. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 • Page 3 2. Park Et Tree Division - Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street requested that Parks staff add addresses to the list of trees that are planted for proper citizen oversight on an ongoing manner and that it be included in the monthly report. Director Niederhaus stated that he saw no problem with listing the trees that were planted during the month, but that it would be too labor intensive to include the addresses every month. Commissioner Macfarland stated that the tree planting addresses should not be included in staffs report. Commission concurred. Motion by Commissioner Beek to accept Items 1 and 2 of the consent calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Newport Village - Director Kienitz stated that the information included was for information purposes only. Discussion ensued regarding Commissioner Allen's appointment to the Ad Hoc Committee for an Arts Et Education Center. Commissioner Franklin stated that Commissioner Allen should forward the consensus of the Commission to these meetings. Chair Skoro opened the Public Hearing Jan Vandersloot, SPON Steering Committee, stated that the Newport Village parcel of land has been of interest to SPON since the 1980s and reminded the Commission that the CIOSA stated that it was dedicated by The Irvine Company as open space in 1992. He also noted they would not be adverse to an Arts Center as long as the balance of the park is open space. Tracy Balterre, Corona del Mar, stated that this parcel of land is one of the last few open spaces left in the City, urged the Commission to forward their recommendation to retain the open space as is. Larry Porter, Corona del Mar, also urged that this land remain open space. Don Gregory, Arts Commissioner, urged the Commission to consider recommending that 3.5 acres of the 12.5 acres be dedicated for an Arts Et Cultural Center; that children should have the opportunity in their own City to enrich their education. He stated that this parcel of land is ideal because of its location next to the library and that it would • no impinge on any view planes. Commissioner Beek asked Mr. Gregory if he was surprised that the Council asked the Ad Hoc committee to look at the entire parcel of land instead of what was requested. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 • Page 4 Mr. Gregory stated that he was happy to see it judged as a whole and would like to see multi -use of the parcel of land. Chair Skoro closed the Public Hearing Commissioner Franklin stated that the Commission is on record as maintaining the parcel as open space. Motion by Commissioner Pfaff that this item be forwarded to the Park & Open Space Committee. Motion carried by acclamation. Discussion ensued. 6. Storage Containers on City Park Sites - Manager McGuire stated that this request to repaint the containers was initiated by a Council Member. Director Niederhaus recommended that the sponsors that use the containers be responsible for the painting of the containers and any landscaping needed. • Manager McGuire that that Community Services owns 2 of the containers and youth groups own the other two. Commissioner Beek stated that if a Council Member is concerned about them then the costs should be borne by the City. Chair Skoro opened the Public Hearing. Hearing_ no comments the Public Hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Beek that staff respond to Council Member Adams with a list of painting and landscaping costs for the permanent additions noting that provisions are now made for any current or future park planning. Motion carried by acclamation. 7. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that the Joanne Burns request for removal of one Ficus tree at 2306 Port Aberdeen Place has been deferred at her request. 8. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Ms. Hannaford has requested the removal of one Ficus tree at 301 Main Street. He stated that there is a pending claim with the City and recommends that Commission not approve removal but rather defer the decision to the City Risk Manager to determine the liability. Commissioner Tobin asked when decisions would be made by the Risk Manager. • Director Niederhaus stated that liability issues are not normally referred to Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 • Page 5 Commissioner Beek asked that since this tree is considered a "special tree" would City do the work to save the tree. Chair Skoro asked whether this issue should have even come before the Commission if it is with the Risk Manager. Director Niederhaus stated that the mater is before the Commission at the request of Ms. Hannaford and that the tree removal is a separate issue from the claim and liability process. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street stated the sewer line has disintegrated and should be replaced but the tree should not be removed. He asked why the documentation of costs was not included with the report. Chair Skoro closed the public hearing Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to deny request for the removal of one Ficus tree by the Ms. Hannaford at 301 Main Street. Motion carried by acclamation. • 11. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Michael Griffin has requested the removal of four Indian Laurel Fig trees at 445 El Modena. He stated that Griffins are requesting the removal because of repeated private property damage. Director Niederhaus stated that staff recommends removal of the four trees and replacement with four 36" boxed Brisbane Box trees. He also noted that the Griffins have filed a $15,000 claim with the City for private property damage. Director Niederhaus stated that he has a meeting with the Risk Manager on Monday because of this and several other tree claims regarding property damage and hoped to be able to update the Commission in his report next month. Chair Skoro opened the Public Hearing. Michael Griffin, 445 El Modena, stated that Urban Forester John Conway has been terrific and noted that he and his wife had bought the house knowing of the root problems but are now noticing buckling within the foundation. He stated that the claim has been paid by the City and that that the Risk Manager had also been very helpful. Mr. Griffin stated that he loves trees but feels that these would be a continuing problem and urged their removal. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that he had visited the site and that clearly all four trees are not causing the problem. He noted that Councilmember Glover would be aghast if all four of these trees were removed. Mr. Vandersloot stated that there • was no evidence of repeated damage attached to the staff report and was confused why staff would recommend removal. He stated that it was disturbing that someone can move in and one year later ask for trees to be removed that have been there for years. He urged that the Commission not recommend removal. 11 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 Page 6 Mr. Griffin stated that he had filed his private property damage claim long before the trees on Clay were removed. He stated that all four of the trees are causing the damage to his house and that the City has agreed to remove all four of them. Chair Skoro closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Beek noted that she was confused with the request and asked why it even came before the Commission if the City has already approved removal. Director Niederhaus stated that he was unaware that the claim had been paid but could not comment on any pending litigation. He also stated that a removal decision had not been made and was a matter for the Commission to decide. Motion by Commissioner Beek to approve the request for the removal of four Indian Laurel Fig trees of Michael Griffin, 445 El Modena and replace with four 36" boxed Brisbane Box trees. Motion carried by acclamation. 9. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Harold Betz at 3501 Seaview and Paul Sinconolfi, 3507 Seaview has requested the removal of two Brazilian Pepper trees. He is stated that request does not meet the criteria for removal, but has suggested to homeowners that they work with their homeowners association. Commissioner Macfarland asked why these requests come before the Commission if they do not meet the G -1 policy requirements. Director Niederhaus stated that this request was submitted before the new G -1 Policy was approved and the requestor had the right to have the Commission review it. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that homeowner had checked beautification on request and reminded Commission that this is not a reason to remove. Chair Skoro closed the public hearing Motion by Commissioner Skoro to deny the request for the removal of two Brazilian Pepper by Harold Betz at 3501 Seaview and Paul Sinconolfi, 3507 Seaview. Motion carried by acclamation. 10. Tree Removal- Director Niederhaus stated that the request by David Gralnik to remove one Ficus tree at 1132 Sea Lane has been resolved by staff. • 12. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that the request by Jack Van Eden to remove four Evergreen Pear trees at 508 Evening Star Lane has been resolved by staff. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting July 5, 2000 • Page 7 13. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that the request by Douglas Sloan to remove one Carrotwood tree at 135 Topaz Avenue has been resolved by staff. 14. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that the request by Janet Poor to remove one Carrotwood tree at 137Topaz Avenue has been resolved by staff. 15. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Alice McGrath has requested the removal of one Shamel Ash tree at 1527 Sylvia Lane. He stated that it also has a pending claim with the City and recommends the retention of the tree. Discussion ensued regarding whether removal requests that have pending claims should come before the Commission. Director Niederhaus stated that he has a meeting with the Risk Manager on Monday to go over the 1527 Sylvia Lane claim and others and will emphasize to her the need for resolution, and /or current status before Commission meetings. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that this request does not show repeated damage nor does it prove that it was caused by the tree. He stated that damage should • have been included in the report. Commissioner Tobin stated that if it is found that the tree is causing the damage, the City must pay for any and all repairs. Chair Beek closed the public hearing Motion by Chair Beek to deny the request for the removal of one Shamel Ash tree by Alice McGrath at 1527 Sylvia Lane. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Skoro Nays: Beek Tobin Absent: Allen 21. Subcommittee Report s • Budget — Nothing to report • OASIS Liaison — Nothing to report. • Open Space — Staff will draft an agenda and contact committee members for dates to meet to discuss Newport Village and MarinaPark. • Beach — Nothing to report • Community Services Award — Nothing to report. • Tree — Nothing to report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • ADJOURNMENT - 9:45pm Submitted by-z:� v' P Teri Craig, Admin Assistant