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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/04/2003 - PB&R CommissionFEBRUARY 4, 2003 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH • Parks, Beaches Ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 4, 2003- 7pm CONVENED AT 7:02pm ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Allen, Beek, Englebrecht, Garrett, Ruzicka, Skoro, Tobin Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation l3 Senior Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Sean Levin, Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Director Knight stated that Superintendent McGuire had been nominated for the Dorothy Palen Award; winner will be announced at the Annual Employee Awards Breakfast. Director Niederhaus noted that Larry Kolbo, Field Operations Superintendent had also been nominated for that same award. Chair Allen presented Commissioner Skoro with his 5 -year pen that is given to employees, • council members and boards/ commissions members for their service to the City. Director Knight distributed the new Recreation li Senior Services Department mission and vision statements that were established during the Department retreat at the end of January. Mission Statement To enhance the quality of life by providing diverse opportunities in safe and well maintained facilities and parks. We pledge to respond to community needs by creating quality educational, recreational, cultural and social programs for people of all ages. Vision Statement Your first choice for connecting people, play and programs! Manager Levin presented the Commission with valentine cards designed by participants in the City's Afterschool Program. PUBLIC COMMENTS None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the regular meeting of January 7, 2003. 2. Item pulled by Director Niederhaus 3. Recreation 8 Senior Services Activity Report • 4 Item pulled by Commissioner Englebrecht Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht to accept items 1 and 3 of the Consent calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 2 2. Park £t Tree Division - Director Niederhaus stated that in the past homeowners could request an Encroachment Permit from Public Works and /or a Demolition Permit from the Building Department that includes a tree removal program. He stated this year that 41 permits were approved; with 30 trees planted in different locations; all were reviewed by the Urban Forester. Director Niederhaus stated that only 8 trees were removed under this authority of City Council policies L2 and L6. Director Niederhaus stated that should a homeowner apply for an encroachment or demolition permit that includes a removal of a tree, they would be instructed to apply for a reforestation action provided for by the G -1 Policy. Such a proposal would ultimately come before the Commission for approval. Commissioner Beek thanked Director Niederhaus for this information in response to their concerns. Director Niederhaus stated that staff would be forwarding a recommendation to Council on February 25 to review and possibly consolidate all tree policies and ordinances. He also noted that an Ad Hoc Committee of members from Building, General Services, Planning, Public Works and Sharon Wood would be meeting to discuss how to move • forward on those issues. He assured the Chair that the Commission is invited to attend the February Council meeting and that agendas with staff reports would be forwarded to them when available. Chair Allen opened the public discussion Jan Vandersloot representing the Balboa Arbor Society stated that they are glad to see the tree policy moving forward and recommends that it become a City ordinance. He also asked it there was anything that could be done to the claim related tree removals before ultimately removing them such as root barriers, etc. Chair Allen closed the Public discussion Director Niederhaus stated that there are actually two ordinances that regulate tree issues and that claim related tree removals are approved by the City Manager in order to save the City from further liability. Director Niederhaus gave the following definitions for removals: • Emergency Tree Removal - A removal of a tree that is about to fall down and has a target to hit such as a house. • Claim Removal - Must have approval by the Risk Manager and /or Traffic Engineer and the City Manager and are done to avoid claims that are more than the cost of • the tree. Director Niederhaus directed the attention of the Commission to the attached bench list. He stated that City would be looking for bench donations for sites such as Upper Bayview Park. Parks, Beaches $ Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 . Page 3 4. Youth Sports Facilities Maintenance - Commissioner Englebrecht asked staff if this would be the appropriate time to address the letter sent to the Little League from Director Knight. Director Knight stated that the letter was an unrelated issue and could not be addressed at this time Motion by Commissioner Skoro to accept items 2 and 4 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. NEW BUSINESS 5. Discussion regarding the creation of a separate Beaches Committee - Director Knight stated that a query had been raised by Commissioner Garrett regarding activities on the beaches. Director Knight stated that she set up a meeting with Deputy City Manager Kiff to discuss the issue. Commissioner Garrett stated that he believes that there are many issues to discuss regarding activities on the beach but would like table the issue of forming a committee until more information is gathered. Commissioner Skoro stated that this might be the perfect committee to work with • Planning regarding the Corona del Mar State Beach project. Director Knight stated that the Commission would receive a status report on that project at the March meeting. Motion by Commissioner Beek to table formation of a Beach Committee. Motion carried by acclamation. CONTINUED BUSINESS 6. Request for Temporary Field Lights at Mariners Park by Newport Harbor Baseball Association - Director Knight thanked Charles Massengill for meeting with several of the residents that had expressed some concerns or questions. Mr. Massengill stated that the field lights would be stored behind the fire station and that they would complete their games by 8:15pm and leave by 9pm. Chair Allen opened the public discussion Scott Smith stated that he had talked to several neighbors and that they were alright with the use of the temporary lights but that they were concerned that eventually the City would decide to install permanent fixture lights at the park and that would become • a problem. Commissioner Beek stated that the Commission does not initiate lighting and that it would take years of review. She noted that it was very nice of the resident to accommodate the lights for the children. ' Parks, Beaches a Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 4 John Della Grotta, NBLL, commented on his support for the temporary lights; that lights facilitate parents being able to attend their events. Tony Anish stated that these types of lights, while nice to be able to use are certainly not the answer. He stated that if the modern type of lights were installed, residents would be amazed at how little it would affect their lives. Tom Johnson stated that temporary lights are not a problem, permanent lights would. Motion by Commissioner Enelebrecht to approve the request by Newport Harbor Baseball Association to use temporary lighting on Mariners Park field/ infield for practices from February 10 to June 15 until 9pm, as part of this agreement the Newport Harbor Baseball Association will: -Dismantle the temporary lights every night and lock it up. -Be totally responsible for the security of the equipment. -Consult Recreation staff on the location of equipment. Motion carried by acclamation. 8. Upper and Lower Bavview Landing - Dan Trimble, Associate Planner, Planning • Department presented an overview of the project with conceptual plans. He stated that they are requesting approval of the conceptual plans and then will forward any comments or concerns to City Council for their approval. He stated that the City is moving quickly and that they are trying to combine the Senior Housing Development with this project. Mr. Trimble stated that the City's goal is for Bayview Landing to be a passive view park with an active bike trail from Pacific Coast Highway. Minimal landscaping will be done to include coastal sage. He stated that they hoped to begin construction in September; the Senior Housing opening in December of 2004. Commissioner Skoro stated that he knew that some residents were concerned with the heights of the Senior Housing project, but that he believed that the rooftop will be as low as possible and that it will be aesthetically pleasing. Chair Allen opened the Public discussion Jan Vandersloot stated that he had been involved with the concept of this project for many years; that SPON had approved this concept last week although there were some concerns regarding the coastal sage and that male knatcatchers had been seen at the site. He stated that he would like to see the use of coastal sage increased and a • reminder to the City that the archeology issues be addressed. Chair Allen closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Skoro to approve the conceptual plans for the Upper and Lower Bayview Landing project. Motion carried by acclamation. Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 5 7. Bonita Canyon Sports Park - Mike Sinacori, Project Manager presented a status report on the project. Discussion ensued regarding the current irrigation problems encountered at the project site. Examples of failing sprinkler parts, the water conditions and their problems were examined. Mr. Sinacori noted that the water valves are the best on the market, but have not worked consistently since installed. He stated that no action on the part of the Commission is required, as the City has not accepted the park. He noted that they would be briefing the City Council on the project at the Study Session on February 11. He noted that he hoped to have more information on the irrigation problems next month but believes that the project will be completed by April. Commissioner Skoro expressed frustration with an email that had been sent from Little League representative that was filled with inaccuracies and stated that he felt Mr. Della Grotta owes both the Commission and the staff an apology. He also stated that this park will be the crown jewel of the City and that it is important to work out all the kinks before accepting the park. He also stated that these things do happen and that • he supports staff with their decisions. Commissioner Allen stated that it is not productive to use recriminations. Mr. Sinacori stated that the pressure control valves are just getting eaten up from the sediment in the water, but he believes that it will be fixed. Director Knight stated that field usage will be discussed next month. Commissioner Allen opened the public discussion John Della Grotta, NBLL understands that any decisions regarding the Park will have to go to Council but procedurally should be discussed with the Commission first. Mr. Della Grotta commented on the following: • Valves and irrigation — he commended Public Works and especially Mr. Sinacori for being fiscally responsible by not taking the park until all the defects are corrected. • Bonding Requirement - he stated that since the tot lot has come online, that the City should also be able to select other parts of the park before full acceptance is taken. • Grass - He stated that he has brought an expert in to look at the grass. He commented that he is not trying to be confrontational but to offer some • alternatives. Ken Kurz stated that he had looked at the fields on January 20 and that he feels the mix is incompatible. He noted that Bermuda is best for baseball fields. He suggested mowing it down in increments and expose it and let it grow. He stated that he would Like to offer his services as a resource. He noted that shade fixture can be reduced by mooring the grass lower. ( ?) Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 6 Director Niederhaus stated that the Bermuda grass is not dormant. He stated that staff has seen problems that have occurred with other parks and will take Dr. Kurz comments under advisement. Randy Kearns, Park Maintenance Supervisor thanked Dr. Kurz for his comments. He stated that the mix was selected at because of a quick recovery time and because it will provide a green park year round. He noted that the Bermuda needs to be deep rooted before play should be allowed on the park. Director Knight stated that it is easy find experts who could support either theory. The bottom line is that the fields were constructed for general use and that we have to Look at the big picture. Mr. Sinacori stated that the best job has been done with all the problems that have occurred. Director Knight stated that the turf issue is resolvable; the bigger problem is the irrigation. • Commissioner Allen stated that this whole discussion should be tabled since we have not taken ownership of the park. Gunnar Gooden asked the Commission to take a step back ( ?) and that it is extremely frustrating to live across from the park and not be able to use it. He stated that he would appreciate a sense of urgency from the Commission to resolve the problems and get the park open. Jim Manning, NBLL, thanked staff for meeting with him that morning, it was very productive. He stated that at the end of the day they would have preferred Bermuda grass but will work with what we have. Mr. Manning stated that the Little League requests the fields closest to Ralphs at Prarie and Bonita Canyon. He stated that 100 more children registered this year. He also stated that he would vouch for John Della Grotta any day. He works extremely hard with the league. Jeff Bloom, Treasure for Little League, stated that they have earmarked $265,841 for maintenance/ repair of Newport Beach fields' approximately one -third of their entire budget. He noted that 60% of the registration fee which is $185 per child goes towards field maintenance. Walt Harper, Little League Maintenance Worker stated that the park can be fixed, lets . just get it done and start playing on it. Jan Vandersloot voiced his concern with respect to the water quality. Charles Massengill, Newport Harbor Baseball stated that his association needs the fields just as much as any other organization and hoped that fields would be allocated on an equitable basis rather than only to those organizations who are willing to pay more. Parks, Beaches li Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 7 Chair Allen closed the public discussion Mr. Sinacori stated that reclaimed water is highly monitored. 9. Committee Appointments and Reports Liaison to Youth Sports Commission - Chair Allen appointed Commissioners Beek and Rw icka to Ad Hoc Committee to discuss field usage Finance - Director Knight stated that the next couple of years were going to be a little rough as far as budget is concerned and will need the Commission's support at Council. Park Development - Discussed earlier, next meeting is February 18 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 tant • Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 6 Director Niederhaus stated that the Bermuda grass is not dormant. He stated that staff has seen problems that have occurred with other parks and will take Dr. Kurz comments under advisement. Randy Kearns, Park Maintenance Supervisor thanked Dr. Kurz for his comments. He stated that the mix was selected at because of a quick recovery time and because it will provide a green park year round. He noted that the Bermuda needs to be deep rooted before play should be allowed on the park. Director Knight stated that it is easy find experts who could support either theory. The bottom line is that the fields were constructed for general use and that we have to look at the big picture. Mr. Sinacori stated that the best job has been done with all the problems that have occurred. Director Knight stated that the turf issue is resolvable; the bigger problem is the irrigation. • Commissioner Allen stated that this whole discussion should be tabled since we have not taken ownership of the park. Gunnar Gooden asked the Commission to take a step back ( ?) and that it is extremely frustrating to live across from the park and not be able to use it. He stated that he would appreciate a sense of urgency from the Commission to resolve the problems and get the park open. Jim Manning, NBLL, thanked staff for meeting with him that morning, it was very productive. He stated that at the end of the day they would have preferred Bermuda grass but will work with what we have. Mr. Manning stated that the Little League requests the fields closest to Ralphs at Prarie and Bonita Canyon. He stated that 100 more children registered this year. He also stated that he would vouch for John Della Grotta any day. He works extremely hard with the league. Jeff Bloom, Treasure for Little League, stated that they have earmarked $265,841 for maintenance/ repair of Newport Beach fields' approximately one -third of their entire budget. He noted that 60% of the registration fee which is $185 per child goes towards field maintenance. Walt Harper, Little League Maintenance Worker stated that the park can be fixed, lets • just get it done and start playing on it. Jan Vandersloot voiced his concern with respect to the water quality. Charles Massengill, Newport Harbor Baseball stated that his association needs the fields just as much as any other organization and hoped that fields would be allocated on an equitable basis rather than only to those organizations who are willing to pay more. Parks, Beaches it Recreation Commission Regular Meeting • February 4, 2003 Page 7 Chair Allen closed the public discussion Mr. Sinacori stated that reclaimed water is highly monitored. Committee Appointments and Reports Liaison to Youth SDorts Commission - Chair Allen appointed Commissioners Beek and Ryzicka to Ad Hoc Committee to discuss field usage. Finance - Director Knight stated that the next couple of years were going to be a little rough as far as budget is concerned and will need the Commission's support at Council. Park Development - Discussed earlier, next meeting is February 18, 2003. Recreation 8 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 r Submitted by: Teri Craig, Admin Assis •