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Home My WebLink About11/3/1992 - PB&R CommissionC 1 TY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No. 3 Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission d October 6, 1992 03 co30 °'s 6�h o�� o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDDC Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation super- intendent Dave McConnell, Recreation Super- visor Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and . Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. Item #3 Approval of Minutes - Meetina.of September 1, 1992 Item #3 was addressed following Item #11. i Commissioner Glasgow requested that under Item #6, Tree Appeal - 2340 Port Durness, a new first paragraph be inserted on Page 7 to read as follows: "Commissioner Glasgow felt it is time the City began to take a longer term approach and solution to those trees that continue to be a problem in damaging City sidewalks and curbing. He suggested that the Commission begin to selectively replace certain trees that are causing extensive and costly damage. This would be a more cost effective and prudent management approach, rather than a short term "quick fix." Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Park's. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 o_ n o n City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Motion Commissioner Demmer moved the minutes Ayes x x x x x x be approved as corrected. Motion AU.stain x passes. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda Motion x Commissioner Glasgow moved the agenda be adopted as presented with the addition of Tree Nomination to be addressed under Item #14 and Cal Trans /Coast Highway to be addressed Ayes x x x x x x x under Item #12. Unanimous. II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Uses of Bonita Creek Park Uses of Bonita Director Whitley reported that this Creek Park item is on the agenda at the request • of the Newport Homeowners Association. It was originally scheduled in August, however, the Association requested it be delayed to the Commission's October meeting. There have been numerous discussions and input with both the homeowners and user groups. Publicity in the newspaper stated that this would be an action item tonight. However, a letter was just received today from the Newport Homeowners Association requesting this item be continued until such time as all Associations have been contacted. As a result of this request, Director Whitley advised it would be his recommendation to honor their request for continuance with no discussion or action on this item. When they have contacted us again with their request, sufficient time must be allowed to . notify all the user groups and the Association. In response to a question from Chair .Compton, Director Whitley advised that the tract next to the park is Newport 3 Villas Homeowners Association, which is the Association the committee met with. Commissioner Grant expressed his CITY OF NE1AAPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 • �o `0•s� �� City Council Chambers 7_ p.m. INDEX dissatisfaction with the Association . continuing to postpone this matter which is not the proper use of the system and is also discourteous to those who were not notified of the postponement and are .present at the meeting. Commissioner Grant recommended that when the Association informs the Commission of their requested date that there be at least 15 days notice so that a date agreeable to both the Associaton and the user groups can be scheduled. Director Whitley agreed, pointing out that the Commission's recommendation on this item will be transmitted to the City Council and that, due to the current circumstances, action tonight would flaw the process. Moon x Commissioner Demmer motioned to continue this action item to a future date acceptable to all parties involved. Commissioner Vandervort recommended a letter be transmitted to the Newport Villas Homeowners Association stating this item has been continued until a mutually agreeable date between .them and the user groups can be scheduled and notification made 3 weeks before the meeting. Commissioner Herberts stated she felt that setting a date is not a good idea since they may never request one. She recommended the Commission wait for such a request. The motion was voted upon and Ayes x x x x x x x unanimously carried. Chair Compton apologized to those who came to speak on this item and explained that all parties involved must be heard for a fair determination to be made by the Commission. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission sd Page • 03�o m�3�y �6��no'� L,� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. IPDE< Item #6 - Parking of Vehicles at Las Parking of Arenas Park Vehicles a' Las Arenas Director Whitley reported that the Park American Legion's request to authorize parking for special events in the small park adjacent to 15th Street was referred to the Park and Open Space Committee. A number of meetings were held with input from those involved, and Director Whitley commended Commissioner Demmer, Chair of the committee, for her efforts in this process. Chair Compton opened the meeting to public testimony and Mr. Fred Thompson, 124 E. Bay Avenue, addressed the Commission on behalf of the • Central Newport Beach ,Community Association. Mr. Thompson reported the Association at their annual meeting voted to allow the American Legion to park on the subject grass area 12 times per year. They recommend only one change in the recommendations presented, and this would be that the Corporate Board of Directors of the American Legion, not the Post Commander, submit requests for parking on the grass should it be allowed. The reason for this is that the Corporate Board of Directors is in charge of facilities at the American Legion. Mr. Bill Von Esch, 110 Via Orvieto, addressed the Commission on behalf of the American Legion. Mr. Von Esch agreed with the committee's recommendation and Mr. Thompson's. suggestion. He also complimented Commissioner Demmer on a job well done. Mr. Von Esch requested that, since the Central Newport Community Association agreed to the American Legion using the grass area for parking up to 12 times per year, this be approved. The events would only be for community related functions and requested by CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 P • X10. ��°' m6� chX Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX their Corporate Board of Directors. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts concerning using overflow parking at the two nearby churches, Mr. Von Esch acknowledged that they normally request this, however, there are many times the churches have their own functions and space is not available. Mr,. Von Esch pointed out that when the grassy area is used for parking, sprinkler heads are covered and there are attendants to direct traffic. They do not use the site if the ground is wet. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Mr. Esch • ,Von explained the American Legion has a total of 56 parking spaces, which include 26 spaces leased for boats. Commissioner Vandervort asked if the American Legion is comfortable with the recommendation that request for parking come from the Corporate Board of Directors. Mr. Von Esch •replied that they. are comfortable with- this and explained the functions of the Post Commander who is responsible for membership functions. The Corporate Board was formed to deal with negotiations, property, etc., and they meet monthly. A member of the Board is in the American Legion office at all times. Doug Boyd, 2101 E. Balboa, addressed the Commission on behalf of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association. Mr. Boyd stated they were initially concerned about parking on the grass in any park. The Association, however, now supports the recommendation based on a limited number of community events. Frank Hughes, 1520 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission and stated he has never seen any activity in the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page I sd • 0��0_��0- ��6h��o�� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX park during the times he has been there. There being no further public testimony, Chair Compton closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion x Commissioner Grant moved to accept the committee's• recommendation as presented with the correction that the Corporate Board of Directors of the American Legion request parking for ' any specific event. During discussion Commissioner Herberts stated that, although she supports the motion, she is concerned about establishing a precedent of parking in parks. She commented that she could find no damage to, the site . following the last parking usage. Commissioner Demmer recommended that the conditions as approved for parking be written into a contract for this purpose. Director Whitley advised the Methods of Operation will not be in the Ordinance. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out that this shows a double usage of parks to the benefit of the City, and that this idea should be addressed in the future. The motion was voted upon and Ayes x x x x x x x unanimously carried. Commissioner Demmer reported the Park and Open Space Committee recommends the following improvements to the park: (1) Remove existing concrete walls of the barbeque and picnic structure to allow for total visibility and access. No other modifications were recommended for the structure; (2) A City sign has been ordered to identify the area as a public park site; (3) Plant trees against the American Legion fence running parallel to the American Legion building; (4) Plant trees CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches 8 Recreation Commission Page 7 <1 X City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX across the back fence of the park . which is in front of the boat storage and parking area; and (5) It is intended that these trees be appropriate as to species and height as to maintain the existing views of the coastal and harbor environment. Motion x Commissioner•Grant motioned to accept the committee's recommendation as Ayes x x x x x x presented. Unanimous. Chair Compton thanked Commissioner Demmer and her committee for the excellent job they did. Item #7 - Tree Appeal - 2245 Arbutus Tree Appeal Director Whitley reported this is the applicant's second request fpr removal • and that there have been two sidewalk replacements at this location in a short period of time. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that in both instances root barriers should have been installed. Chair Compton opened the meeting to public testimony and Mr. Frank White, 2245 Arbutus .Street, addressed. the Commission. Mr. White thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak and for their interest in his problem. Mr. White reported that in April, 1989, he requested the subject tree be removed which was denied. In May, 1989, the sidewalk was repaired. Since that time the water meter box was forced up and there was curb and gutter damage due to the tree's roots. . Again, in June, 1992, he requested the tree be removed, which was again denied. In August, 1992 he received a notification that the sidewalk would . again be repaired. Mr. White emphasized this is all quite costly to the City and he anticipates a new sidewalk, curb and gutter will have to be installed again in about two more years. He urged the Commission to consider their budget constraints and C I TY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 • 9�0 �D�h°' gn City Council 'Chambers 7 p.m. IhDDC remove the problem tree which would be more cost effective. In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort, Mr. White agreed to maintain a replacement tree. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that the Tree Committee personally inspects 12 to 18 trees per month at the request of any homeowner. As a result, there could be possible removal of this many trees which is also very costly. In addition, the Tree Committee is desirous of protecting the beauty of the City with mature trees. There being no further public • testimony, Chair Compton glosed the meeting to hearing. public Commissioner Glasgow urged the Commission to take a long : term approach to those trees causing problems. He stated he prefers this idea in contrast to installing root barriers that do not work on large, full grown trees. Commissioner • Vandervort agreed, suggesting replacement on each street start slowly so as to not denude an area. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that six years ago it was determined that root barriers be installed when new sidewalks are put in, and that this beautiful tree would not have to be removed if the appropriate measures. were taken three years ago. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Nancy Beard explained that root barriers cannot always be installed if the tree is too large. Director Whitley advised that the Tree Supervisor puts in root i barriers whenever it is possible. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission s d� • o p Gi oio Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX N � Commissioner Schonlau acknowledged the City has spent money in this case on a "band aid" approach and urged that in the future the Commission consider the results before action is taken. Commissioner Herberts stated that installing root barriers to save valuable City trees does not constitute a "band aid" approach. It is an accepted procedure in other tree preservation cities, such as Pasadena ' and Glendale, and in most cases extends the life of both the tree and sidewalk significantly. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow motioned to approve the tree removal which will be replaced with a proper tree and root barriers installed wit]} proper • maintenance provided by the homeowner. Mr. Frank White addressed the Commission and requested no replacement tree since the location of the tree would interfere with his Van's lift which accommodates his wife's wheelchair. Chair Compton explained that the Commission considers the street scape for uniformity, and that they review each situation with the future in mind Ayes X x X X for the whole neighborhood. Nay X X Abstain X The motion was voted upon and carried. Item #8 - Volleyball Court Volleyball Installation - 1522 W. Oceanfront Court Installati Dave McConnell reported that the Beach. Committee recommends the volleyball court installation at 1522 West Oceanfront be approved at its current 1 location and be painted and signed per • l Department policy. Chair Compton opened the meeting to public testimony and Mr. Frank Hughes, 1520 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hughes explained the court was put up many years ago until , ,..CITY ,OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 • 3�0 3��a ��O�G�c City Council Chambers 7 p.m. IhDDC it was damaged, at which time he was advised of the proper procedure for legal installation. Mr. Hughes stated he then applied for a set of poles but could not obtain one of the required signatures. This was due to the owner's sister objecting to foul language. Mrs. Leonilda Christensen, owner of the property at 1526 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Christensen objected to the court's currently proposed location due to the foul language from the observers and players which is abusive to small children. She recommended the poles be,placed farther out. • Mr. Frank Hughes, 15,20 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission and pointed out people enjoy watching volleyball, and that if the court were moved he could no longer enjoy watching the games. There being no further public testimony, Chair Compton closed the meeting to public hearing. During discussion the Commission agreed that a compromise needs to be reached and Commissioner Schonlau recommended moving the court out far enough so the language won't intrude on anyone's privacy. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort moved the subject court be approved and moved 30 feet towards the ocean, painted and signed per Department policy. . Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Item #9 - Park Name Change - 15th Park-Name Street Change • \ Director Whitley reported the American Legion has requested renaming the public park next to it "Veterans Memorial Park," however, they have recently informed staff that they may be reviewing their request again. . CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission o m o . Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Motion Ayes x x x x x x x x Commissioner Vandervort moved to . continue this item. Unanimous. Item #10 - Curfew, Closing of Parks Curfew, Closing of Director Whitley reported Council Parks Member Hedges requested the Commission consider establishing park hours to allow for enforcement which many other cities have. Commissioner Grant suggested that if such a policy is formed,, it should include an allowance for the Director to issue a Special Event Permit. In addition, particular attention should be made in the wording to clarify that activities such as basketball would be prohibited in contrast to allowing joggers or those transiting through a • park area. Director Whitley advised the wording of the Ordinance would be similar to that used in the beach curfew ordinance. The Commission agreed with Commissioner Grant's suggestion that the Ordinance include what is prohibited in.a park. In comparing the beach closures, Commissioner Demmer felt a midnight closure of the parks might be too late. Commissioner Schonlau agreed and recommended the parks close at 11:00 P.M. with an exception for those transiting, i.e., joggers and walkers.. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to recommend to the City Council that a Park Ordinance be written to prohibit • active uses in a park between 12:00 , A.M. and 6:00 A.M., but allow for transiting through a park with authority given to the Director to issue Special Event Permits for usage between these hours. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission sd Page 12 • 030.��3o�� hno�d o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Review of city Council Policies Park and Street Tree Division Commissioner Schonlau explained that as a homeowner living at the beach, it is sometimes difficult to sleep due to the noise even at the curfew time on tte beach. Motion Commissioner Grant amended his motion to read that the parks be closed from 11:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. Ayes x x x x x x The motion was voted upon and carried. Nay X It #11 - Review of City Council Policies The Commission concurred with Director Whitley's recommendation that there be no changes to the I- policies at this time. . III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #12 - Park and Street Tree Division In response to a question from Chair Compton, Nancy Beard explained that the drip system at Newport Shores Park was vandalized and a new irrigation system is being installed. New planting will occur folllowing installation. Nancy Beard further advised that the dead Palms on Pacific Coast Highway in West Newport have been removed and will be replaced by a boxed variety . over a period of time. Commissioner Glasgow recommended a . \ consistent .street scape plan, with Palms be implemented by the sidewalks along Coast Highway where certain sections have nothing planted. Director Whitley explained the City is in charge of the medians, however, 90% i of the area is under the jurisdiction Review of city Council Policies Park and Street Tree Division CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission ti o� October 6, 1992 • 30 ��h'ny Page 1 oX City C uncil3 o Chambers 7 p.m. INDDC of Public Works and he will get their ideas and report back to the commission. chair Compton questioned who owns the vacant land where the gas station was located on Via Lido. Director Whitley stated he will investigate and report back. Commissioner Herberts requested Nancy Beard explain the outcome of Mr. William Frank's problems at 2430 Holly Lane. Nancy Beard reported that Mr. Frank hired plumbers to run a scope, result of which was that the large Ficus roots next door were causing the problems and have now been removed. In response to a question from • Commissioner Schonlau, Director Whitley explained that Ficus roots will go through the old clay sewer lines but most likely not the PVC pipe - it-depends upon what the sewer pipe is made of. Item #13 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Commissioner Grant reported the Lawn Bowling Club• will be hosting a national tournament and that one of the members was chosen to go to England for the world tournament. He added that the City's Lawn Bowling facility is considered one of the best in the country. Item #14 - Tree Committee Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported one tree on Seaview was recommended to be removed and replaced. Two Ficus Nitida on Fernleaf were also approved for removal. • Commissioner Herberts also reported she met with Sara Booty of Harbor View Broadmoor Community Association who would prefer Queen Palms be planted in their area. At this time the committee is waiting for the CITY OF -Parks. Beaches s w� NEWPORT BEACH & Re-creation Commission Page. 14 Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m Recreation Program Committee Park and Open Space Committee Association's approval. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Commissioner Herberts explained that tree denial letters are written by Nancy Beard on an individual basis. Commissioner Demmer recommended a standard form letter be used, and Director Whitley advised this letter is being formulated. Commissioner Vandervort referred to an article written in the L.A. Times on October 2 and asked if we could submit rare tree nominations to be included in Cal State Fullerton's book of the Most Beautiful Trees in Orange County. Chair Compton appointed Commissioner • Herberts and the. Tree Committee to work with the Tree Maintenance Supervisor, Bob Bailey, in this regard. Item #15 Recreation Program Committee Commissioner Grant stated the committee will meet in mid - November with the user groups to discuss scheduling. Commissioner Grant also referred to their meeting wherein uses of Bonita Creek Park were discussed, and the minutes from that meeting are in the Commission's packet for their information. Item #16 - Park and Open Space Committee Commissioner Demmer reported that the facility inspection reports are due to • the Director in one week for committee review. Commissioner Demmer reported a meeting was held in Cliff Drive Park to review the landscape plans for the west side of the park. Recreation Program Committee Park and Open Space Committee CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission P �" �cao Page 15 o� 039 y� Q�h oil o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Beach Committee Budget Committee Oasis Liaison Capital Improvement Projects Commissioner Demmer commended Nancy Beard'for the fine job she is doing as Acting Park and Tree Superintendent. Item #17- Beach Committee Commissioner Vandervort presented pictures of the new volleyball poles being installed. Item #18 - Budget Committee In, response to a question from Cmmissioner Demmer, Director Whitley explained that all City jobs are frozen subject to the City Manager's approval. Item #19 - Oasis Liaison • No report. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item_ #20 - Capital Improvement Projects No report. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Vandervort reported that " "Picnic" at the Theatre Arts Center is a great show and urged the Commissioners to attend before it closes on October 11. Commissioner Schonlau questioned the status of the sea wall at Lido Park, and Director Whitley advised this is a Public Works project and that they are aware of the problem. \ VII. ADJOURNMENT • There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned at 9:44 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted Beach Committee Budget Committee Oasis Liaison Capital Improvement Projects CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 16 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDDC on September 29, 1992 at 8:45 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. I Dottie Flohr Secretary i