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Home My WebLink About12/04/2007 - PB&R CommissionDECEMBER 4, 2007 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2007 - 7pm Convened 7:10pm ROLL CALL Present: Tim Brown Bill Garrett Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Greg Ruzicka Cristine Trapp Excused: Debra Allen Staff: Wes Morgan, RSS Director Mark Harmon, General Services Director Dan Sereno, Parks Et Tree Superintendent Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Admin Asst DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Morgan stated that all the comments taken regarding the Marina Park will be provided to the Marina Park Committee that will meet tomorrow morning at 9am. Director Harmon stated that General Services is on high tide alert and so staff is being proactive by filling sand bags and putting up some sand berms on the beach down by the Balboa Pier. • PUBLIC COMMENTS None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of the November 6, 2007 regular meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. 2. Park l3 Operations Division Activity Report. Receive /file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. 3. Recreation Et Senior Services Activity Report. Receive /file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to accept items 1 - 3 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. INFORMATION / DISCUSSION 4. Fall Lighted Soccer Field Uses Et Improvements — Recreation Manager Christine Stempleski provided the commission a PowerPoint presentation and information regarding temporary and permanent lighting at Bob Henry Park, Bonita Canyon Sports Park field #5 and Lincoln Athletic Center field #3. These light requests were approved by the Commission over the last several months. 5. Mariners Sports Field Project — Superintendent Levin provided the commission with a PowerPoint • presentation and information regarding the Mariners Park improvements. He noted that there are three phases: first — the playground which was installed over tfie summer; phase two is the development and movement of the ball field, with hardscape, landscape and irrigation system. He noted that AYSO 57 and Newport Harbor Baseball were part of the dialogue regarding the size and amenities of the field. He also reported that AYSO and the School District are funding the top seeding of the field since half is on school land and the other on City park land. He reported that the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2007 - 7pm Page 2 — - -- _ grand opening for baseball is Saturday, March 1 ". Phase three will include the construction of the restrooms. 6. Sunset Ridge Park — Superintendent Levin reported that the 1'` public outreach meeting was held November 8 with 66 people in attendance. He noted that Chair Brown was in attendance representing the commission, and with Council Member Rosansky and EPT. He stated that public input was taken. He reported that there would be a follow up meeting in February. Chair Brown asked staff if it seemed to them that the primary concerns of Newport Crest homeowners was lighting and how close activity would be to their homes. Superintendent Levin agreed that lights and what exactly an active sports park means were their concerns. He noted that he has talked to several residents with concerns that the park would be used after 4pm during the week and on Saturdays from Sam to dusk. Director Morgan stated that two assurances were made: 1. Sunset Ridge Park would not have lights on the sports field 2. That the City is listening and that the plan is in a draft form Council Member Rosansky made it quite clear that the City did not spend $5M to let the land remain vacant and that it would be an active sports park; it is named in the General Plan as an active sports park. He also noted that the City would be reasonable, considerate and caring as we strive for the • greatest good. Commissioner Garrett asked how much the West Newport HOA had been involved and is more of the concern coming from Newport Crest or generally from West Newport. He went on to ask if it would be a problem to move the parking lot away from the property lines. Superintendent Levin stated that he and Public Works made a presentation to the West Newport HOA and they seemed to be excited. The concern seems to come mostly from Newport Crest residents that live on the edge of the park. The bottom third of the Sunset Ridge property cannot have any hardscape. He stated that this limits the architect on design of parking, restrooms and the tot lot location. Director Morgan stated that the architect will have to work with these constraints but believes a resolution can be reached after more discussions take place. Chair Brown opened the public discussion of items 4 -6 Paul Gallele stated that he watched the Sunset Ridge town hall meeting on TV and commended staff. He believes that there are not enough parking spaces at Mariners, Bob Henry and particularly at Sunset Ridge because of the turnover times between games at active parks. Chair Brown closed the public discussion of items 4 -6 7. Special Tree Removal. Superintendent Sereno stated that this request is for the removal of a dead City Monterey Pine tree at Mariners Park. He stated that the tree is a dedicated tree to Frank Tallman and is listed as a Special City Tree. He noted that staff had spoken to Ms. Tallman who has agreed to remove and replace the dead tree. Superintendent Sereno reported that a new species will be planted at a new site at Mariners Park after the completion of the redevelopment of the park. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2007 - 7pm • Page 3 - - Commissioner Ruzicka asked if the plaque could be cleaned up. Superintendent Sereno stated that staff will do the best they can. Chair Brown opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to approve the removal of the dead City Monterey Pine Tree at Mariners Park with another species and location to be decided once the Mariners Park redevelopment project is complete. Motion carried by acclamation. 8. Marina Park. Director Morgan stated that there are several departments along with City Council Members working on this park project. The concept plan was approved November 13 and the City Council wants to hear more from the community. Chair Brown opened the public discussion The following people spoke: • Marcia Docey • Tom Smith • Jan Vandersloot • Liz Bond • Laura Curran • • Paul Balais • Ernest McKinney • Renee Rugo • Bob Burger The following comments/ concerns and or suggestions were made regarding Marina Park: • Concern about the building height and the view to the bay • For nearby residents it is a huge monstrosity • Tot Lot is too close to the water • The area floods, what is being done to mitigate this • There is continual blowing sand and that would be a problem for the water element • There are many birds - major health issues could be a concern • Too many restrooms. Concern of isolation and predators • Reduction of the number of tennis courts is a problem • City regulations are not being followed regarding the height of the building • Type of trees are important because of view issues • There should be more of an ecological environmental area - friendly for fish and birds • Point cars away from homes when parking • Redirect lights - concern of spillover • Entrance to Marina Park should be at 15`h Street not on 16`h Street - too much pedestrian traffic • Encourage natural schrubs for landscape • Lack of parking spaces could be a problem • Control of parking lot • . • Traffic circulation is a concern • Reduce the size of the building - is there really a need for such large meeting rooms and a restaurant • Cost factor is a concern • Is this building for residents or visitors to the city? Parks, Beaches B Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2007 - 7pm • Page 4 Chair Brown closed the public discussion Commissioner Trapp asked what the height limitations on the Peninsula are for commercial/ residents. Commissioner Garrett stated that it is 31 feet for residents but that the City has a different standard. Director Morgan stated that at the highest point, the crow's nest will be 48 -50 feet hight; and about 38 feet in other areas. Commissioner Garrett stated that since he does sit on the committee he would like to address some of the concerns brought up: • He believes that it is under - parked because of the all -day parking and the restaurant • The tennis courts were moved because the American Legion has fundraisers. The idea of using removable fencing is so the courts could be used for parking - although oil drips could be a problem Discussion ensued regarding the need for tot lots, basketball courts, parking, and budget. Motion by Commissioner Garrett to agree with the conceptual plan of Marina Park with reservations regarding parking and the height of the building and that the concerns discussed tonight by residents • will be forwarded to the Marina Park Committee. Motion carried by acclamation. 9. January 2008 Meeting - Chair Brown stated that the January meeting falls on New Years Day. Commissioner Ruzicka suggested that the January meeting be cancelled. Director Morgan recommended that the Park Development Committee meet sometime in January to discuss park projects. Chair Brown also noted that the February meeting falls on election night. Director Morgan stated that Commissioner Allen would not be there on that night. Commissioner Ruzicka also stated that he would not be there that night either. Director Morgan stated that staff would move the February meeting to another day possibly February 6`h if the Chambers are available. Motion by Commissioner Ruzicka to cancel the January 1, 2008 PBFtR Commission meeting; to move the February 5 meeting to another date that week. Motion carried by acclamation. COMMITTEE REPORTS - Porks - Director Morgan stated that the Committee will meet in January. RSS - Nothing to report. Bud¢et - Director Morgan stated that staff is awaiting instructions from the City. AD - Hoc —Youth Sports Liaison - Nothing to report — Community Services Award -- Superintendent Levin stated that he has an application and will forward it to the Committee and then on to the February meeting for presentation if it is approved. Other —Santa Ana River Vision Plan- Commissioner Trapp stated the next meeting is scheduled for December 5. —1 /1 Marine Memorial Committee- Commissioner Garrett stated that fundraising is ongoing and the memorial will be unveiled on Memorial Day at 10am. []I 11 0 Parks, Beaches fc Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 4, 2007 - 7pm Page 5 — MorinoPark - Discussed above. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The following are new or ongoing items to be discussed: • Fire pit discussion - safety; regulate what is burned • Possible implementation of Parks & Rec Foundation. • G -1 Policy Discussion • Tree Applications - Add information regarding perjury when signing the form • City Council Policy B -17 - Spring 2008 • Parking Signage at Back Bay View Park ADJOURNMENT- 8:30pm Submitted by: Teri Craig, Admin ssistant • Dog Park • Updates on Parks • OC River Park - suggested by Laura Curran • Donation Policy