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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/07/1997 - PB&R Commission1 : ; 1 COMMISSION Minutes October 7, 1997 Item II CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting October 7, 1997 - 7:00 P.M. Staff present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Marcelino Lomeli, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau and Skoro were present. Ii. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Glasgow moved the minutes of the regular September 2, 1997 meeting and the minutes of the joint meeting with Costa Mesa Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission on September 23, 1997 be approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #2 - Removed from Consent Calendar Item #3 - Tree Donation for Newport Pier'Plaza Accept one New Zealand Christmas Tree donation and plaque from Diane Sue Dickerson that will be planted at the Newport Pier Plaza Parking Lot and 2411 Street. Item #4 - Removed from Consent Calendar ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item #1 - Park and Tree Division In response to questions from Commissioner Beek, Marcy Lomeli explained that the turf grass being aerated and fertilized during October are on non - active fields. Field lines are initially burned and then painted as part of the installation process. I In response to a question from Commissioner Skoro, Director Niederhaus advised that Eucalyptus trees will be planted in the parkway along the east side of Dover Drive adjacent to Bob Henry Park in October. 3 f Parks, Beaches and, Recreation Commission October7, 1997 Page 2 In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus advised that the Public Works Director is pursuing recognition of the, Commission at the new Castaways park site. He will keep the Commission informed on this matter. Director Niederhaus corrected the report submitted under Tree Division Activities. No tree will be removed at 1909 Commodore Road and a second Ficus tree will be removed at 2711 Harbor View Drive due to extensive sewer damage. Item #2 , Recreation and Senior Services Director Kienitz presented the list and descriptions of the proposed new winter classes. She also announced that the new Recreation Manager, Andrea McGuire, will be starting with the Department on October 27. Item #4 - Revised Bench List Commissioner Skoro reported that the Liaison Committees of the Arts Commission and this Commission mel and recommended the Brooks /Quick Crete bench be deleted from the-official bench list. 'Director Niederhaus pointed out that the Brooks bench is a design that costs $350 and is environmentally friendly as it is constructed of recyclable materials. He commented that donors should have a choice that is not limited to more expensive benches. Commissioner Skoro moved to eliminate Design #1, Brooks, for use at Inspiration Point, but retain it on the official bench list; and that Design #5, Infinity, be the designated bench used on the lower level of Inspiration Point. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Commissioner Pfaff moved to approve Item #1 as corrected, Items #2 and #3. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Dunn, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #5 - Renovation of Bayside Park Playground Marcy Lomeli reported that this is a renovation project listed in the capital improvements list for this fiscal year. He introduced Bob Pedersen, design architect, who explained the existing condition of the playground in the park and those areas which are currently hazardous. The renovation will replace the play equipment which is safety deficient in addition to providing better landscaping. Included in the project are replacing the railroad ties with a concrete seat wall; replacing the blacktop walkway with concrete and replacing the play equipment. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 7, 1997 Pace 3' Marcy Lomeli added that Steve Hunt is scheduling meetings with the neighborhood groups before the project is scheduled to commence this spring. Item #6 - Recreation and Open Space Element Larry Lawrence, consultant for the project, addressed 'the Commission and gave an overview of the four major chapters. Chapter 3 is the major text portion of the Element which addresses the goal of the Recreation and Open Space system to meet the recreational needs of the City's citizens and enhance the recreation and environmental resources of the City. The Objectives include Recreation Programs, Parks and Play 'Fields, Shared Facilities, Marine Recreation, Coastal Access, Scenic Vistas and Resources, Trails and Bikeways, Facility Signings, Environmental Resources, Operation and Maintenance, Annexation and Funding. Each of the Objectives is followed by policies and methods of implementation. Following a review of Chapter 4, there will be public hearings on the entire Element before it is adopted by the Commission and forwarded to the City Council. Item #7 - Harbor View'Hills Souft Homeowners Association Reforestation Request Director Niederhaus gave a brief history of the reforestation request submitted by the Association and explained that this is their first request which involves removing 21 trees and replanting 16 replacement trees with 15 gallon Little Gem Magnolia trees. Five trees t ) cannot be planted due to the location of utilities. The cost is estimated to be $7,800, which will be borne by the Association. Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public hearing. Yvonne Houssels, President of the Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission and explained this is the first of three phases to reforest their area due to liability and damage caused by the tall Eucalyptus trees. Dr. Jan Vandersloot addressed the Commission on behalf of SPON. Referring to Policy G -1 which addresses replacing tree removals, Dr. Vandersloot questioned losing 5 trees as a result of the proposed project. Director Niederhaus explained that the 5, trees cannot be replaced since staff has deemed the locations unsuitable due to hardscape and utility damage. This is in accordance with City Council Policy G -6. Following discussion, Chair Schonlau advised Dr. Vandersloot to contact staff regarding trees that are not proposed to be replaced. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. I Commissioner Glasgow moved to approve the request from. Harbor View Hills South Homeowners Association initiating the first phase of City street tree reforestation that will be funded by the requesting property owners and the Association. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 7,1997 Page 4 Commissioner Dunn stated he would not be supporting the motion since he feels the trees should be more thoroughly evaluated and he did not observe any view or damage problems. Commissioner Glasgow's motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Nay: Dunn Item #8 - Possible Alternative Uses for Marinapark and Las Arenas Park Chair Schonlau opened the meeting to public.hearing. Mary Moyer, 2157 Miramar and President of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association, addressed the Commission. She stated it was her understanding. that in 1985 when the current lease for Marinapark was signed that it was the City Council's intent that the property would be converted to recreational' use when the lease expired in 2000. She urged the Commission to recommend this area be used for parks or that the current use be retained. She also noted the City Council's goal to generate revenue and pointed out the Girl Scouts cannot compete against the dollar. Pete Anderson, 1610 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission and reviewed the three proposals by the City Council. He stated this is an opportunity to create a situation wherein the entire City will benefit if the area is converted to a park or recreation facility. He also reported that he rarely observes anything except parties at the American, Legion which provides no value to the neighborhood or the City. He recommended a multi purpose building, pool, gym or park be implemented for use by all citizens. Tom Hyans, 217 - 19th Street, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hyans, President of the Central Newport Beach Community Association, stated their Association supports the existing facilities. He doesn't agree with the idea of using the area for the highest and best use of revenue, and urged the Commission become proactively involved. Commissioner Beek noted that this Commission fully supports open space and recreational facilities; and that it is their role to make recommendations to the City Council. She urged citizens to participate and contact the City Council with their recommendations. Grace Dove, 117 - 15th Street, addressed the Commission and reported that the removal of Las Arenas and Veterans Memorial Parks are contrary to the current Recreation and Open Space Element since, by state law, they are public parks. Ms. Dove suggested the Commission move to recommend to the City Council that Veterans Memorial Park and Las Arenas Park, including the Girl Scout House and the Balboa Community Center, be removed from the Request for Proposals for development of the City property between 151h and 10 Streets; and that no further consideration be given to replacing these facilities with non - recreation /non - community uses. Iq Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 7, 1997 Page 5 Diane Lugo, 510 Canal Street, addressed the Commission on behalf of retaining the Girl Scout House. She stated that during September 1,000 girls, consisting of 65 troops, and 262 adults used the facility. John McDaniel, 1770 W. Balboa Boulevard, addressed the Commission in support of the public beach at Marinapark which is used by both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Martha Durkee addressed the Commission and stated that when she surveyed the Las Arenas Tennis Courts, they were being used by nine Newport Beach residents and one Costa Mesa resident. The tot lot was being used by residents from the Point. She urged the area be retained as it exists since parks are part' of the assets of living in Newport Beach. Should the Marinapark lease not be extended, she recommended the area be converted to recreational' use. Dr. Jan Vandersloot addressed the Commission and recommended public access to the beaches be increased so they are more available to City residents. There being no further public testimony, Chair Schonlau closed the meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Skoro pointed out that quality of life is more important than revenue; and that there is a need for more park sites and space for an open window to the exclusion of hotels and. marinas. He recommended the Commission actively support the area for recreational use and suggested the Chair or Vice Chair address the City Council at their October 27 meeting to state the Commission's position. During discussion the Commissioners concurred their position in support of recreation and open space, rather than commercial ventures, and agreed their position should be clarified at the City Council's October 27 meeting. Commissioner Skoro moved that the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council that the area including Marinapark, exclusive of the American Legion, be used for recreational purposes at the expiration of its lease. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Beek, Glasgow, Pfaff, Phillips, Schonlau, Skoro Nay: Dunn Item #9 - Subcommittee Reports On behalf of the Park and Open Space Committee, Commissioner Beek reported that Evelyn Hart, representative from the Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, will speak at the next Commission meeting regarding a proposal to improve aesthetics and connect trails along the beaches as part of a tri- community project. It Commissioner Phillips, reporting for the Marlin Sculpture Committee, stated the Bluewater Grill will be contacting Director Niederhaus to pursue placing the sculpture in the Rhine Wharf area. Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission October 7, 1997 Page 6 VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will address Docking Facility at Rhine Wharf Park, Newport Coast Parks, Newport Coast Annexation, Bonita Village and FY 1998 -99 Capital Improvement Projects. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:05 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted September 29, 1997 at 10:30 A.M. on the City Hall Bulletin Board outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. I,