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Home My WebLink About04/06/1993 - PB&R CommissionP �-1 0 �o Motion Ayes Motion Ayes ,i `2 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No. 3 arks. Beaches & Recreation Commission sd April 6., 1993 City Council Chambers 7 p'. m- INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of linutes Woption of 4genda Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Randy Kearns, Park Maintenance Supervisor 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, Herberts and Schonlau were present. Commissioners Grant and Vandervort were absent. Ittem #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of March 2, 1993 X Commissioner Glasgow motioned the minutes be X X X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda X Commissioner Demmer moved the agenda be X X X X X adopted as presented. Unanimous. II. ORGANIZATIONAL REPORT - DIRECTOR AND CITY MANAGER Mr. Kevin Murphy, City Manager, addressed the Commission and thanked them for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Murphy presented the City's fiscal situation in terms of a private business incurring additional expenses and losing projected revenue from its two top clients, namely the Federal and State Government. Projections based on pessimistic, mid range and optimistic forecasts were completed last year by each department. Prioritization was also completed by each department along with a proposed list of options to privatize in order to save expenses. Mr. Murphy reported that the key to the budget is the property tax which will cost the City approximately $4.8 million resulting in a total gap of about $6 million. Due to these projections, Mr. Murphy stated he is proposing to the City Council a mix of new revenue and expenditure reductions. There will be about a Call to Order Roll Call Approval of linutes Woption of 4genda CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission s a Page 2 N "P j � n City Council Chambers 7 D.m. INDIX reduction in safety programs. In addition, to lessen the impact of layoffs, an early retirement program has been approved by the City Council and offered to 33 employees, one of which is Director Whitley. Should Mr. Whitley accept this option, the recreation and facility maintenance aspects of the department will be combined with the library to be called the Community Services Department and the Park and Tree Division will be combined with the General Services Department. As opportunities are presented, Mr. Murphy stated he anticipates a reduction of people directly reporting to him which will result in operational efficiencies and, hopefully, more interesting ideas to offer the community. His main goal is to make all cuts fair and equitable between departments and at the same time not punish the public. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Mr. Murphy explained that there should be no changes in the level of field and I park maintenance. In response to a question from Commissioner schonlau, Mr. Murphy reported that this Commission will remain the same but will have two different department heads or tfieir representatives at each meeting. Commissioner Herberts stated she was concerned that the Commission's philosophy on trees is different from that of the General Services Department. Mr. Murphy advised that he anticipates the philosophy to retain trees whenever possible would remain the same and that root barriers will be installed as new trees are planted. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Mr. Murphy advised that he supports a close liaison between the department and the Public Works Department in such areas as the design process. He also pointed out that 19% of the City's engineering program is done by staff and 81% is done by contract. Director Whitley commented that this Commission will still be responsible for reviewing plans, however, Public Works will continue to administer the projects as in the past. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Mr. Murphy advised that the Library Board and this Commission will remain separate entities. Commissioner Glasgow inquired if this CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation.Commission sd ('� o o c� � �� o Page 3 o� 0 W� 6�0ti oil o °h m, City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX increasing revenue in the Recreation Division. Mr. Murphy clarified the proposed new sources of revenue, namely, the new paramedic subscription program, the new parking meter program and an increase in the business license tax. Chair Compton referred to the increasing large numbers of groups that use our facilities and voiced his concern on behalf of the Commission that the excellent level of service and maintenance might not be continued. Mr. Murphy replied that there will be no reductions in the self- supporting programs. Mr. Murphy further reported that he anticipates the proposed acquisition for open space through an assessment district to be placed on the November ballot. In anticipation of future development, it is important to assure funds are wisely spent. Commissioner Schonlau commended Mr. Murphy for his time and outstanding efforts and stated he would personally like to share his. ideas on I revenue enhancements. Director Whitley reported that his retirement is voluntary and will be personally beneficial to him in addition to giving the city an opportunity to reorganize. III. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Bench Request Bench Director Whitley reported that a request for a Request plaque on a park bench is submitted in the staff report. Chair Compton opened the meeting to public testimony and Mrs. Evelyn Moody, 336 Otero, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Moody reported her request for a bronze plaque on a bench is in memory of her brother who used to fish at the Balboa Pier. Since a bench on the pier does not come under this Commission's jurisdiction, she stated a location near the Gazebo at Peninsula Park would be acceptable. There being no further public testimony, Chair Compton closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion Commissioner Glasgow motioned to approve the request as presented. L\ In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley advised that the plaque will be installed in accordance with Policy I -15, Park Improvement Donations. CITY;-OF Parks, Seaches d 9 NEWPORT BEACH & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 D.m Ayes X X X X X The motion was voted upon and unanimously carried. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS V. ' INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #6 - Recreation Division Nancy Beard reported that the annual Easter Egg Hunt will be at Eastbluff Park on April 10. The Oasis Health Fair will be held on April 24 and 700 participants are expected. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that the Health Fair is a free community service whereby medical professionals offer tests and advice to those over 18 years of age. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Nancy Beard explained that the Health Fair is advertised throughout the City and'in the newspapers. I ) Item #7 - Park and Street Tree Division Chair Compton questioned if there will be any more trees planted at the West Newport entry which appears to be rather barren. Randy Kearns advised that no additional trees 'are planned, however, the area will look much better once the landscaping has a chance to grow and mature. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that Cliff Drive Park West looks lush and beautiful, thanks to both the rain and the parks personnel. Item #8 - Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee discussed and solved three tree issues. Commissioner Glasgow asked for the status of the Lindsay tree at "M" street and Director Whitley explained that the Commission's decision was appealed to the City Council. Since Mrs. Lindsay requested a postponement, the item will be on the City Council's April 12 agenda. In the meantime, a compromise may be reached by this date. Item #9 - Recreation Program Committee / Nancy Beard reported a proposed rollerblade LJ program was discussed whereby the department will purchase a portable rink which will be moved each quarter to a different site. A long range goal will be to install a permanent rink. INDDC Recreation Division Park and Street Tree Division Tree Committee Recreation Program Committee CITY OF Parks, Beaches J a °moo U% d" elf L �O 3�h CYN dpi 0� NEWPORT BEACH & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Park and Open Space Committee Budget Committee Oasis Liaison Capital Improvement Projects Commissioner Herberts recommended consideration be given to fencing 15th Street Park to be used as a dog park and charging a fee. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Nancy Beard explained that the drop in program at Newport Heights on Monday through Friday is very popular. Additional sites include Mariners Park, the Community Youth Center and soon the Lincoln facility. In response to Commissioner Demmer's inquiry concerning violence at the after school programs, Nancy Beard advised this department will be actively involved in a gang prevention unit which is currently being formed. Commissioner Glasgow reported there are two national events which will be held at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center, namely, the U.S. Men's Outdoor Water Polo Championships on March 21 -23 and the Alamo Cup on June 12 -13. � 1 Item #10 - Park and Open Space Committee Randy Kearns reported that the Cliff Drive Park West project has started and that Bill Patrick, a local resident in the Heights neighborhood, is the contractor for Phase I. Item #11 - Budget Committee Commissioner Glasgow reported the committee discussed and adjusted facility fees to reflect maintenance costs. This will be an action item at the Commission's May meeting. Item #12 - Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer reported she and Commissioner Vandervort attended the oasis volunteer reception on March 24 which was very successful. VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #13 - Capital Improvement Projects No report. VII. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley reported the City 1 r Council reviewed this Commission's recommendations for the uses of Bonita Creek Park and agreed they should continue as they are. Director Whitley clarified the Commission's Park and Open Space Committee Budget Committee Oasis Liaison Capital Improvement Projects CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission o c� o Page 6 00 ds 0�l o e 0h (PA es °� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDDC that the Recreation Division employs maintenance staff and Nancy Beard will oversee any daily emergencies. VIII ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on March 30, 1993 at 11:45 A.M. outside the City Hall'Administration Building. ,ar acscPi�,2e -Q-r Dottie Flohr I � Secretary