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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/10/1989 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission January 10, 1989 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. , INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Mark Deven, Recreation Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to Order Call to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:03 P.M. Item #2 - Rol'1 Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, Grant, Herberts, ! j Konwiser, Springer,'Taft and Vandervort were present. Item #.3 - Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes Commissioner Grant recommended paragraph 5 under'Item #8, Proposed Capital Projects FY 1989 -90, read as follows: "Commissioner Grant suggested a Study on Mouth of Big Canyon for $10,000 and $25,000 for updating the Recreation and Open Space Element be added to the list." Commissioner Springer moved the minutes of the December 6, 1988 meeting be approved with this correction. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Status of West Bay County Regional Park. II. PRESENTATION OF YOUTH FOOTBALL AWARDS Chair Konwiser referred to the well maintained City facilities used by the youth and congratulated the three flag football teams that represented Newport Beach in the Orange County tournament. Those teams were Division "C" (3rd -4th grades) from Andersen School, Division "B" (5th -6th grades) from Harbor View School, and Division "A" (7th -8th grades) from Newport Beach School. ' Chair Konwiser then called upon each player to receive his award which Commissioner Herberts presented. After group 3 pictures we're taken, Chair Konwiser spoke of the hard work involved to become a winner and thanked the parents for their support. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX III. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Night Lighting at Bonita Creek Park Night Lighting at Director Whitley reported there was an opportunity at the Bonita December 6, 1988 meeting for the Commission to hear from Creek Park• residents on this matter. The item was continued so that staff could study the issue in depth and suggest solutions to help solve the ambient light problem. Staff's recom- mendations are to (1) Terminate play at-a reasonable time, i.e., no new softball inning will begin after 10:00 P.M.; and (2) Consult with the original electrical engineer to provide shields that will reduce the ambient lighting. Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to'Public Testimony. Mr. James Okuley, 4299 MacArthur, addressed the Commission. Mr. Okuley, attorney representing the homeowners, referred to the recommendations and questioned who'determines the end of an inning; and that this would not solve the problem since games may well progress after 10:30 P.M. He would like an ultimate cut off time. He also questioned when the shields would be installed and asked that a time frame be implemented. Director Whitley responded to Mr. Okuley's concerns and stated the umpire has the authority to end an inning. Since most softball innings end quickly, i.e., an inning usually lasts 4 -5 minutes at the most, lights would be . out by 10:15 P.M. Regarding the time frame for the shields, Director Whitley explained the electrical engineer would have to be consulted and he expected they could be installed in about 60 days. Mr. Buddy Cox, 2613 Mesa Drive, Santa Ana, addressed the Commission. He voiced his concerns about budgets, estimates and bids for the shields. He recommended the homeowners be notified as to what is transpiring. He also questioned the authority of the umpires. Chair Konwiser explained that the City will be installing and paying for the shields. Umpires are hired and have the authority to end an inning, or game. Patricia Cox, 2612 Mesa Drive, Santa Ana, addressed the Commission. She stated that, although it has been quiet the past month due to suspended play during the holidays, she is still concerned about the lighting problems. r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Vandervort pointed out she participates in the program and games are usually always-on schedule. Should a problem arise, the "mercy rule" can be applied and games terminated. Mike Baginski, 138 Topaz, addressed the Commission and recommended the lights go off at 10:00 P.M. so that.the games end at 10:00 P.M. Joseph Bulwa., 3184 Corte Hermosa, addressed the Commission. Mr. Bulwa stated the lights often stay on after the games end and that there are basketball players on the basketball court sometimes until 1:00 A.M. He also voiced his concern over the loudspeaker. Mark Deven explained the exit lighting system which is activated when the game lights go out, and they are off after about 15 -20 minutes. An umpire and staff member will also assure that the lights go off in a timely manner. Regarding the basketball court, the only light available would be the walkway light which is not enough by which to play. The Department, however, will check this out and post the court. Referring to the loud speaker, this would have occurred without City approval.. Mindy Miller, 24 Cormorant Circle, addressed the Commission. She stated she lives about a mile away and the lights are still blinding. Victor Larsen, 1629 White Oak, addressed the Commission. He stated he felt the new park is great and is enjoyed by many people. He said he plays softball and feels the lights in their present state are not bright enough to catch in the outfield. Dan Rabun, 3130 Corte Hermosa, addressed the Commission and asked why this particular park has lights. Chair Konwiser explained that there were years of planning that preceded the park and the lights were always part of the original plan. Local residents were so informed when they purchased their homes. Chair Konwiser also stated that, although there may have been abuses of the lighting system in the past, the Commission's decisions to help alleviate the problems will be strictly enforced. Public Testimony was closed by Chair Konwiser. 5 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers . 7 ,p.m. INDEX Commissioner Vandervort questioned the direction of the lights and Director Whitley explained that lighting athletic fields is a precise science by the electrical engineer to provide a certain amount of candlepower on a consistent light pattern. The only lights that will be on all the time will be those on the walkways for safety reasons. Commissioner Grant suggested Recommendation #1 include "No new batters shall come to the plate after 10:30 P.M." and that "if it does not endanger users of the facilities" be added to Recommendation #2. Commissioner Springer stated she appreciated everyone coming to the meeting and that she favors the recommenda- tions as presented. Should they not work out satisfactorily, the Commission-can review the matter again. Chair Konwiser agreed and said he felt the recommendations are excellent I compromises. The issue can be brought before the Commission for further consideration if this is not workable. Commissioner Vandervort asked if the rules are published and would be given to the players. Mark Deven explained the Department has invoked the rules for winter softball which commences January 20. Motion x Commissioner Herberts moved to accept Recommendations Ayes x x > x x x #1 and #2 as written. Unanimous. Item #6 - San•Miguel Park Handball Courts San Miguel Park Hand - Director Whitley briefly reviewed the request from Brian ball Courts Donovan to remove the handball courts at San Miguel Park. Six or seven years ago there were one or two similar requests but nothing has been received since that time. Chair Konwiser stated he felt the courts are clean, well maintained, and well posted. The closest'home is about 350' away from the courts which should be a sufficient distance. Commissioner Herberts agreed with Chair Konwiser and stated that since the home's are a significant distance l from the courts, she feels there is no justification for removal. Commissioners Taft, Grant and Brenner concurred. Motion x Commissioner Taft moved the handball courts at San Miguel Ayes x x x x x x Park be allowed to remain. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 2 Parks,. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #7 - Closing Time for Beaches Closing Time for Director Whitley reported the City Council has referred Beaches to the Commission a letter from the Central Newport Community Association requesting the beaches be closed at 10:00 P.M. with the exception of the Balboa Pier area. Their request has been supported by the West Newport Beach Association, the Balboa Peninsula Point Association, and Balboa Improvement Association, who have been notified that the Commission will be reviewing the matter this evening. Director-Whitley pointed out that this Department has a minimal role on beach administration since staff does not maintain them nor do they enforce beach rules and regula- tions. • Director Whitley reported that, for the record, a communica- tion was received from Elaine Linhoff, 1716 E. Oceanfront, opposing the 10:00 P.M, closure and from Donna Colombero, 1003 E. Balboa, supporting the 10:00 P.M. closure. Capt. Mike Blitch from the Police Department addressed the Commission and explained the'Department's overlapping shifts, manpower, and enforcement methods. He reviewed the pros and cons of closing the beaches at 10:00 P.M., pointing out that the major problem areas are at the Wedge and both Pier sites. Capt. Blitch explained that the main problem for the Department is to decide which per- ceived problem should receive the most attention. Enforce- ment of enclosure is not a major problem. Chair Konwiser then opened the meeting to Public Testimony., Dayna Pettit, 1741 Plaza del Sur and President of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association, addressed the Commission. She stated that the problems caused by more tourists and traffic could be alleviated by closing the beaches at 10:00 P.M. She thanked the Commission for considering this matter and will ask for a consensus from the homeowners in their forthcoming newsletter. Mr. Bill Schonlau, 408 -A E. Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. He stated the three involved Boards of the ( ) Associations are in unanimous agreement for a 10:00 R.M. closure since they all have the same problems. Noise, traffic and the fact that there are no restrooms contribute to the problems. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mike Baginski, 138 Topaz, addressed the Commission. He felt the beach should'be kept open for all to enjoy and commended the Police Department for doing a good job. Mr. Bill Schonlau, 408 -A E. Oceanfront, addressed the Commission and reported that the three Associations recognize many families enjoy using the beach, therefore, they have recommended excluding the Balboa Pier area where there are firepits from the 10:00 P.M. closing time. Chair Konwiser closed the meeting to public.testimony and discussion by the Commission followed. When asked if the members of the three Associations present were polled, the Commission was informed they were not; those present were representatives at the Boards' request. Commissioner Grant felt that, due to the wide usage of the beach, the enforcement issue, and the fact that the Wedge area is the main problem, the beach rules remain as they are. Commissioner Springer concurred. Commissioner Herberts stated she would vote as the Balboa Peninsula Point Association recommends, i.e., beach closure at 10:00 P.M. with the exception of the Balboa Pier area at midnight. She recommended the community associations poll their members at large and report back to this Commission or the City Council with this informa- tion should they seek an appeal. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out that there are not many places for teenagers to go except the beach and she would not like to see the use of the beach limited to the public. Commissioner Brenner stated she likes the idea of a con - sistent closing and suggested giving the 10:00 P.M. closure time a try and posting this on the City Limits signs. Chair Konwiser noted the beaches are a tremendous asset to the City and he felt it would be unreasonable to i 2 restrict the time to 10:00 P.M. Motion x Commissioner Springer motioned to retain the midnight Seconded x beach closing time. Seconded by Grant. Motion passes. Ayes x x x x Nays x x Abstain x CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Konwiser explained that this decision can be appealed to the City Council if desired. Item #8 - Review of Ordinance Regulating Mechanical Review of Ordinance Blowers Regulating Director Whitley reviewed the letter received from Mr. O.K. Mechanical Englund objecting to mechanical blowers. Mr. Whitley Blowers pointed out that some of Mr. Englund's complaints are justified, however, enforcement of the Ordinance on the Use of Mechanical Blowers is almost impossible. Alterna- tives the Commission should consider are (1) Retain Ordinance 6:04.055.; (2) Change the Ordinance; (3) Ban the Ordinance (which some cities have done.) Motion x Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Vandervort Ayes x x motioned to ban mechanical blowers and use leaf vacuums. Nays X.K x x Motion fails. Ak" in x Commissioner Springer stated she opposed the motion since vacuums are very expensive and most gardeners would not use them. Chair Konwiser pointed out that, although he is in sympathy with the motion, he feels it is not practical at this time. Item #9 - 1989 -90 Proposed Capital Projects Prioritization 1989 -90 Proposed Director Whitley reported the Commission reviewed the Capital proposed capital projects list at their last meeting and Projects the primary purpose at this meeting is to establish a Prioritiza. priority list and add any additional items which will be tion transmitted to the City Manager. Director Whitley reviewed the backup material including Commissioner Grant's form rating various factors in addi- tion to the summary sheet and the form used by Public Works. Discussion ensued concerning,additional items. Commissioner Brenner received a complaint about courts on the Peninsula and Mark Deven advised these are probably private since the City courts at Las Arenas are refurbished on a scheduled basis. CITY 'OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission ,. C1 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Grant referred to the $25,000 he suggested be allocated for an outside consultant to update the Recreation and Open Space Element. Director Whitley explained that this would come out of the Planning Department's budget and he will contact their Director to clarify the matter. Commissioner Grant questioned where the Girls Bobby Sox will play and if this needs to be in the capital budget. Mark Deven explained that, due to the closure of the Lincoln facility for improvements, the Department has picked Irvine Terrace Park as a possible site. However, due to Deed restrictions, the homeowners association must approve and their decision is forthcoming. Chair Konwiser asked about the completion of the sidewalk on the ocean side of Ocean Boulevard and Director Whitley advised this is in the budget. Commissioner Springer asked if there was still an interest y in building a new facility at Mariners Park, and Director Whitley said there was none at this time. She also in- quired if funding should be set aside to purchase land when it becomes available. Since the Commission decided no additional items were to be added to the capital projects list, review of each proposed item followed and the Commission prioritized the list as follows: 1. Park Facility Improvement Fund 2. Corona del Mar High School Olympic Pool 3. West Newport Community Center Refurbishment 4. Safety Mowstrips for Jamboree Road Median 5. Playground Equipment Replacement 6. Mouth of'Big Canyon Master Plan 7. Grant Howald Park Athletic Area Refurbishment and Restroom Replacement 8. Little Corona View Park 9. Eastbluff Park Restroom 0. Oasis Human Services Building 1. Eastbluff Park Walkways Motion ommissioner Vandervort moved the capital projects list as Ar x x x x x rioritized be approved. Unanimous. to CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Motion Ayes arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX, Item #10 - Proposed Commission Community Service Awards Proposed Commission Director Whitley reviewed staff's nominations for those Community worthy of Commission recognition, namely, Jim de Bobm, Service Dave Grant, Tom Deemer, and H. Ross Miller. Awards x There being no additional nominations, Commissioner x x x x x x x Vandervort moved the nominations as presented be approved for Commission Community Service Awards. Unanimous. Item #11 - Review and Recommend Regarding Corona del Mar Review and Olympic Pool Agreement Recommend Regarding Director Whitley passed out and explained the revisions just Corona del received to the proposed Olympic Pool Agreement. The Mar Olympic Agreement is for the Commission's review before being trans- Pool Agree - mitted to the City Council for adoption. He pointed,out ment that we will have 50% usage of the pool which is spelled out in the schedule. The City will have to pay 50% of the utility costs which was not in the original Agreement. During discussion, Commissioner Vandervort recommended that Use of the Pool include the words Monday rough Frid ay on thod. the same lin�uring the school year peri Under City and District Contribution, Commissioner Herberts recommended the land cost be clarified. Under the same item, paragraph 3, Chair Konwiser recommended "at" be changed to "for." x Commissioner Vandervort moved the Commission transmit to the x x x x x City Council that the Agreement be approved with the following proposed amendments: 1. Use of the Pool - Use of the pool during the school year -by the School District be restricted to Monday through Friday. 2. Operation of the Pool - All utility costs to be paid by the School District, as per the original presentation. 3. City and District Contribution - The land be valued between 400,000 - 500,000. 4. City and District Contribution - "At" be changed to ""for" in third paragraph. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX ' IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Comments was addressed following Item #7. Scott Anderson, Jr., 1730 Port Margate Place, addressed the Commission. Mr. Anderson referred to the diseased Pear Trees on Port Margate which he would like replaced with more mature trees as a pilot program for his street. Jack Brooks agreed that the Pear Trees have fire blight for which there is no cure. He also agreed that taller, more mature trees would be suitable for the street. Director Whitley explained that Mr. Anderson's letter was not received in time to be agendized, however, the Street Tree Committee met January 9 to discuss the matter and approved removal and replacement of the diseased trees. He agreed,that it might be beneficial to try a test y program and, should the community like it, then it could be phased with existing funds upon Commission approval. Commissioner Herberts concurred with the replacement trees suggested and recommended the community association be contacted to discuss replacement trees. Mr. Anderson explained that the Association's Board does not want to take a position and he is attempting the demon- stration project on his own accord.as a homeowner. During discussion on designated trees, Jack Brooks pointed out that the designated tree for Port Margate is Cupania, however, this can be changed. Since the Street Tree Committee approved removal and re- placement of the Pear trees-on Port Margate, Chair Konwiser so authorized removal and directed Mr. Anderson to work with staff to pick out one of the three trees he suggested for replacement. Commissioner,HerbertS led discussion about different designated trees for each street, rather than all the same for one large area as in Corona del Mar. Mr. Dan Rabun, 3130 Corte Hermosa, addressed the Commission ! and asked if consideration had been given concerning re- placing the red roof on the Bonita Creek Park building. Director Whitley informed him that there have been some �� complaints about the red roof, however, it was part of the architectural plans to go with the color scheme of the park. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX The Commission felt that at this time it would be too expensive and impractical to replace, although they agreed there.could be a better alternative to what is there. V. DISCUSSION Item #12 - Review of the 1984 Beach Report Review'bf the 1984 Director Whitley reported Commissioner Springer requested thE Beach 1984 Beach Report be included for the Commission's informa- Report tion. Many items have been implemented.by now and the repot clarifies certain beach topics. It also explains other Department responsibilities and how they work together. Item #13 - Commission Committee Reports Commission Committee a. Capital Improvements - Report received and filed. Reports b. Street Tree - Chair Herberts •reported a request was received from Mr. Patrick who objects to a Palm which obstructs his view at the Mariners Point project. This will be addressed at the February 7, 1989 meeting. The unauthorized removal of certain trees which is in violation of the Code Book has been transmitted to the City Attorney for his disposition. A request has been received for the City to apply for Tree City, USA. This will be submitted when more information is obtained. c. Recreation Program - Chair Vandervort reported the committee will meet January 25 at 5:00 P.M. at her home to review the spring program. d. Oceanfront and Beach - Chair Taft reported the committee did not have a formal meeting, however, they have reviewed volleyball problems. e. Budget - Chair Konwiser reported the committee will meet January 27 at 8:15 A.M. in the Director's office. f. Open Space Acquisition Bond - Chair Grant requested the name of the committee be changed to "Open Space t Acquisition." Director Whitley advised input Will be needed from The Irvine Company. A, meeting will be set up inviting Dave Dmohowski from The Irvine Company and two Councilmembers. A CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, 2� 0 *0 \per. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX g. Chair's Report - Chair Konwiser reported he will be out of town during the Commission's February •7, 1989 meeting Item #14 - Commission Liaison Reports Commission Liaison a. Friends of Oasis - Commissioner Brenner reported she is Reports working with Mary Allen of Oasis on the Over 80's Birthday Party. She will be going to the next Board meeting on January 16 and will transmit the Commission's concerns at that time. Commissioner Taft reported he attended the Oasis Christmas Party which was very successful. b. Friends of the Theatre Arts Center - Commissioner Herberts reported she will be attending their meeting on January 11. c. CYC Booster Club - No report. Item #15 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Report received and filed. Item #16 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Report received and filed. Tree Divis Item #17 - Future Agenda Items Future Agenda None. Items VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Vandervort questioned a possible future policy of charging fees to those who walk in the Tidelands area. She suggested the 6 Newport Beach acres in the County park be given to the County only with the proviso that fees be waived for residents. Director Whitley advised the preliminary plan will be re- viewed by this Commission, at which time fees can be addressed. Commissioner Herberts passed out the Planting Ordinance for the Commission's information. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:15 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on January 4, 1989 at 8:30 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Floh , Secretary i )