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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/07/2003 - PB&R CommissionJANUARY 7, 2003 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 7, 2003- 7pm CONVENED AT 7:03pm ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Allen, Beek, Englebrecht, Garrett, Ruzicka, Skoro Absent: Tobin Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation ft Senior Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Andrea McGuire, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht to approve the minutes of November 5, 2002. Motion carried by the, following roll call vote: Ayes: Beek, Englebrecht, Garrett, Ruzicka, Skoro Nays: None Abstain: Allen • PUBLIC COMMENTS Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`" Street, voiced his thanks to the City for saving the pharmacy ficus tree. He stated that it was a positive sign that the City is taking a proactive view of special and mature trees. John Della Grotta, Director, NBLL, requested officially that the City work towards allowing the Little League access to the Bonita Canyon Sports Park in February. He stated that the Little Leagues turf expert believed that the grass would be ready for them to play. Jim Manning, Director, NBLL, stated that he also was requesting officially that the City permit the Little League play on the Bonita Canyon Sports Park before fall of 2003. He noted that they hoped that their turf expert would be coming to the meeting. Director Knight stated that staff will be bringing a report regarding the Bonita Canyon Sports Park turf issue to the February meeting; also it should be noted that that the Little League turf expert was the same one as the City's and asked Mr. Manning if he had seen the letter from Marc Smalley stating that the turf would not be ready for play. Mr. Manning stated that he had not. Director Niederhaus handed him a copy of the letter. Marla Smith, 506 Clubhouse, thanked Commissioner Beek for her consideration of the G -1 Policy and officially requested that it be included on the February agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Item pulled by Commissioner Englebrecht • 2. Item pulled by Commissioner Englebrecht 3. Item pulled by Commissioner Skoro 4 Item pulled by Commissioner Skoro 5 Item pulled by Commissioner Garrett 6. Item pulled by Commissioner Garrett Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 7, 2003 • Page 2 1. Communications - The following correspondence was received and acknowledged. Fm: Barry Grumman, November 20, 2002 Added: Marc Smalley, January 6, 2003 Tracy L. Erwin, November 20, 2002 Email - Bob Kopicki, January 7, 2003 Charlie Massengilt, December 8, 2002 John Della Grotta, December 9, 2002 William a Mary Singleton, December 11, 2002 John Delta Grotta, December 13, 2002 Commissioner Englebrecht asked if the letters from Massengill, Grumman and Della Grotta would be discussed under item 8. Director Knight stated that would be the appropriate place to discuss those items. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16`h Street, stated that that there were still unanswered questions to the Singleton letter and asked if the Commission would be responding and if so what action would be taken. Chair Allen stated that the letter had not been addressed to the Commission and therefore no answer was required by them, but that the City Council has the G -1 Policy scheduled for review on a future agenda. 2. Park Et Tree Division - Commissioner Beek asked if we were to see a dry winter would • the Bonita Canyon Sports Park fields be available earlier. Director Niederhaus stated that the cold weather grass looks good but will not be ready for use for some time. He also noted that consultant Marc Smalley has stated in his letter that the fields should not be used before the full maintenance period. Director Knight stated that it is unclear as to when the City will take ownership of the park, and that possibly could be as late as April as there are some faulty irrigation problems with many issues to be considered before the City accepts the park. Commissioner Beek asked if the Sports Park had been discussed at the Youth Sports Commission meeting. Director Knight stated that it had been fully discussed. John Della Grotta stated that he had hoped that Marc Smalley would be here this evening as he was going to elaborate his findings and possible changes to the field. Mr. Della Grotta contested the findings of the City. He stated that the Little League expert had recommended the planting of certain kinds of grass and that the City planted the wrong kind. He recommended that the Commission listen to both sides of the story and not just staff. He also noted that he had been advised that he would be receiving a letter regarding temporary fencing at Lincoln. He stated that this is not a new issue that • they have done this in the past and never received any comments from the City on it. He finds this deeply disturbing. Commissioner Skoro asked if the Little League was registering more children this year. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 7, 2003 • Page 3 Mr. Della Grotta stated that that these issues were raised at the Youth Sports meeting and that children are being turned away. Commissioner Ruzicka stated that the Commission empathizes but that there are field situation that affect all youth sports and not just Little League. Mr. Della Grotta stated that the Little League has committed to funding 100% of the maintenance of the fields and that AYSO does also. The City of Newport Beach does "bloody" nothing. The Little League pays $75,000 to $100,000 for maintenance and has had to raise fees to accommodate. Superintendent McGuire stated that all Youth Sports Group have been apprised of the situation of Bonita Canyon Sports Park as far back as June of 2002. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that he is concerned that City staff may have planted the wrong grass. Director Knight stated that this issue would be on the February agenda. Jim Manning, Newport Beach Little League also commented on the need for fescue type • grass and that more fields are needed as they are unable to use Newport Coast parks. Discussion ensued regarding types of grasses that should or should not be planted for field use. Director Niederhaus stated that he would like his maintenance staff to sit down and discuss this issue with Little League representative. Director Niederhaus reviewed the rest of the monthly report with the Commission and stated that because of the wind storm the City lost 22 City trees, as well as 5 private trees with 3 trees falling on homes. He complimented Urban Forester John Conway as Newport Beach was one of the few cities with a lesser amount of damage to the trees from the winds. 3. Recreation Et Senior Services - Commissioner Skoro congratulated Scott Williamson for his awards. 4. Bench Donations A. To accept bench donation from Georgia Mahoney to be installed at Miramar Drive and Balboa Boulevard. B. To accept bench donation from Darcy Post to be installed at the West Ocean Front street end and Grant Street entrance. C. To accept bench donation from Annie Kupfrian to be installed at West Edgewater Avenue • and Buena Vista Boulevard. D. To accept bench donation to be installed at Ocean Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue and replace drinking fountain at the view area above Little Corona State Beach at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue from Anne Cusic. Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 7, 2003 • Page 4 Commissioner Skoro stated that he had pulled this item because he wanted to make the Commission aware of how wonderful the Mahoney family was and that the bench will be very meaningful to them. 5. City Street Tree Designation Change - Director Niederhaus reviewed the list the process of tree selection for the Cannery Lofts Project. Discussion ensued regarding the encroachment and demolition permit process in regards to City tree removals. Director Niederhaus stated that those encroachment permits are issued by Public Works and the demolition permits by the Building Department. Commissioner Beek commented that she felt that all removals should come before the Commission. Jan Vandersloot commented that he was concerned that all removals did not come before the Commission. Director Niederhaus stated that this agenda item is for the recommendation of a change of designation of street trees and not the tree removal process. • Chair Allen suggested that a staff report be presented on how these encroachment and demolition permit removals differ from removals within the G -1 Policy. 6. FY 2003/04 CIP Review - Commission Garrett stated that he was concerned that staff was expecting approval of this report as they had received no back up material. Commissioner Skoro stated that Newport Village should be included on the CIP list. Director Knight stated that past practice that been that these reports were for review only, however in the future they can be forwarded to the finance committee for review in advance. Director Niederhaus noted that additional projects or changes to recommendations would be made during the budget review process. Motion by Commissioner Beek to accept items 1- 6 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Park Development Committee Report — Steve Badum, Public Works Director reviewed the status of the parks with the Commission. Newport Village - Need $1.5 million. Staff proposes $120,000 for design with the caveat • to fund construction in the future. He stated that it is the intention of Public Works to move forward with this project, although it is ultimately Council's decision. Motion by Commissioner Skoro to direct staff to forward a letter to Council requesting $500,000 in CIP funds for the development of Newport Village. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • January 7, 2003 Page 5 Director Badum stated that Public Works will present a budget that they feel that the City can afford but should the Commission feel strongly then they should attend the joint Council Meeting that is currently scheduled for the 28tH Commissioner Beek asked if it would take one year to go through the design process. Director Badum stated that typically the design process takes about a year. He stated that he was concerned that the Commission would request these funds and then not be able to use them. Bayview - Director Badum stated that this 12 acre site would cost about $680,000 for this view park that is intended as a destination and stopping point for bicyclists. He stated that it is hoped that the acres below would be used for affordable housing, and that it appears that this could be a joint project as the Upper Bayview would need get rid of dirt and that Lower Bayview would need it. He stated that it would provide an opportunity for a bike trail to the Dunes and the Wetlands. He noted that this park is on the fast track and should be going to Council on the 14`n. He stated that the Coastal Commission has been very encouraging and that the possibility exists that construction could begin as early as next year. • Chair Allen opened the public discussion Dennis Baker stated that he is very optimistic about the bike trails, has some concerns regarding the bluff height. Jan Vandersloot commended Director Badum for his recommendations for native vegetation and stated that he believes that not one thing should be done to Newport Village as the native vegetation is coming back. Chair Allen closed the public discussion Chair Allen stated that something needs to be done to Newport Village as it looks like a vacant lot. Commissioner Beek stated that the Commission should only recommend $120,000 for the design process for Newport Village. Revised motion by Commissioner Skoro to direct staff to forward a letter to Council requesting $200,000 in CIP funds for the development of Newport Village. Substitute motion by Commissioner Beek to direct staff to forward a letter to Council requesting $120,000 for the design process for Newport Village. Motion failed by the • following vote: Ayes: Beek, Garrett, Ruzicka Nays: Allen, Englebrecht, Skoro Commissioner Skoro's revised motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Allen, Englebrecht, Skoro Nays: Beek, Garrett, Ruzicka Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • January 7, 2003 Page 6 Motion by Commissioner Beek to support Public Works recommendation of $120,000 for the design of the Newport Village Park. Motion carried by acclamation. Commissioner Garret asked what the involvement of the Commission was as far as the use of beaches in the City. He asked that this be included as a future agenda item. Director Knight stated that she would set up a meeting with Deputy City Manager Kiff and Commissioner Garrett to discuss this issue further and gain clarity on beach jurisdiction. 8. Request for Additional Utilization of Field Lights B. Newport Harbor Baseball Association - Director Knight stated that this item would be tabled until the meeting in February to give the association time to talk to come of the neighbors regarding the temporary installation of field lights at Mariners Park. A. Pacific Coast Girls Fast Pitch Softball Triple Crown Tournament - Director Knight stated that staff recommends approval for additional utilization of field lights at • Bonita Creek Park, Arroyo Park and Grant Howald Park until 9pm on Saturday, February 8 and 8pm on Sunday, February 9 for the Newport Riptide 16 and under Pacific Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team Triple Crown Tournament. Barry Gruman, Pacific Coast Fast Pitch Gils Softball thanked the Commission for their approval last year but would really like approval for the lights stay on until 10pm on Saturday to give participants and family time to clean up and get off the park before the lights go out but should they finish early the lights would be turned off sooner. Director Knight stated that staff's recommendation was for 9pm. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht to amend staff's recommendation and to approve the additional utilization of field lights at Bonita Creek Park, Arroyo Park and Grant Howald Park until 10pm on Saturday, February 8 and 8pm on Sunday, February 9 for the Newport Riptide 16 and under Pacific Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team Triple Crown Tournament. Motion carried by acclamation. C. Newport Beach Little League - Director Knight stated that that staff recommends that Newport Beach Little League: 1.Be granted additional utilization of field lights at Lincoln Athletic Center fields 1 and 2 on Friday evenings until 9:45pm, February 7 through June 22, 2003. 2.Be granted additional utilization of field lights at Lincoln Athletic Center Fields 1 and 2 on • Saturday evenings until 7pm February 15 through April 5, 2003. The additional field lights usage is to complete games that begin at 4pm, and will not be used for practices on Saturday nights. 3.In the spirit of energy conservation, agrees to turn off the lights when all activity is completed, rather than letting the timer turn off the lights. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • January 7, 2003 Page 7 John Della Grotta stated that he needed to amend the February 15 date to February 8. Motion by Commissioner Beek to amend staff's recommendation and to approve that Newport Beach Little League: 1. Be granted additional utilization of field lights at Lincoln Athletic Center fields 1 and 2 on Friday evenings until 9:45pm, February 7 through June 22, 2003, 2. Be granted additional utilization of field lights at Lincoln Athletic Center Fields 1 and 2 on Saturday evenings until 7pm February 8 through April 5, 2003. The additional field lights usage is to complete games that begin at 4pm, and will not be used for practices on Saturday nights. 3. In the spirit of energy conservation, agrees to turn off the lights when all activity is completed, rather than letting the timer turn off the lights. Motion carried by acclamation. Park Naming Policy - Chair Allen appointed Commissioner Beek as Chair and Commissioner Skoro to work as a Ad Hoc Committee to review the policy. 10. Committee Appointments and Reports Liaison to Youth Sports Commission - nothing new to report. • Park Development - Discussed earlier, next meeting is January 21, 2003. Recreation Et Open Space Element - nothing new to report. Recreation Activities - nothing new to report Seniors - nothing new to report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Tree Policy / Ordinance Review Review of Special Tree List with Criteria Bonita Canyon Turf Issues Newport Harbor Baseball Association Request for Temporary Lighting Jurisdiction of Beaches Encroachment Process for Removal of Trees Irvine Terrace Park Encroachment Issues MarinaPark Gate Status ADJOURNMENT - 9:45pm Submitted by: Teri Craig, Admin A@istant f� J