Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2001 - PB&R CommissionMARCH 6, 2001 APPROVED PB &R COMMISSION MINUTES CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches i3 Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001- 7pm CONVENED AT 7:03Dm ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Allen, Beek, Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Skoro, Tobin Staff Present: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian David E. Niederhaus, General Services Director Andrea McGuire, Senior Recreation Manager Celeste Jardine -Haug, Senior Services Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to approve the minutes of February 6, 2001. Motion carried by acclamation. PUBLIC COMMENTS . Mike Saffran, 36 Rockingham Drive, representing the Newport Theatre Company asked for support from the Commission for shared use of the Newport Theatre Arts Center. Commissioner Pfaff asked where they operate now. Mr. Saffran stated that they have plays in Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, anywhere they are able to find a venue, noting that most of the members of the Company were from Newport Beach and wanted to find a location here. Chair Skoro reminded him that since this was not an agenda item, the Commission was unable to comment. Jan Vandersloot, 2221 E. 16th Street, stated that again there were illegal tree removals at La Hoya Street. He stated that this was a common problem with new residents and stated that more should be done to inform them of the policy in the City. Director Niederhaus stated that indeed there were three trees removed illegally, but that the others were on his private property. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Item pulled by Commissioner Franklin 2. Park and Tree Division • 3. Community Services Department 4. Bench Donation 4.1 Castaways It Cliff Drive Planting Request Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001 . Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to accept items 2, 3, 4 and 4.1 of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by acclamation. 1. Correspondence - Commissioner Franklin stated that a letter should be sent back to the Stacy Mancini, City of Costa Mesa regarding steps that Newport Beach have taken in the past regarding a skateboard park, and should they come up with ideas for mutual discussion to contact the Commission. Motion by Commissioner Beek that Commission Franklin contact the City of Costa Mesa and report back at the April meeting. Motion carried by acclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Renovation of 38`h Street Park - Manager McGuire stated that new information had been received from the Coastal Commission stating that if changed are made to recreational facilities in the coastal zone, then it would need to go to a full hearing of the Coastal Commission for approval before it would take effect. The following is proposed: • To proceed with the renovation of 38`h Street Park utilizing one of the following options: Option A Renovate existing facilities at park: 1. Resurface basketball courts and replace posts. 2. Remove and replace the playground with a structure that complies with ADA regulations using bark chip surfacing which is ADA accessible. Install a four -swing structure in an appropriate in the open area next to the play structure. 3. Replace planting as needed. 4. Adjust security lighting to not light court. 5. Install lexan panels on walls between Park Lane and the park perimeter Option B Change facilities at park: 1. Remove the double basketball backboard; reducing the basketball playing area to one half court. Install a new pole and backboard on the newly positioned half court and repaint the surface. 2. Install a wall up to 4 ' high between basketball playing area and the remaining asphalt area, including two inset benches or seating areas, facing the restroom area. Repaint the open asphalt area with children's game areas such as hopscotch, four square or similar games. 3. Remove and replace the playground with a structure that complies with ADA regulations using bark chip surfacing which is ADA accessible. Install a four -swing structure in an appropriate in the open area next to the play structure. • Option C Refer project back to Park Development Committee for further recommendations. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001 Page 3 Discussion ensued regarding sound and possible changes that could be made to the surrounding of the park. Chair Skoro opened the public hearin¢ Lisa Burke, 3605 Lake Avenue, stated her support of renovating the playground, suggested additional swings, doggie bags, clean sand and noted that she has never had any trouble with the basketball players that use the courts. Paul Louchis, 214 36`h Street, asked to have shrubs of some kind planted around the block wall. Chris Hall, 8082 Valencia Drive, Huntington Beach, stated he was avid user of the courts and noted that they were the cleanest and the safest in country and entertains far more people than the tennis courts. He stated that a lot of the people that play basketball are not usually the type that would attend meetings of this kind. Zack Yaklin, 6306 W. Ocean Front, agreed that doggie bags are needed, and urged support of keeping the full basketball court. • Mike McKean, 665 Park Dr, Costa Mesa, plays basketball at the court 3 -4 times a week. He stated that the scenery at the park is a big reason for the high usage and urged support of keeping the full basketball court. Cathy Watt, 3704 Park Lane, stated that these courts should not be in such close proximity to homes, that she feels that she is a prisoner in her own home. Urged support of Option B and that grass should be planted on the other half. Tim Curry, 209 B. 28`h Street, stated that he also uses the courts 3 times a week. He noted that removing half the court is not going to stop any problems with language from the players. Trent Smith, 3714 Park Lane, urged support of option B. George Wyatt, 3704 Park Lane, stated that he has been a resident for 18 years and that in the early days it was a quiet park with a half court at each end. He stated that without any notice to the residents it was changed to a full court and since then the noise has intensified. He stated that he would not allow his own children or grandchildren use the court because of the roughness of play. He noted that the courts were removed from Spyglass and Seashore Parks because of the noise problems. The number of surf contests has been changed because of the noise. He stated that full • court attracts everyone, a half court would just attract City residents. • Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001 Page 4 Georgi Hayes, 3700 Park Lane, stated that no one in their right mind would allow their children to use the courts on a weekend, which could be avoided if it was changed to a half court. Linda Herdman, 3709 Lake Avenue, stated that the profanity begins at 7am and does not stop until nightfall. If it was changed to a half court the problems would not exist. Leslie Manderschied, 3706 A Park Lane, stated that they have called the police to no avail, that the players have made threatening remarks and that most are afraid of retribution. She stated that rules are not enforced. She also urged support of Option B. Joel Stone, 3702 Park Lane, stated that his property looks out onto the basketball court. He stated that the City should be concerned for the resident around 38`h Street; that the City should not maintain the courts; the park is not a place for hardcore basketball because of its proximity to homes. He stated that it is not a crime to use foul language, and went on to repeat many of the words, and statements that is heard on any given day. He stated that the Police Department recommended removal. What more do you want. He urged support of the removal of the full basketball court. Greg McGowan, 310 36`h Street, stated that he has played basketball at that court since • 1974. He stated that people that live there have to take the bad with the good. He did note that he will make an effort to inform the players to start supervising themselves. Chair Skoro closed the public hearine Manager McGuire reminded the Commission that if Option B is approved that it would have to go to the Coastal Commission for approval prior to removal. Motion by Commissioner Allen to approve Option B. Option B Change facilities at park: 1. Remove the double basketball backboard; reducing the basketball playing area to one half court. Install a new pole and backboard on the newly positioned half court and repaint the surface. 2. Install a wall up to 4 ' high between basketball playing area and the remaining asphalt area, including two inset benches or seating areas, facing the restroom area. Repaint the open asphalt area with children's game areas such as hopscotch, four square or similar games. 3. Remove and replace the playground with a structure that complies with ADA regulations using bark chip surfacing which is ADA accessible. Install a four -swing structure in an appropriate in the open area next to the play structure. Motion dies for lack of second. • Director Kienitz recommended that the item be tabled until additional information is received from the Coastal Commission. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001 • Page 5 Manager McGuire stated that there is concern that by removing courts in the Coastal Zone that it also removes regional opportunities. Commissioner Beek stated that she believes that the main problem is enforcement, and that it should be pursued. She stated that we ask the Visitors $ Conference Bureau to bring people into Newport Beach not to leave. She stated that the players should be asked to resolve their problems and become good neighbors. Motion by Commissioner Beek that that basketball court issue of the renovation of 38`" Street Park be tabled until further information is received; but that staff should move forward and remove and replace the playground with a structure that complies with ADA regulations using bark chip surfacing which is ADA accessible; and install a four -swing structure in an appropriate open area next to the play structure. Motion carried by acclamation Chair Skoro stated that he is very hesitant of taking anything away but agreed the foul language also would offend him. Commissioner Allen stated that if she believed that there was a enforcement solution she would agree, but does not believe that it is available. She stated that the park • should be more of a passive park for families. Commissioner Tobin stated that the Police should interface with the player. 6. Budget Committee - Commissioner Pfaff stated that they had met with staff and would be submitting the documents attached as item 6 to the City Manager. Manager Jardine -Haug briefed the Commission on the request for an additional part - time person needed to coordinate the volunteers. Manager McGuire stated that the division's request for additional full -time staff will be expenditure neutral, with the additional revenue covering the costs. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing, hearing no comments: the public hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Beek to forward a letter of support of these supplemental requests to the City Manager for Recreation and Senior Services. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Allen, Beek, Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Skoro Nays: Tobin • Commissioner Tobin departed at 8:35pm Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001 • Page 6 7. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Eric ft Marcella Whang, 306 Fernleaf Avenue has requested the removal of one City Magnolia tree. He stated that the request does not meet the removal requirements of repeated public property damage. He stated that staff is somewhat skeptical that the tree has caused their problems and believes that root pruning and barriers will be done. Discussion ensued regarding notice needed from the Risk Manager regarding claim settlements. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing hearing no comments the public hearing was closed. Marcella Whang, 306 Fernleaf, stated that many calls have been made to the City, sidewalk was replaced in 1993 because of tree roots and that the sidewalk is again lifting. She urged removal of the tree. Eric Whang stated that the damage was caused the tree and that anyone looking at the tree would know this immediately. He stated that the cones that drop from the tree are safety hazards. • Jan Vandersloot, Tree Spon Committee, stated that he was surprised that the City had settled a claim and that the Commission should look at the Risk Manager's role in deciding these issues. He stated that this tree should not be removed as the City has not provided treatment to alleviate any damage. Discussion ensued regarding the settlement that was paid in January. Chair Skoro closed the public hearing Motion by Commission Franklin - to deny the request for the removal of one City Magnolia tree by Eric £z Marcella Whang, 306 Fernleaf Avenue. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Allen, Franklin, Macfarland, Pfaff, Skoro Nays: Beek 8. Tree Removal - Director Niederhaus stated that Susan DiFonzo, has requested the removal of one City Ficus parkway street tree at 404 Morning Star Lane. He stated that the request does meet the minimum requirements of the G -1 Policy of repeated public /private damage. Chair Skoro opened the public hearing • Susan DiFonzo, stated that the damage is from the tree and continues to damage their property along with their neighbors. She stated that the receipts are from their neighbor. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting March 6, 2001 . Page 7 Jan Vandersloot, Tree Spon Committee, asked that that the Commission follow the staffs recommendation and that cleaning out sewers does not constitute private damage. Motion by Commissioner Macfarland - to deny the request for the removal of one City Ficus parkway street tree by Susan DiFonzo at 404 Morning Star Lane. Motion carried by acclamation. 9. City Council Policy 1 -2 - Manager McGuire stated that the revision was basically a clean up issue. Motion by Commissioner Pfaff to approve revision of Council Policy 1 -2 — Instructional Recreation Activities. Motion carried by acclamation 10. Resort from Representative of the Ad Hoc Committee for an Arts ft Education Center - Commissioner Allen stated that the City Council will meet on March 13 to decide whether there is an interest of an Arts Et Education Center at the Newport Village site. She stated that at the Committee Meeting today, Chair Bromberg made a list of the "for and against' and would so inform the Council at their meeting. She stated that should • there not be an interest for the Center then the Committee would be disbanded. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of a passive park. Motion by Commission Franklin that a letter be forward the City Council reiterating their position for a passive park at the Newport Village site and that the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission oppose a feasibility study for an Arts Et Education Center. Motion carried by acclamation. 11. Committee Reports • Budget - Commissioner Pfaff reported earlier under item 6. • Castaways Park - Nothing to report. • Park Development - Nothing to report. • Recreation li Open Space Element - Met on February 26 and reviewed the areas of the Element that will need updates. • Recreation Services - Nothing to report. • Seniors - Nothing to report. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT - 9::55pm n Submitted byjt,t (A e!4 • Teri Craig, Admin Assistant