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Home My WebLink About04/05/1994 - PB&R CommissionPa { o\0 `Yo h Motion Ayes CITY-OF CART BEACH Item II r- Le Rpaches & Recreation commission April 5, 1994 oI City Council Chambers 7 p.m INDD( )rder and toll Call City Attorne Overview of The Brown Ac Approval of Minutes Tree City USA Award Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent I. ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. II. CITY ATTORNEY - OVERVIEW OF THE BROWN ACT Bob Burnham, City Attorney, addressed the Commission concerning changes in The Brown Act, effective April 1, 1994, which are applicable to the Commission and the manner in which they conduct their business. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MEETING OF MARCH 1, 1994 X Commissioner Demmer motioned the minutes be X X X X X X X approved,as presented. Unanimous. IV. TREE CITY USA AWARD Director Niederhaus addressed the Commission and reported there is a guest present to present the Tree City USA Award to the Commission, however, he first wanted to recognize Randy Kearns, Acting Superintendent, Bob Bailey, Tree Supervisor who retired in December, and Commissioner Herberts for their efforts during the past year towards achieving this award. Chair Grant stated this, has been a 3 -4 year effort and that Ron Whitley, Jack Brooks and Nancy Beard should also be recognized for their contributions. John Conway, the City's Urban Forester, introduced Linda Romero, Urban Forester of the State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Ms. Romero stated Newport Beach is one of the more progessive beach cities in Southern California with a sustainable urban forestry, i which means much more than planting trees. It INDD( )rder and toll Call City Attorne Overview of The Brown Ac Approval of Minutes Tree City USA Award r1 Parks, Beaches Oh & Recreation Commission. April 5, 1994 Page 2 Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m INDEX Public Comme Future Agenda Items Discussion Items Review of Dommission I oal s is the means by which trees are .managed as well as the components that make up the urban forest. The urban forest is one of the most important natural resources available and requires a comprehensive management plan if they are to become assets and cost effective. The Tree City USA Award is given to those cities that strive to meet the objectives of a sustainable and healthy urban forest, and Newport Beach has met these objectives for the fourth year. Other significant achievements of the City are the completion of their tree inventory; hiring a professional Urban Forester, John Conway; and their on -going tree planting program. Me. Romero also explained the Urban Forest Grant guidelines for which $40,000 is available to reimburse the purchase of trees and products. Ms. Romero commended Commissioner Herberts for initiating the efforts to obtain Tree City USA status in 1989, and also to her husband who donated two cedars on Newport Boulevard. On behalf of the California Department of Forestry and National Arbor Day Foundation, Ms. Romero presented the 1993 Tree City USA Award to Commissioner Herberts and the City. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission determined that the following items will be agendized at a future meeting: (1) Report by the participating Commissioner on the Task Force meetings establishing the Community Services Department; (2) Establishment of the Agenda Order; (3) Consideration of Ficus Trees on Main Street in Balboa to be added to the'Protected Tree List, Policy G -1; (4) Standing Committees and their Schedule; (5) Location for Squaw Valley Olympic Flagpole; (B) Exploration of all sponsorship and other revenue enhancement possibilities; and (7) Facility and Inspection Review. Lillian Lumpkin, 1314 Balboa Boulevard, addressed the Commission and stated she felt preserving the Ficus and adding them to the preservation list would be a mistake since they will all eventually have to be replaced due to their size and future damage to sidewalks. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 1 - Review of Commission Goals Commissioner Demmer presented her INDEX Public Comme Future Agenda Items Discussion Items Review of Dommission I oal s CITY ®F NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation commission April 5, 1994 Page 3 — — — — — - - - — — Citv Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX l recommendations for changes in the Commission's Goals and objectives statement. During discussion, the Commission agreed to adopt the City Charter's wording as the Commission's Responsibilities along with most of Commissioner Demmer's recommendations. Motion X Commissioner Compton motioned to accept the Ayes X X X X X X X Commission's Goals and objectives as corrected. Unanimous. Item 2 - Communications Communicati� Director Niederhaus reported he discussed the requested Newport Elementary School playground restoration with the Planning, Public Works, Building and Marine Departments to determine their requirements, which are provided in his letter to Mr. Bill Knight dated March 17, 1994. Due to budget constraints and lack of City resources, the Department can no longer provide labor and equipment for specialized construction projects. He recommends they scale down their plan to rehabilitate the surface and refurbish the sprinkler system. i } Staff could provide the technical assistance in this endeavor, however, no labor and equipment would be available. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Director Niederhaus explained that a cost analysis could be determined, and if the School District and PTA funded the project, it is a good possibility some type of solution could be worked out. Such a cost analysis of City assistance would include hauling and disposal, equipment, Labor and technical assistance. Bill Knight, Principal of Newport Elementary School, addressed the Commission and thanked them for their consideration of this matter. Mr. Knight stated the field is hazardous due to pot holes, etc. The PTA, Student Council and staff all agree the field needs to be refurbished for the children and the community. The PTA and Student Council have raised $10,000 through fund raisers. The School District has allocated $8,000 plus District personnel to install the sprinkler system. They are requesting the City provide grading, hauling and disposal, and sodding. Director Niederhaus explained that this is a substantial amount of work requested in that the site would have to be graded, the sprinkler system marked and the spoil's hauled to a landfill in Irvine for $30 /ton. In addition, no major excavation can be done without Coastal Commission approval. He .. OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission a April 5, 1994 Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Public Hearing and Staff Report Park .and Street Tree Division Urban Foresi Assessment Recreation Division Recreation Program Committee stated he has been waiting for a response from the school to his proposal as outlined in his letter to Mr. Knight. Director Niederhaus pointed out that a budget amendment would also be required and approved by the City Council. In the meantime, he could discuss such matters as permits and time span with the Planning Department. Commissioner Compton moved to request Director Niederhaus to start the process of getting the Coastal Commission's approval; determine an estimate of what the project would costs based upon the new scope of work; and start the process for a budget amendment to be approved by the City Council. Unanimous. VIII. PUBLIC HEARING AND STAFF REPORTS Item 3a - Park and Street Tree Division In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Marcy Lomeli reported that the Department is testing a new method of aeration and top dressing at the Lincoln Athletic field. The intent is to build a subsoil that is currently non - existent. Commissioner . Glasgow inquired about the African Honey Bees that are expected. Mr. Lomeli explained that although they are considered more aggressive than the European Bees, there is no need to become overly alarmed. He will be providing information packets on this subject at the Commission's May meeting. In addition, the General Services Department is hosting an open house for the employees and public on April 23 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., during which time such questions can be answered. Item 3b - Urban Forest Assessment In response to a question from Chair Grant, Mr. Lomeli stated that both the Daily Pilot and Orange County Register have.been informed about the subject assessment report. Nancy Beard announced that the Proclamation for Arbor Day will be held at the City Council's April 25 meeting. 4 Item 4 - Recreation Division Report received and filed. Item,5 - Recreation Program Committee Commissioner Schonlau reported Commissioner Public Hearing and Staff Report Park .and Street Tree Division Urban Foresi Assessment Recreation Division Recreation Program Committee Parks, Beaches PC, oi 4l o & Recreation commission April 5, 1994 Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m IMDC Budget Committee Tree Committee Continued Business Tree Appea' Glasgow and he met with Steve Hunt, Todd Alvarez and representatives from the Newport Beach Aquatics Club, Junior Water Polo, Corona del Mar High School Aquatics and Harbor View Swim Team. All upcoming scheduling issues were resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Commissioner Glasgow announced that due to their current pool problems, UCI has requested possible use of the Marian Bergeson Aquatics Center as a backup. Pool utilization would be in the mornings 'and coordinated with Corona del Mar High School. Item 6 - Budget Committee Chair Grant reported he met with Director Kienitz and the City Manager. The budget is very thin and the City is still waiting for the final state budget to determine if a further budget reduction will be necessary. Fortunately, the Community Services Department provides revenue to offset the majority of direct expenses. Chair Grant stated he is quite concerned that the potential cuts will be detrimental to both park maintenance and the quality of service currently provided. In response to a question from Commissioner Schoniau, Director Niederhaus explained that the Department is attempting to find sponsors such as the truck Toyota provides for the Junior Lifeguard program. He will present a report on this matter to the Commission at a later date. Item 7 - Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported staff and she concurred on nine tree reviews. Director Niederhaus reported curbs and gutters have been replaced on Clay Street which will be followed by the installation of root barriers. IX. CONTINUED BUSINESS Item 8 - Tree Appeal - 1314 Balboa Boulevard Director Niederhaus passed out recent photos of the subject location and reported staff has recommended the tree not be removed due to its p value of approximately $3,200. He stated that although the tree should be trimmed and air laced, it does not impede electrical lines. Lillian Lumpkin, 1314 Balboa Boulevard, addressed the Commission. Ms,. Lumpkin stated she has been trying to get rid of the subject IMDC Budget Committee Tree Committee Continued Business Tree Appea' 1 4_ Parks, BeGaches 0 f� o �0 6 +� ( r 1.7 � I�: •ems 1� S�+ P �._..J & Recreation Commission April 5, 1994 .Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX h Ficus for years since the tree is of a gender that creates hundreds of berries that drop and cause paint marks on parked cars. In addition, the berries cause the sidewalk to be slippery and the tree root system is in the sewer lines. In summary, the tree is too large and messy for a homeowner to maintain. Me, Lumpkin stated she would assist in paying for trimming the tree or its removal. Director Niederhaus reported the City allows private residents to trim City trees provided this is done with the approval of the Urban Forester. The City's contractor will be in the neighborhood trimming trees on the Peninsula within the next two weeks. Mrs. Lumpkin's tree will be included at that time. Special attention •will be paid to this particular tree by the trimming contractor. Commissioner Herberts spoke in favor of the Ficus Trees along Balboa Boulevard since they provide beautification for the street. M( )n X Commissioner Demmer motioned to deny the tree Ayes X X removal request. Unanimous. X X X X X Chair Grant advised Ms. Lumpkin of her right to appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. Item 9 - Bench Donations Bench Donations Director Hiederhaus complimented Mr. Lomeli on the number of bench donations he has received. Chair Grant asked that a brochure from the company providing the benches be distributed to the Commisison for their information. Motion X Commissioner Vandervort motioned to accept the Ayes X X X X X X X bench donations from Dr. David Stringer and Mr. Fred Crook. Unanimous. Item 10 - Policy G -5, Park Improvement Policy G -5 Donations Nancy Beard advised that Policy G -5 is before the Commission at the City Council's request to define guidelines for future plaque dedications. In response to a question from Chair Grant, Nancy Beard explained that "major gifts" would include items such as a tree or play equipment. Commissioner Vandervort questioned if criteria for a major gift should be defined. Motion X Commissioner Herberts moved to accept Policy CITY OF Parks. Beaches _ y A d'a & Recreation Commission April 5; 1994 Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX G -5 as presented with the following correction: ... "Donors of major park Ayes X X X X X X X improvement gifts..." Unanimous. X. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:15 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on April 1, 1994 at 3:00 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. i