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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/06/2004 - PB&R CommissionJANUARY 6, 2004 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 - 7pm Convened 7:09pm ROLL CALL Present: Debra Allen Tim Brown Roy Englebrecht Bill Garrett Greg Ruzicka Val Skoro Tom Tobin Staff: Marie Knight, Recreation & Senior Services Director David Niederhaus, General Services Director Andrea McGuire, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant SEATING 8: INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSIONER TIM BROWN Chair Allen introduced new Commissioner Tim Brown, appointed by City Council to replace Commissioner Rosansky and asked him to say a few words. Commissioner Brown stated that he had looked forward to this for some time and thanked the City Council for giving him the opportunity to do so. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD TO RAY ZARTLER Chair Allen stated that it was her honor to present the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commissions Community Services Award to a well respected member of the community. She went on to say that for the past 13 years this person has contributed his time and expertise and unwavering commitment to the Corona del Mar Scenic 5K Race by working the finish line. Mr. Zartler researched ways to streamline the process and took an active role in the planning committee and was a valuable part of the success of race day. He is also a long time volunteer of the Orange Coast Association of Realtors serving in various positions on their Board of Directors since 1986. She stated that Mr. Zartler recently retired as finish line director and by a unanimous vote at the last Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission meeting this commission voted that Mr. Zartler should receive the esteemed Community Service Award for all of his dedicated efforts throughout the years. Mr. Zartler conveyed his thanks on behalf of himself and his family. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS Director Knight introduced Park Patrol officers, Lead Officer Craig Brown and Park Patrol Officer Sam Rodriquez. She stated that they have been on staff since October of last year and have been doing an exceptional job and that staff is so pleased with how the program is shaping up. She stated that they are in the parks and the fields during the evening and on weekends. She stated that they have come up with much of what staff anticipated that they would in the first few months. She stated that they have come across vandalism, graffiti and have been helpful in identifying what groups are out in the parks, and when they should not be out on the fields. She stated that staff has received an inordinate amount of phone calls Parks, Beaches l3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 2 from groups suddenly wanting to to have legal permitted use of the parks. Director Knight stated that they are also helping out with other issues such as parking and have been instrumental in working with our Youth Sports Organization in getting them on board with the program and getting input and working together. A full report will be presented at the 6 month mark and also at the next Council meeting there will be a second reading the in change of ordinance that will give them citation authority that they need to begin citing some of the infractions that they are coming across. She stated that our main goal of this program is education and they have been doing a great job of that, but as you know you can only warn so many times and so by February we hope that they will have full citation authority. Director Knight stated that they have gone through training with the Police and Fire Departments, Code Enforcement and are just doing an awesome job. Lead Park Patrol Officer Craig Brown stated that they have been assisting with making sure that everyone is leaving the fields at the appropriate time. He stated that they have warned over 30 people of parking in handicapped parking spaces. He stated that they have come across broken water sprinklers and have been able to shut off the back flow and saving the fields from being flooded and calling the appropriate staff to come out and fix the problem. He also stated that they have noted a lot of illegal signage in the parks and are able to remove those, and lastly dogs not on their leash. Commissioner Skoro asked what is done when they see the illegal parking. Park Patrol Officer Brown stated that a written warning is given provided by the Police Department and placed on their windshield and is kept on file so that if they are caught again they will contact Parking Patrol to come out and cite them. Director Knight stated that as of February they will be able to write the citation themselves. She also noted another item that they have been coming up against quite frequently is the commercial use of the parks, especially on the tennis courts. She stated that there is a lot of people providing commercial private lessons on our tennis courts and making a profit off a City facility so it has been helpful to identify who is out there and what they are doing a getting a better handle on it. Commissioner Englebrecht commented on how happy that this program is doing what exactly the Committee believed they would and congratulated Director Knight and Superintendent McGuire for the idea of Park Patrol and lobbying for them. PUBLIC COMMENTS None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the December 2. 2003 study session and regular meeting. waive reading of subject minutes, approve as written and order filed. 2. Item pulled by Chair Allen 3. Recreation £t Senior Services Activity Report. Receive and file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. 4. Tree Donation. Accept one Coastal Oak tree donation to be planted at Castaways from the Niederhaus family. 5. Item pulled by Commissioner Skoro Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 3 6. Item pulled by Commissioner Skoro Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to receive and approve Items 1, 3 and 4 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 2. Park Et Tree Division Activity Report. Chair Allen questioned Director Niederhaus regarding the status of the G -1 Policy and when it will be coming to the City Council. Director Niederhaus stated that the G -1 Policy was delayed for further Council review until a systematic environmental review of the impact of any tree removals under the new policy was completed. He stated that the analysis was contracted out to Dudek Ft Associates. He stated that Dudek had spent time with staff in December looking into the specifics of the tree population and that he had received the first draft today. He noted that staff from General Services, Planning, the City Attorney and Director Knight are reviewing the document. He stated when the document is finalized it will then be brought back to City Council late in February at the earliest. Director Niederhaus stated that the pre- construction meeting for Castaways revgetation project was held in early December and reminded the Commission that the project is on fast track and should be completed by end of March. City construction staff made an elevated berm and styled it into the view point, raised the benches, and removed one of the trees in that area. He stated that you can actually see something from the benches now and urged the Commission to go up there and look around. Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to receive and file the monthly activity report. Motion carried by acclamation. Chair Allen asked that Item 6 be out of order. Hearing no objections. 6. Review of FY 2004/05 Capital Improvement Project Requests. Commissioner Skoro asked Director Niederhaus how this request compares to last year. He stated that there are only five projects and in previous years he has submitted 15 -20. He stated that the City is working with a reduced budget for all CIP projects. Director Niederhaus stated the funds for root pruning has actually been transferred to the General Services maintenance and operation budget and thanked Council Member Webb and Mr. Badum for that. He stated that the other four request items are minimal. Chair Allen asked if any of the park improvement funds listed in his report go toward the park development of other parks? Director Niederhaus stated no, that those funds are intended for the 38 odd other park facilities to keep them up to a certain level. He stated that as in this year that possibly near the end of the next year that some of the funds could go in that direction. Commissioner Skoro confirmed that Public Works does have $125,000 for design efforts of Newport Village. Director Niederhaus stated yes. Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 4 Commissioner Garrett asked questions regarding beach improvement. Director Niederhaus stated that beach maintenance would be part of the maintenance and operation portion of the General Services budget. Commissioner Garrett asked if next year some of those funds could go towards Dog Nuisance Stands that are very needed on the beach. Director Niederhaus stated staff looks for alternative funding for those type of things. He stated that he will contact the West Newport Community Association and then possibly Council Member Rosansky to use discretionary district funding. No action needed as item is information only. 7. Irvine Terrace Encroachments - Director Niederhaus stated that this is a informational report only. He stated that staff has been working with the Public Works Director on this issue for some time. He displayed a aerial photograph of the six properties. He went on to say that staff has not taken a position, but rather are waiting for a official survey. He comments that some property owners have purchased parts of the park in the past. Chair Allen stated that no vote is being taken on this issue, but the commission will be taking input from the public and will that it will come back to the Commission sometime in the future. Commissioner SKoro stated that he had received a phone call from a homeowner who stated that there was an agreement with the City and that the City had actually put up the fence. He commented that he is concerned about liability issues regarding these encroachments and looked forward to some decision being made. He also commented that staff had done an outstanding job of gathering the information. Discussion ensued regarding types of encroachments and liability issues. Director Badum stated that when a homeowner makes an encroachment request on the ocean the permit indemnifies the City. Possibly these encroachments could mirror that and staff would be willing to look at that if the Commission requests it. He stated that there are three options to be investigated: • Sell the land to the homeowner - but there are big complications there such as size of the lot, are restrictions needed, water lines, and eventually the power lines will go underground and could further complicate this issue. • Interim use could be an option. • Or take it all back, clear it out and make it part of the park, which would lead to some expense. Discussion ensued regarding what beach encroachment fees are used for. Commissioner Brown asked when the fence was installed. Director Niederhaus stated that probably in excess of 20 years ago. He stated that the screening was installed by the Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 5 adjacent homeowners. He commented that more research is needed on what exactly was promised to these homeowners. Commissioner Ruzicka asked if the City was leaning towards selling it to these homeowners or what are the thoughts? He asked if the City was interested in using this area as park land? Director Badum stated that no decision has been made. He stated that it has been really difficult to ascertain how things got to be this way and reiterated that more research was needed. He stated that it probably cannot be used for active use but concerned that there is always talk about the lack of park space and then here we are talking about giving up some park space which is contrary to what discussions have been. He stated that it would be prudent for staff to look at these parcels and come up with ideas if it was taken back and if it does not have any use to the City then maybe it does make sense to turn it into revenue generation source where folks could make better use of it as a private homeowner and perhaps pay for that use and roll that money into improving the parks. Chair Allen opened the public discussion Laura Dietz stated that it makes sense in talking with the homeowners and how they view their encroachment and possibly do these properties convey these encroachments and possibly looking into the concept of financial gain for the City by allowing the homeowner to purchase it or Leasing. Jessica Joiner, Malabar resident stated that prior to 1980 there were problems of voyeurs, homeless, kids drinking, kissing and other types of things. These issues were observed by Jack Brooks and so a fence was installed at the top of the ravine with the condition that if any homeowner wanted a gate it would be paid for by the homeowner separately as well as any maintenance issues. She stated that a row of trees was planted to further buffer the noise of the park from the residents. She stated that these solutions were put in writing to the owners asking only that the homeowner maintain the area and that no habitable structures be built on the property. Chair Allen asked Ms. Joiner if she could get a copy of that agreement to Mr. Niederhaus. Ms. Joiner stated that Mr. Anderson probably is the only one that has a copy but is on vacation right now. Joselyn Dougherty, Malabar resident seconded Ms. Joiner's comments regarding the nuisances that they had to deal with prior to the fence being installed. Fleetwood Joiner, Malabar resident stated that there is an Edison easement that runs through his property which basically makes it unusable to build anything on it. He commented that he spends $400 -$500 on watering; $1200 to maintain it annually ; he planted vegetation to alleviate the erosion that use to exist there because of the steep slope. He stated that there are no vector problems in that area. He stated that the residents did not build these fences the City did and therefore they are not encroaching. He stated that the same problems as earlier described would exist again today if the fence were removed. Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 6 Chair Allen closed the public discussion Commissioner SKoro asked Director Niederhaus if he would be able to return in March with a complete report. Director Niederhaus stated yes. Commissioner Ruzicka asked that a fair market assessment be done also before the report is finalized. No action needed. NEW BUSINESS 7. Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation Request - Commissioner Brown stated that since he is Chair of the Special Events Committee of the CdM Centennial Foundation he will recuse himself from this discussion. Director Knight stated that a request has been submitted from the CdM Centennial Foundation seeking conceptual approval of the use of a portion Inspiration Point for a time capsule monument. She stated that the decision before the Commission tonight is whether or not Inspiration Point is a suitable and appropriate location any type of a structure that would be commemorating the Centennial. Director Knight stated that the Commission has received information regarding the request from the Foundation as well as a preliminary concept for the site and the statue. She stated that it is important to note that the plans and drawings submitted are at the preliminary stage as the Foundation does not want to go forward with the expense of more detailed documents until after this meeting and they knew whether or not this site would be approved as an appropriate location. Director Knight stated that the residents in the vicinity of this location were notified of this meeting and discussion twice and then introduced Peggy Fort, Executive Director of the Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation. Peggy Fort thanked the commissioners for the opportunity to present this proposal. She stated that as Executive Director of the Centennial Foundation which is the governing body of the association that is planning for the Centennial Celebration this year. She noted that the Foundation was developed with nine voting board members of which are represented by residents of Corona del Mar and /or community business leaders. Board members are: • Bernie Svalstad, Chair • Marc Shuline, Vice Chair • Wade Roberts, Secretary • BJ Johnson • John Blum • Lavina Hayden • Bill Dean • Jacquelyn Whitmire • Jim Skahan Ms. Fort stated that she is representing the Foundation as the Director, in addition to the foundation, there is an active committee of over 220 volunteers that have been active in Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 7 the planning, funding and organizing the celebration. She stated that Ron Yeo who developed the conceptual site plan and Foundation legal advisor Tina Hoover are here tonight to answer any question if needed. She commented that the Foundation is waiting to receive the 501c3 status, important for the fundraising aspect. Ms. Fort gave an overview and background of the project. She stated that they are asking approval of the Commission to use Inspiration Point as the site for the centennial plaza which will include the time capsule monument. She stated that the objective of the Foundation and the committee is to enhance that area as well and wanted to give an update to the Commission on the outreach that has been done with the planning for celebration. Ms. Fort stated that they have been meeting since last January to collaborate on how to honor this historic time for our community. She stated that two goals came up during the discussion of what do they want to leave behind in order to inspire future generations. • Develop and Plan a celebration • Come up with an opportunity for the community to memorialize the centennial. Tonight the committee is presenting their ideas on what has been developed. Ms. Fort stated that the final plan is, through a community fundraising campaign, to develop a time capsule monument for the community to enjoy and inspire future generations. She stated early on a sculpture was discussed and since dolphins are the unofficial mascot of Corona del Mar that the sculpture should be of dolphins. Once that idea was discussed at the committee level another member suggested Wyland, a renowned Marine artist. Ms. Fort stated that she was able to contact Wyland and initiate a partnership. She stated that he is very excited about partnering with the village of Corona del Mar in this time capsule monument campaign. She stated that an opportunity for our village to work with Wyland to create something like this that will be very special is something that Corona del Mar would be very lucky to have and many of the committee members are very thrilled to partner with Wyland. She stated that Wyland is going to be launching a world wide campaign for monumental sculpture similar to the campaign that he did for murals. His final mural is on the Great Wall of China. Once that is completed he will be focusing his efforts and his foundation's mission on doing worldwide monumental sculptures and if Corona del Mar is able to get the approval for this campaign as well as get the community fundraising to support it we would be the first community in this campaign to have a monumental sculpture done by Wyland. Ms. Fort stated he is very committed to bridging the world of art and science and his philosophy is hailed by world renowned ocean scientists and artists. She stated that Wyland's philosophy is very much in concert with the Corona del Mar Centennial as the site for Inspiration Point overlooking the ocean is something that will inspire future generations and commemorate the centennial in a very special way. She stated that the Centennial Foundation and the Outreach Committee chaired by BJ Johnson and Don Glasgow have been working diligently in contacting the residents particularly on Ocean Boulevard. She stated that there have been one on one meetings with a number of the homeowners as well as an outreach meeting at Bud and Linda Rasner's house where approximately 65 residents attended that meeting and through the presentation of this concept all of them were in support of using Inspiration Point as opposed to a previous location of Ocean and Larkspur. Comments received were that Inspiration Point is already a view location and has park benches and enjoyed by the community. Therefore Inspiration Point was selected as their preferred location. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 8 Ms. Fort stated that they are not looking to the City for additional funding but rather for corporate sponsorship and donations by the community. Chair Allen questioned the zoning for the installation of the sculpture. She stated that she remembered that the height limit for structures on the ocean side of Ocean Boulevard was either curb height or 3 feet above curb height and understand that the height of the sculpture to be 12 feet tall. Ms. Fort stated that the sculpture would be 12 feet; the size of the dolphins are approximately 6 and 9 feet and a smaller one of 3 feet and there will be a wave going through it. She stated that you will be able to see through the sculpture and commented that it is a life size sculpture. She stated that in regards to the zoning that at this point the approach of the Foundation is get the approval by the Parks, Beaches l3 Recreation Commission for the site and then move forward through the process and address the height questions when it goes to the Planning Commission. Chair Allen stated that her concern is that if the zoning does not allow for the sculpture at that location then how can they approve it when these questions are not answered. She stated that she has a problem when the City violates it own zoning regulations, when the City says to private homeowners you cannot build something taller than this but we the City can because we are not bound by the zoning law. She stated that she is uneasy about that and wonders if this issue has come up. Ms. Fort stated that this issue did not come up until about 2 days ago. Architect Ron Yeo stated that he did not know the answer either and believed that 3 feet above the curb height is the regulation so as to not block the view, but the benches are above that and whether or not a sculpture fits is an issue we will need to address. He stated that they want to make this site even better than what it is. Chair Allen stated that it is a beautiful sculpture. She stated that the staff report is a little vague on the zoning issue and will need to take that into consideration when making this decision. Mr. Yeo stated that any approval could have a condition added to it. Commissioner Skoro asked where the sculpture is to the other monument stone already located there. Mr. Yeo stated that it is pretty close and that possibly it could be moved closer so it is more prominent. Commissioner Skoro stated that the Commission has been burned in the past and is very concerned about the outreach and questions if they had been in contact with the Arts Commission. Peggy Fort stated that the a proposal was done to the Arts Commission and the Arts Foundation and they received support from them although they cannot endorse Wyland as Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 9 an artist as they have to stay impartial but will be in support of this plan and possibly help to preserve it in the future and will partner with the Centennial Foundation in order to coordinate an art show and gala event that will take place on July 15. Commissioner Skoro asked about the cost for the sculpture by Wyland. Ms. Fort stated Wyland is very excited about launching this campaign in his own back yard and the site location. His original price was $495,000 but has negotiated that down to $195,000 and will include the opportunity for the Foundation to offer miniature versions to the larger donors. Commissioner Englebrecht asked the following questions: • Timeline for unveiling this monument - Ms. Fort stated October 14. • Asked if it was a permanent time capsule - Ms. Fort stated yes. • Did the committee ever consider any other monument design besides the fish - Ms. Fort stated yes a contest was discussed but that they decided no as they would have no control over what they get and not enough time. She stated that all of this is dependent on the timeline as the Centennial will come and go very quickly. She stated that the committee talked to a number of other sculptors and received suggestions from the Arts Commission and the overwhelming desire was to have dolphins. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that the question was: had any other designs been discussed? Ms. Fort stated no. • He questioned the location for the nameplates and was concerned that there would be blank nameplates should they not get enough donations - Ms. Fort stated that these nameplates would be designed after the fundraising is completed before construction. Commissioner Ruzicka stated that Wyland is a renowned artist but questioned why the Committee did not look at any other comparative bids of artists that actually live in Newport Beach but rather went only with Wyland with his bid. Ms. Fort stated that other artists were considered and it was the Committee as well as the Foundation's recommendation and again are not looking for approval of the artist by the Commission but rather the location. But the reason they went with Wyland was because it helps to have name recognition when fundraising and for publicity. She stated that none of us want to be in the position in October to not have the funding to move forward. She stated that the Foundation went with Wyland as there was no other artist close to his level as far as recognition and talent. Commission Ruzicka stated that he believed those to be subjective observations but thanked Ms. Fort for her comments. Commissioner Tobin stated that he would rather have some type of written document from the neighbors signing off on the project before making a decision since he knows that the residents up there are quite protective of their view and he prefers having something in writing before considering this as they have been burned in the past. Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 10 Commissioner Ruzicka stated that he would like to see a written consensus of everyone that will be affected by the sculpture. Ms. Fort stated that the majority of the individuals in the audience are in support of this program and the fact that postcards were sent to all the residents and an outreach campaign was done and that there are not that many people here opposing it is a good sign. She stated that in regards to having a written petition she stated that there is a list of names of people that attended the meeting in December and would be happy to provide to you. She stated that she had been against having a petition because it is too formal and at this point the most important thing is keeping on track with the timeline and again if we are trying to do this in the next year and get it completed going through and having a written documents of the residents on Ocean and in Corona del Mar will put us too far behind if we want to see the celebration come to fruition. Chair Allen stated that they are most concerned with the homeowners that are immediately affected by a 12 foot sculpture. Commissioner Englebrecht asked if there isn't a notification procedure to remove a tree and shouldn't this same procedure occur now? But to say to get the approval of the neighbors is too formal and then to put a monument at the most pristine location in the City? Ms. Fort stated that she had addressed this issue with the Outreach Campaign. Chair Allen opened the public discussion Bernie Svalstad, Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation Chair, asked if there were any people in the audience opposing this proposal - he stated that he would prefer to wait until after they had spoken. Don Glasgow stated that this Centennial is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something special for one of the most special places in Corona del Mar by having a world class artist, dolphins are very meaningful to residents and the community; the location is world class and the standards have been set very high. He stated that this location is just begging for something, he stated it has a plaque that is buried in grass and another one buried in a piece of stone and no one really cares about it and is very hard to read. He stated they would like to enhance the area and make those plaques more prominent. He stated that when it comes to outreach they have talked to 65 people of that neighborhood and commented that he watched them come into the meeting with questions and they left with an endorsement supporting the project. Mr. Glasgow stated that it is just a matter of getting the information to those people on that street and selling them on that idea. He stated that this location is very important to the success of the Centennial Celebration and urged the Commission to approved their request. Margaret Wilson stated that she lives on Poppy and does not know if she is for or against this project; she stated that the artist is certainly well known but every little town in California has dolphins and that the idea is a little under whelming and maybe that is the best we can do but other people use that area besides the people that actually live there Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 11 and that there has been no public outreach about this and the only way she knew about this was the postcard that she received in the mail. Lavina Hayden stated that the current monument in stone at the site was started by T. Duncan Steward who was the Poet Laureate of Newport Beach and wanted to do something by Kay Finch who did it in memory of her husband Braedon Finch who was one of the early mayors of Newport Beach and the first president of Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce. She stated that donations were received from the residents for Kay's sculpture on the rocks below and their names are on it. She stated that if it could be enhanced, she could not see any objection to it. Tina Hoover, Foundation Legal Advisor, stated that she has lived in the community for 28 years and questioned if you require us to get a petition what requirement are you wanting for that. She stated that we are asking for the site and it seems to me that we are discussing what we are planning to do as opposed to saying that is a good site to put whatever. She stated that we may not be able to make the zoning requirement or some other standard but apart from that is: • Is that place available to us • If you require a petition, what is your standard for us to meet. Laura Dietz, History Chair of the Centennial Foundation and commented that she understands the Commission's concern about views although I do not know if petitions are the way to go; but what must be discerned would be exactly which properties would be impacted. Would it be appropriate to ask staff exactly which properties would be in the view plane for the structure. She stated that she had breakfast with the City Manager and his comment regarding zoning was the word "structure" and perhaps the City Council would be able to provide approval for historical purposes. Bruce Colbert stated that the idea for commemorating the centennial is a great idea but believes that a more suitable location should be addressed as Inspiration Point is one of the few view points without an obstructed view of the ocean. He stated that he had come up with 3 other locations that could offer a location for a monument and not obstruction view of the ocean. He suggested the following: • Grant Howald Park • Begonia Park • OASIS Senior Center He presented pictures of those locations and offered a picture of Inspiration Point and stated that the view at this park should be protected. He commented that possibly the median in Corona del Mar would be an ideal location once Cal Trans has turned that over to the City. Director Niederhaus stated that G -3 references Ocean Boulevard commenting that no trees can be planted on Ocean Boulevard or one block up as views would be obstructed. Chair Allen stated that in other words if they were requesting to plant a tree rather than install a sculpture under Council Policy G -3 the Commission would have to say no. Parks, Beaches ft Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 12 Director Niederhaus stated yes Bernie Svalsted stated that they have mailed Ocean Boulevard and 2 blocks back information about the Centennial twice and have walked and talked to the neighbors. He stated that they have done their homework in regards to outreach. This monument will not be like a tree as people will be able to see through it and looked to the Commission for their approval of this location. He stated that he did not believe that Wyland would agree to installing a sculpture at any other site. He stated that if the Commission has a problem with the height that they could put a condition on the motion. Chair Allen stated that her concern was that the Commission has not heard from anyone Living on Ocean regarding the issue except for committee members and people that live farther away. She commented that their concern was the deafening silence of this issue. Bernie Svalstad stated that they have met all the code requirements for mailing to the residents regarding this issue. He commented he does not know how much more can be done. Linda Rasner stated that she lives on Ocean Boulevard and that they hosted an Outreach Meeting and did not hear any objections to it and that she has no objection to it at all. Chair Allen wondered if Ms. Rasner knew why more of her neighbors were not in attendance. Ms. Rasner stated that several were still out of town. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that he loves Corona del Mar and stated that this decision should not be up to a committee but rather the entire town, and this makes no sense and so asked the Commission to think of this tonight. He stated that this would be like putting something up next to the Eiffel Tower or the Washington Monument. He stated that this space of ground is special and why would we put anything there to take away from this world class vista. He stated that we should herald the centennial of Corona del Mar but that this monument should be located somewhere else. He commented that the 70,000 residents of Newport beach should be part of that decision. Jim Colins urged the Commission to support the Foundation's request. Bill Dana, Foundation Board member stated that the location is for the approachability. If the median were used people would not be able to have access to it. One of the reasons Wyland was selected was for the educational value BJ Johnson stated that the points made tonight are quite good but the reason a lot of the people from Ocean are not here is because they have already seen this proposal and have given approval. She stated that they have the names of the people that attended the meeting and had she known that it would be important for them to be here tonight they would have been asked personally to come. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 13 Peggy Fort stated that the fact that the committee is comprised of 200 residents and community volunteers speaks for itself and this plan was not developed by 9 people. She stated that it was a collaboration of meetings that were advertised in the Daily Pilot and this plan was put together by the community. It is not correct that 9 people approved of this project. She stated that the Foundation has not sent press releases out because they want to get the correct approvals before it comes to the entire community. She stated that even though some of the people speaking tonight are members of the committee they are also Corona del Mar residents and speak for themselves. She again asked for the Commission's consideration for the site of Inspiration Point for the location of the time capsule monument. Chair Allen closed the public discussion Commissioner Ruzicka asked if any other locations had been discussed. Chair Allen again opened the public discussion Ms. Fort stated that several other locations had been discussed such as the median, but it would not have the approachability of the community and it would not fit in the timeline. Commissioner Ruzicka asked if any other locations that were not contentious were discussed. Ms. Fort stated that Inspiration Point was appropriate not only because it is one of the most scenic views in Southern California but also because of the history of Corona del Mar did evolve in that general area. She stated that Larkspur was discussed in the early stages and was presented to the community but the community felt that Inspiration Point was the best location. Commissioner Tobin asked if the shelf below Inspiration Point had been discussed. Ms. Fort stated that the walkway down to the shelf would be very challenging for people to visit and would be a difficult location for fundraising activities. Chair Allen closed the public discussion Commissioner Englebrecht stated that 15,000 people live in Corona del Mar and they should be part of this decision; it gives him no comfort that only people from Ocean have given their support. Chair Allen stated that in all fairness that this is not the fault of the committee nor staff. Commissioner Skoro asked if this would have to go to the Planning Commission. Director Knight stated that it would need to go to the Planning Commission and quite possibly to the State Parks for their approval. She stated that there is a review process that has to be done before this can be completed. Parks, Beaches it Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 14 Commissioner Garrett stated that he likes the sculptures and would be willing to support it but is concerned with the zoning issues and until those are resolved would not feel comfortable approving the request until those are addressed. Motion by Chair Allen to postpone the decision pending receipt of more detailed information from the Foundation. Motion seconded by Commissioner Skoro. Commissioner Garrett suggested that he believes the Commission basically supports it but just needs more feedback. Commissioner Englebrecht urged each commissioner to talk to 10 residents in this town and do some research on this issue. Chair Allen suggested that the following information be provided for the next meeting: • Zoning information • Input from residents whose views are impacted by the statue, with some documentation of how they feel - either for or against. If not able to get that information get some reasons why. • Whether this site is appropriate from the community as a whole. Motion carried. CONTINUING BUSINESS 8. Committee Reports • Finance - Commissioner Garrett stated that sometime in the future the committee will be looking at how to fund for Dog Nuisance bags. Director Knight stated that the budget will be at status quo for the next year. • Park Development - Chair Allen stated that Commissioner Brown was appointed to be part of the committee. Commissioner Skoro stated that next meeting was scheduled for January 20 and looked forward to viewing timeline and sketches • Rec £t Open Space Element - Nothing to report. • Recreation Activities - Nothing to report. • Seniors - Commissioner Tobin stated that the next meeting with the Ad Hoc Council Committee was scheduled for January 9 at 9:30am with the Negotiating Committee of the Friends of OASIS chaired by Mayor Ridgeway and Council Member Webb. He stated that nothing has been finalized and will work diligently. Director Knight thanked the commission for their support of staff at these meetings. Commissioner Tobin also ( ?) • Ad Hoc Community Service Award - Commissioner Ruzicka stated that this was great and encouraged that this happen more and not less. - Tree Committee - Nothing to report. - Youth Sports Liaison - Nothing to report. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Limiting of Bench Donations, identify areas where they are needed Parks, Beaches £t Recreation Commission Regular Meeting January 6, 2004 Page 15 • Memorial /Gift Tribute Report - Director Knight stated that staff hoped to bring a report on this issue in March. • Irvine Terrace Park Encroachment • Review of Council Policy G -5 possibly requiring approval of HOA where bench will be installed or gage number of benches in parks. • Liability Aspects at MarinaPark • Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation • Skate Board Parks - Commissioner Englebrecht commented that it would behoove us to discuss this issue again. Director Knight stated that they had been in discussion with Costa Mesa and would try to bring it back information in March or April. Commissioner Brown stated how impressed he was with Director Niederhaus' reports and visuals tonight on the Irvine Terrace Encroachment issue. ADJOURNMENT - 9:43pm Submitted by: ' Teri Craig, Admin Ptostant