Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/25/2003 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Council Minutes Study Session March 25, 2003 - 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Heffernan, Ridgeway, Adams (arrived at 4:10 p.m.), Webb, Nichols, Mayor Bromberg Absent: Proctor CURRENT BUSINESS 1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR. Regarding Item 7 (Grant Agreement with the California State Library), Council Member Heffernan asked if there is a deadline to start and complete the construction. He also requested clarification about the contingency in Section 10 and asked whether the economic times could affect the State's ability to uphold the grant. Regarding Item ra (Playground Equipment Purchase), Council Member Nichols believed that the playground project at the Grant Howald Park was completed. City Manager Bludau reported that the swings that are currently there are for a different age group, but this project is for younger children. 2. CORONA DEL MAR STATE BEACH IMPROVEMENTS. Assistant City Manager Kiff reported that the Corona del Mar (CdM) State Beach is a California State Park owned facility that is operated by the City and stated that the City has an operating agreement with them that expires in 2035. He indicated that some of the structures that were built from 1950 to 1970 were taken down recently because concrete pieces were falling off them. He stated that the City applied for and received about $480,000 in Proposition 12 grants. Further, $1 million from the American Trader Oil Spill Settlement has been directed to this project. He indicated that the consultants think the City will need about $1.7 million to complete the project as envisioned. Mr. Kiff reported that a survey was mailed October 2001 to everyone living coastward of Coast Highway. He stated that about 180 responses were received back which generally indicated that they do not want a full- service restaurant there. He added that they also met with City personnel who use the facility to determine their ideas and constraints, received input from Council Member Nichols, and presented the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission (PB &R) with a similar presentation on March 4. He indicated that they held a noticed public workshop on March 10. He reported that they would like Council's input on the design concepts and will be coming back to PB &R and Council in May for concept approval. He stated that people can find out more information on the City's website (www.city.newport - beach.ca.us) under "general information', then "Corona del Mar State Beach ". He added that there is also an email link to send comments. Volume 56 - Page 42 INDEX CdM Beach Improvements (62) City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 INDEX Roberta Jorgensen, Robbins Jorgensen Christopher, stated that the process so far has involved a lot of listening which they have tried to incorporate into an early concept. She stated that they will be asking Council for comments and recommendations since they have more ideas than money, and also requested Council's help in prioritizing the project. She utilized a PowerPoint presentation and highlighted the design objectives. She noted that they have not designed any architecture at this point. She reported that, after the public workshops, it was decided to set aside consideration of changing the number or size of the fire pits and relocating the volleyball courts since important decisions needed to be made first. She stated that they are recommending that those decisions be addressed separately so they do not hold up the project. She added that there is an issue with the Coastal Commission and their view of what is important for fire pits and volleyball courts that also needs to be discussed in a separate discussion. She stated that they do not assume the beach will become less popular or be used to any greater degree than it is today since this is mostly controlled by parking and they are not changing the number of parking spaces. Ms. Jorgensen utilized aerials to show the existing beach facilities and proposed facilities. She stated that the existing building is about 4,000 square feet, but the current proposal is for a 4,597 square foot building. She indicated that the shade structures that were falling apart were about 5,000 square feet, but they are proposing a smaller structure that will probably be attached to the building around the restrooms. She stated that the lineal frontage is currently 215 feet, but it would be half that in the proposed scheme. She noted that the paving and walkways do not include parking, and added that they are proposing to increase the landscaped area. Ms. Jorgensen highlighted the square footages for the proposed restrooms, lifeguard substation, the Marine Life Refuse Supervisor's office, tidepool storage, and concessions building. Jason Briscoe, Robbins Jorgensen Christopher, reiterated that they have held several meetings and workshops to present a number of schemes. He stated that one of the comments they have heard is that the grass area is a precious area, is used by the kids when they tour the tidepools, and people like to use it when they are at the beach. He indicated that their plan takes the limited grass area and spreads it out across the beachfront. He noted that there is a fair amount of raised planters that are not accessible, so they are proposing to use those areas for lawn -grade turf. He added that the current sidewalk along the beach is narrow and there is an ankle -high wall that is falling down, but the proposed walkway will be wider, have varying widths, can accommodate more people, and the grass area can function as a staging area for the tidepool groups. Mr. Briscoe reported that they are proposing to relocate many of the existing trees and add a few new palms. He stated that the two side buildings would have restrooms and outside showers, and the building in the center will house the lifeguard station and the concession area with a small tower. He added that they also envision integrating shade structures with the concessions area. He noted that, in one of the schemes, the lifeguard facilities are modular so it can be brought down for seasonal use. He stated that this will reduce the number of permanent buildings on the site to preserve views. Mr. Briscoe stated that the reconfigured entry drive is being proposed due to public safety issues. He believed that the benefit of moving the parking attendant south is that the queuing space will be increased and some of the traffic problems will be eliminated as best as possible. Further, the intersection will be cleaned up so the permanent residents have a much easier time. Ms. Jorgensen added that Volume 56 - Page 43 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 1100 cost information is included in the PowerPoint presentation. Bruce Schweitzer stated that he has played volleyball at CdM for about 20 years. He indicated that the problem with the fire pits is that the smoke travels from left to right. He believed that Scheme C is the best option since it moves the volleyball courts to the end of the beach. He indicated that volleyballs can get lost over the seawall if they are situated near it. Gordon Kilmer stated that he has been the concessionaire at CdM for many years. He believed that two restrooms are necessary and that two concession areas probably are too. He indicated that there is tremendous pressure during the summer weekends and stated that it needs to be safe. Laura Dietz stated that she attended the March 10 unveiling of the proposed changes. She indicated that she is pleased with the proposal; however, expressed concern about public safety, noting that there was a sexual assault in the women's facility sometime within the last two years. She stated that the design can be an impediment and asked for some consideration for safety be implemented in the design. Council Member Nichols believed that the original concept has many advantages over the proposal. He indicated that people believe that a larger staging area for cars will create traffic problems and suggested having a shorter staging area. He stated that the beach has been developed over 40 years into its current configuration and has been worked on by the various groups, believing that it has worked out well. He indicated that he does not believe that there is any statistical evidence or a reason for a lifeguard tower that will block the views of all the homes in the lower area. Further, there are three lifeguard stations for only 1/3 of a mile of beach and there is no bad surf or reason for that many lifeguard stations. He indicated that the original configuration with changing rooms makes sense. He noted that 70% of the people responding want things to stay basically the same and stated that the City needs to listen. Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway believed that this is an opportunity for master planning. He indicated that there is a problem with balancing the interests of tourists and the neighborhoods. He noted that the winds generally move westerly and asked that this be taken into consideration when looking at the operational aspects of the project. He added that nice fascia is appropriate for the architecture. Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway stated that the City should look at Huntington Beach's restroom spacing and its concessionaires. He expressed his support for lifeguard presence and the building, adding that it is critical to this beach because of the amount of use it gets. Regarding the parking lot, he stated that it is completely asphalted and suggested that islands be installed and more palm trees be planted to soften it, similar to the Balboa Pier. Council Member Adams asked why changing rooms are not being recommended and why there is no increase in the size of the men's restrooms. He indicated that he likes the increase in the lawn area and agreed with the lifeguard presence. Ms. Jorgensen stated that they worked on the restroom count with staff, but they can revisit it. She added that they did not receive comments that changing rooms were still in demand. Volume 56 - Page 44 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 Council Member Heffernan asked what the revenue and expenses are for the site, how many users there were last year, and whether there is potential for having a temporary double parking kiosk so twice as many people can be assisted or divert them into the two parking fields. 3. PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFFING LEVELS. Planning Director Temple reported that, as a supplemental request, the Planning Department requested two additional positions. She stated that Council discussed this and concurred that additional staff should be considered. She indicated that this occurred in association with a discussion about reforming their fee schedule to improve the department's cost recovery for services. She reported that the fee resolution was amended and new fees were enacted. She requested that Council now consider adding an Associate Planner and Assistant Planner to the department's budget. City Manager Bludau recommended that Council authorize both positions, but only fill one position at this time due to State budget issues and since this is a tighter budget year. Mayor Bromberg indicated that the City applauds itself for providing the best service even though it costs more. He believed that the department is already stretched thin and asked how desperate the City is for the two positions. He stated that, if the City is desperate, this should be done now. Mr. Bludau believed that the City is desperate for one position and could really use the second. He stated that it is always a balance to provide a high level of service, especially when money is tight. Mayor Bromberg noted that the staff report indicates that there are many required services that the City is unable to perform or perform as timely as it wants to, and asked if one staff person would cure this problem. Planning Director Temple indicated that the Mayor is referring to legal mandates that they are not currently fulfilling, i.e. monitoring development agreements, affordable housing contracts, and the new Housing Element. She believed that it would be very difficult to start doing these things without the second person; however, no one has gotten upset with the City yet for not doing some of those things. She believed that it has been four years since the development agreements have been monitored, even though it requires yearly monitoring reports. Mayor Bromberg indicated that he is in favor of staffing both positions. Council Member Adams stated that he is opposed to adding permanent staff at this time. He indicated that he would like to see an estimate of what the manpower needs are going to be over the next 10 to 20 years. He stated that, if it can be demonstrated that there is a sustained need for additional staff, he would consider supporting it. He indicated that, if this is something that is related to Newport Coast and is short term, he believed that the City should look at contracting out these positions and bringing in a full-time, in -house contracted service. He noted that it is nearly impossible to let someone go from the public sector and there is long term medical and retirement benefits involved. He believed that you can find someone quicker and get a higher quality employee by using a contract service. Mr. Bludau indicated that they did not consider contracting out this service, but Ms. Temple told him that it seems like the Planning Department projects have been more complex as time goes on. He agreed that some of the planning services can be easily contracted Volume 56 - Page 45 INDEX Planning Department Staffing Levels (66) City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 out; however, it would cost the City more money to do this for day -to -day services. He believed that, in the long term, there will be turnover since people will retire or accept other positions elsewhere. He stated that a position could be frozen or eliminated at that time. Ms. Temple reported that they use contractors for many planning activities, like Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) management, Business Improvement District (BID) administration, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews. Further, they have used contract staff consistently for the last four years, but it has gotten to the point where they are basically full-time people and the work is not going away. She indicated that she would not have come before Council if she did not think it was long term. She stated that the workload is sustaining and is much more difficult and complex. Further, the administration of local zoning regulations is so peculiar and unique to each community that it is better to have staff that is trained for this. Council Member Webb stated that it appears to him that, every time the City tweaks ordinances or zoning codes, more requirements are added that staff has to figure out. He believed that the Planning staff has worked diligently to try to provide the services needed and that they deserve to have what is necessary to implement all the rules and regulations that Council sets. Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway stated that he will support the request since he thought this was overdue when he was on the Planning Commission. He reported that, since 1995, the permit valuation has consistently been over $200 million, except for one year. He indicated that a number of citizens have complained about service here, but he has seen Planners working until late, there are a number of projects moving forward throughout the City, and they have projects being delayed. He agreed that the complexity of the codes and coordination between the Planning, Building, and Public Works Departments has increased. Further, there is a greater responsibility since the process has been streamlined, but there still needs to be a project coordinator. He believed that there will not be any decreases in the amount of modifications and /or remodels in the City. He suggested that Council visit the Planning Department to see their workload because they are overworked. He added that the positions pay for themselves. Mayor Bromberg directed staff to place a budget amendment on the City Council agenda to add two positions in the Planning Department with options for Council consideration. 4. STATUS OF CASTAWAYS PARK REVEGETATION PROJECT, General Services Director Niederhaus distributed copies of the PowerPoint presentation and reported that, at a previous Council meeting, Council Member Webb asked if there was the possibility for dual use of Castaways Park to have ornamental turf in the center with permanent irrigation to allow for more active use of the park. He introduced Park and Tree Superintendent Lomelli and Park Maintenance Supervisory Kearns, and stated that 8 of the 12 members of the Castaways Park Advisory Committee are in attendance. He reported that this area is a remnant of the historic upland habitat, is a 17 acre parcel, is part of a park system that includes Bob Henry Park, is supposed to be planted with native plants, at a cost of about $230,000, and was brought before Council about Volume 56 - Page 46 INDEX Castaways Park Revegetation (62) City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 INDEX a year ago for final approval before acceptance of a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC). He reviewed the history of the lot, noting that The Irvine Company developed the Castaways residential area in 1997 and transferred the park area to the City as part of the Circulation Improvement/Open Space (CIOSA) agreement. Further, in June 1998, the City dedicated the park as a natural park and the improvements included planting native plants around the perimeter, fencing, and trails. He stated that the Castaways Park was also the site of native plantings in 1999 and 2000, and that more improvements have been done mainly through donations. Mr. Niederhaus utilized an aerial and reported that Phase 1 is the location in which the turf grass is being proposed. He stated that, if it was turned into ornamental turf, it would be about 2.5 acres and cost about $50,000 to install turf and a permanent irrigation system. He noted that the area between the trail and the houses is a fuel modification zone and would be planted in native plants that are on the Fire Marshal's list. He stated that Phase 2 has up to eight sub -areas with different plantings. Mr. Niederhaus reported that they would install signs, displays, and borders in certain areas of the park to keep visitors from trampling the native plants in the pathways. He added that the City would need to use an ecologist to monitor and maintain the revegetation for three years, noting that the CCC agreement is for 20 years and commenced last year. He highlighted the committee's composition and reported that their objectives were to preserve the area as a natural park, restore the park to a self - sustaining ecological site, and obtain grants to pay for the restoration. He noted that the grant was issued in 2000 after the committee developed the revegetation plan that was brought before the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission (PB &R) and had a cost of about $230,000. He indicated that PB &R unanimously agreed to proceed with the grant application in June 2000 and the CCC approved the plan and authorized $99,600 in May 2002. He reported that Council approved a resolution directing staff to proceed in June 2002, and appropriated $75,000 from the current capital improvement budget to initiate the project. He added that the Nature Conservancy will soon confirm in writing its $55,400 share. He reviewed the grant requirements as outlined in the PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Niederhaus displayed photos of the existing conditions. He noted that the revegetation plan will be implemented in two phases and involves the removal of existing non - native plant species. He also displayed a list of sample plant palettes for the fuel modification area and the area along Dover Drive. He indicated that the committee believes that, if the City decided to plant non- native turf or ornamental turf, it would lose the grant funds from the CCC and the Nature Conservancy. Mr. Niederhaus reported that they had hoped to bring the implementation plan before Council in May 2003 for Phase 1, start Phase 1 in June, start Phase 2 in the fall, and complete the project by March 2004. In response to Council Member Nichols' question, Mr. Niederhaus indicated that Bob Henry Park is about 4.7 acres. He stated that it is the opinion of staff and many committee members that installing ornamental turf could make the project fall out of the CCC guidelines. Council Member Nichols believed that the City used to have a park ordinance that said that all parks had to be usable and suggested that there be a better balance. Mr. Niederhaus reported that Volume 56 - Page 47 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 INDEX Castaways Fark is designated as a natural park in all City documents. Council Member Webb asked if the ecologist is included in the $230,000 estimate. Mr. Niederhaus indicated that it was not but believed that they could compare the ecologist's cost with the planting contractor since the agreement allows for one or the other. He added that he believed that having a contractor in the business who planted the plants and has an interest in their survival may be more economical, but he currently does not have a cost for this. Council Member Webb noted that the park is supposed to have trails but there would be no ability to run through the area or utilize the area except on the trails. Mr. Niederhaus concurred that there will be limited use in that area to protect the native plants since they are very fragile the first three years. He added that there would be regulatory signs asking that people not walk through the native plantings, plus there will be a demonstration area near the drinking fountain that will have all the species and description of what they are. Council Member Webb stated that he has had a number of people ask him why there could not be a grassy turf area that would make Castaways Park more usable for the public. He reported that the City originally spent $900,000, of which $450,000 was from CIOSA funds; the site is 17 acres which is probably worth $1 million per acre; and the agreement with CCC puts strict requirements on the City for 20 years to not do anything to the park except maintain the natural growth. He expressed concern that the City is giving up a lot for a relatively small sum of money. He believed that, if the City moves forward, there ought to be a way to come up with a compromise to have some grassy areas. He stated that he does not know why the entire site needs to be a natural habitat area and why the City could not use 1.5 or 2 acres for a grassy area. Further, he indicated that he is not aware of any significant outreach program to get public input of what the surrounding neighborhood would like to have, other than having a hearing before PB &R and having Council approve the agreement and grant application. Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway stated that he would support an outreach to discuss whether some type of sod grass can be implemented into the overall plan for natural vegetation. He noted that he also supports the natural vegetation, but pointed out that the park is 17 acres of natural vegetation. He reported that, in the last couple of years, trees have been dedicated in the park that he does not believe are indigenes to the area, and questioned whether the spirit of the open space has already been violated because of this. He stated that he would support discussing a modified plan with the CCC so the City is not limited for 20 years. Mr. Niederhaus clarified that the coastal oak and the white alder trees are native to the area but normally do not grow this close to the coast. In response to Mayor Bromberg's question, Mr. Niederhaus reported that Castaways Park was designated a "natural park' in 1998 by Council. Further, it was designated as a natural park in the negative declaration that was done a year ago in association with the Local Coastal Plan (LCP). Mayor Bromberg stated that, if a natural park excludes the ornamental turf, the City may need to stick to what it initially agreed to. However, if a natural park provides for a greenbelt, then he would be okay with it. Volume 56 - Page 48 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 Iiu17 Mr. Bludau stated that it is up to Council to decide how much worth to give the CCC grant. However, he believed that the CCC would not fund the City any time in the future if it changed its direction on how the park should be developed and gave back the money. Mr. Niederhaus added that doing this would also alienate the Nature Conservancy and reminded Council that the City still has Newport Village and Bayview Landing as possibilities where grant applications may be submitted for native plantings. Elaine Linho£f believed that the current plan is a wonderful plan and that the goals for the park are terrific. She noted that most of the parks in the City have mowed turf that needs to be irrigated, and believed that there is room in the City for one natural park, especially since the City may be facing a shrinking budget and a water shortage. She asked if people can walk on the native grass once it is established. Mr. Niederhaus confirmed with Mr. Lomelli that this is possible after two to three years. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway's question, Mr. Niederhaus confirmed that maintenance is involved with natural grass at a cost of about $20,000 a year. He clarified that, of the 17 acres of park, the 4.7 acres of flat area in the center compares favorably to the 5 acres at Bob Henry Park. He stated that the remaining 12 acres is terrain that is not useful. Allan Beek stated that there are many lawns in the City and that the decision was made several years ago to make Castaways Park the one place where people can see what the native grass in California was like before it was paved over. He noted that people can still fly kites, run, and have picnics once the native grasses are established. He stated that he supports having a neighborhood outreach to find out bow they want Castaways Park to be utilized and developed, believing that the original design went forward without having this. He added that the remote control glider hobbyists were driven out with this design and stated that this should be reconsidered. Further, the decision to discourage or close off the footpaths that appear spontaneously across the park is a mistake. He suggested that the area immediately to the left of Phase 1 also be planted with native grasses since it is flat. Council Member Webb believed that the eucalyptus trees would be removed after four or five years and asked Mr. Beek if he was supportive of their removal to have some other type of tree that would not be as big. Mr. Beek indicated that he is impartial on this issue. Jan Debay stated that she was seated on Council in 1998 when there was a discussion about grass in the area. She noted that, with asphalt trails, the City does not really have a natural park and that the precedence has been set for some kind of compromise because of the presence of the asphalt. She stated that she would like to see Council Member Webb's suggestion carried out. She added that the trails make access wonderful for mother's pushing strollers and wheelchairs, and for the times when you want to spend quiet time when you make it to the edge of the park. She stated that people can go to the Back Bay if they want to see California the way it was before it was paved over. She added that she would also like to see some kind of study done. She suggested that the picnic tables be installed in the grass area to make it a "passive, with a little action park ". Volume 56 - Page 49 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 INDEX Bo Glover, Executive Director of the Environmental Nature Center, stated that he was asked to chair the Castaways Park Advisory Committee four years ago to develop the park as a natural park. He explained that a "natural park" is a passive -use park that contains native, indigenes, and naturally occurring flora and fauna. Further, recreational pursuits in a natural park include walking, hiking, running, and nature observation. He indicated that he does not know the source of this definition, but it was the definition that was used by the committee and submitted to the CCC for the grant. He noted that he has been the direct contact to the CCC for a lot of the grant preparation. He reported that it is true that the CCC does not fund turf grass and will pull its funding from the project if turf grass is implemented; however, he believed that 2.5 acres may be negotiated. He stated that any turf that is put into the park cannot be paid for with the $225,000 that has been committed to the project. Council Member Webb clarified that it was not his intent to use the grant to pay for the turf grass. Mr. Glover expressed concern about future funding since a CCC representative stated that, "The City of Newport Beach would not be looked upon very highly by the Board of Directors." Mike Evans, owner of Tree of Life Nursery, stated that he has been a member of the committee since its inception. He noted that his nursery has participated in many southland projects to provide native plants for jobs like this, but that he has no stake in the installation, maintenance, monitoring, or any of the work except to possibly supply plants to the contractor. He believed that the City would be giving up a lot if a turf -mowed lawn was planted. He agreed that this type of lawn is abundant in Southern California, and that this would be a great statement for the City to stick to the plan. He stated that he does not believe that the combination of turf use and passive use would be compatible. He added that the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) is initiating a huge campaign to endorse the planting of California native plants throughout its service district and will provide funds to cities in order to remove turf grass to plant native plants. He noted that the CEO of MWD is even planting natural plants at his home. Regarding the oak and alder trees, Mr. Evans stated that those were planted before the master plan was created so they do not count. Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway clarified that the trees were planted after the master plan was developed. Mr. Evans encouraged everyone to visit the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden in Claremont which is a garden dedicated to California native plants or see the meadow at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Further, he noted that the project is already behind schedule because the plants need to be installed during the cool season. He stated that he endorses having picnic tables. He pointed out that turf requires irrigation and feeding, creates runoff, creates noise from the mowers, and the clippings would need to be hauled to a landfill, compared to a self - sustaining park that was already approved by Council. Mr. Evans explained that "grassland" includes flowering plants and grass species to form a meadow that can be explored via paths throughout the flat area. He added that people can walk on native grass. He confirmed that, if the native grass is left without any supplemental irrigation, it will be green during the rainy season and brown during summer. He noted that this plan includes supplemental irrigation on the flat parts to keep the native meadow /grassland greener and prettier during the summer. He confirmed that the natural grass is about 12 inches long and is not normally mowed and stated that the picnic table Volume 56 - Page 50 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 INDEX areas would have to be cleared and decomposed granite or a low ground cover would need to be used underneath the tables. Coralee Newman stated that she is before Council with some of her neighbors, Elizabeth Parkinson and Maggie Hayes, who support a natural park, but would like a portion of it to be a playable, usable area for families and children. She believed that the park would get more use than what the native grasslands would provide. She stated that everyone in Newport Heights are very supportive of the Environmental Nature Center, have volunteered there, and their children have participated as volunteers. She believed that the Center is the statement of what a California native habitat looks like and stated that children from all over the County go to the Center to see this type of environment. Ms. Newman expressed hope that Council will agree to have some type of community outreach with the Castaways, Cliff Haven, Newport Heights, and Bayshores neighborhoods. She stated that she agrees with Mr. Beek that people should use the existing paths and continue to use them in the way they have historically been used. She noted that this is a 17 acre park in one of the most prestigious places in the City and believed that there should be a compromise between a natural park and a park that can be used by the community at large. Val Skoro stated that he was on the committee and they did not formally have an outreach program. He stated that he would like to see the park made more user - friendly by adding picnic tables and some type of turf. He added that, when you sit on the benches that are currently there, you cannot see the magnificent view and asked if viewing spots can be added that can enhance the ambience. Regarding maintenance, he believed that the City probably does not want to undermine the grant requirements. He stated that someone told him that the park has an elitist view, but believed that a park should be for the City at large. He commended Dr. Vandersloot for all the work he has done in the park and Mr. Glover for getting the grants. Jack Keating, President of the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends, stated that they operate at the Upper Newport Bay. He indicated that a major part of the mission is to restore and preserve the native habitat of the Upper Newport Bay and its surroundings. He stated that they educate people about restoring as much of the habitat as they can in this area to a native state. He expressed their support of Mr. Glover's work and all those speaking in favor of keeping the park in a natural state. He agreed with Mr. Skoro that the view is beautiful and that he would like to see picnic tables there. Dr. Jan Vandersloot stated that he has been involved with the Castaways Park issue since 1987. He indicated that he believes that there has been public outreach, noting that they spent several years in the mid -1990s discussing iterations of the park. He believed that one of the reasons that the public is looking to change the park to include turf grass is because the central park does not appear as pretty as it did when it was first planted in 1998 and contributed this to the premature withdrawal of the temporary irrigation system and three subsequent years of drought. He suggested that the City follow CCC's revegetation plan and correctly replant the area with native grass and keep the irrigation system until the grass is restored. He believed that turf grass can be creatively planted in Area 7 near the benches and be intertwined with the Volume 56 - Page 51 City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 native wildflowers. He added that this may be accomplished within the parameters of the CCC grant so the City would not lose it. However, if the City tried to put turf in the central 2.5 acres, the CCC would pull its grant money and the City would be jeopardizing any future CCC funding opportunities. Dr. Vandersloot agreed that the City should stay with what was agreed to. He asked that the City give the area a chance since the funding is in place. Don Thomas stated that he frequently uses Castaways Park and that he was pleased when the City was able to obtain the view site when it developed the Castaway homes. He indicated that saltbush was planted the entire length of the view corridor in front of the homes, but believed that having saltbush is like having a four foot high concrete wall between you and the view of the water since your view is obstructed when you walk through the park. He stated that he attended a committee meeting several months ago in which they said they were going to reseed or replant the area and remove the saltbush, but no one has mentioned that tonight. He emphasized that views are what Newport Beach is all about, but little children cannot see through the saltbush to see the water. He expressed his support of a lawn area in the center area, noting that the point is a small area and families cannot use it because they would be on top of each other. He explained that there are so many lawns in the City because people like grass since it is user - friendly. He stated that one of the reasons people said to keep the saltbush was to keep people from going across the fence to the edge of the bluff on the Fourth of July. He asked how much it costs the City to keep the saltbush trimmed and hauled off compared to having a security guard on site once a year. Council Member Webb reported that the work plan for Area 2 along the bluff does state that they would eradicate two - thirds of the saltbush. Mr. Niederhaus added that all of the saltbush from the top of the bluff to the base will be removed because it is a major maintenance expense for the City. Mr. Bludau suggested having City staff get together with the CCC to explore options that would not hurt the funding grant. Mayor Bromberg agreed and suggested including Mr. Glover in the discussions. Mr. Bludau noted that the CCC does not fund big grants but has about $400 to $500 million of Proposition 50 and Proposition 40 water quality and habitat restoration money available. He stated that the City will be going to them to fund the Big Canyon project which will be about $3 million. Mayor Bromberg requested that staff find out if an outreach program happened. He noted that the project is supposed to start in June but believed that an outreach program would not be unreasonable. He asked if the City violated the Council decision from 1998 when it planted trees and installed asphalt walkways in the park. Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway stated that he respects all the speakers and believed that Dr. Vandersloot's idea about the grass and picnic tables has merit. He added that he also supports Mr. Bludau's suggestion to meet with the CCC and to include Mr. Glover and Council Member Webb in the discussions to reach a compromise. He stated that an outreach would also be appropriate. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. Volume 56 - Page 52 INDEX City of Newport Beach Study Session Minutes March 25, 2003 ADJOURNMENT - at 6:10 p.m The agenda for the Study Session was posted on March 19, 2003, at 2:15 p.m on the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach Administration Building. Recordi Secreta Mayor City Clerk Volume 56 - Page 53 INDEX