HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/12/2003 - Study SessionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Minutes
Study Session
August 12, 2003 - 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Ridgeway, Webb, Nichols, Mayor Bromberg
Absent: Heffernan, Proctor, Adams
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. CLARIFICATION OF ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway announced that he would be pulling Item No. 4,
Records Retention Schedule, for discussion.
Council Member Nichols reported that he would be pulling Item No. 10, Pacific
Coast Highway Parkway Improvements, for a report and discussion.
2. DISCUSSION OF CASTAWAYS PARK REVEGETATION PLAN
ALTERNATIVES.
City Manager Bludau reported that General Services Director Niederhaus
would be providing the staff report and will lay out the factual information,
some of the historical information associated with Castaways Park and also a
number of options that are available to the City Council.
Mayor Bromberg reiterated that this is not an action item tonight; however it
will be agendized for a vote in the future.
General Services Director Niederhaus introduced staff members, Marcy Lomeli,
Parks & Tree Maintenance Superintendent, Randy Kearns, Parks Supervisor
and Kevin Pekar, Parks Crew Chief, who have worked on this project.
Mr. Niederhaus distributed copies of the Power Point presentation which he
used to provide his oral staff report and noted that it includes an addendum, the
addition of Option 5.
Mr. Niederhaus reported that this item was on a March 25th City Council Study
Session agenda. At that time staff was asked to look at other alternatives,
possibly some use of ornamental turf. Mr. Niederhaus reviewed the land use
history and noted that the area was previously designated as "Newport" and
there were various uses for it. He noted that the 17 acres was dedicated to the
City as part of a CIOSA Agreement for park purposes and close to $1 million
was spent on improvements (drainage, fencing, and some native planting along
the eastern boundary). In the General Plan Recreation and Open Space
Element, this area is designated as a View Park, which is one of four
classifications. He noted that two small projects in the park have been
completed by volunteers, mainly along Dover Drive and the northwest corner.
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Castaways Park
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The volunteers planted a number of trees and native plants and some irrigation
was installed. In April 1992 the Castaways Park Advisory Committee was
established by the District 3 Council Member. The committee consisted of 12
members from a variety of different disciplines, City staff, and 2 -3 Parks,
Beaches & Recreation (PB &R) Commission members. The committee met for
almost a two year period. Their objectives were to preserve the area as a
natural park and they had an interest in doing this through a committee by
obtaining grants to pay for the restoration. The committee action was to develop
the plan, so they worked with the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC) and the
Nature Conservancy to fund the plan, as well as solicited the City for financial
assistance.
Mr. Niederhaus explained that the project description was to recreate a
remnant of the historical upland habitat by revegetating the 17 -acre park with
native plants, and also to be an educational location for people to see the way
native plants used to be. It also was to be a one of a kind park in southern
California that could be developed so more natural parks could be placed in the
County. The committee also wanted to improve the interior trails with proper
materials in order to guide people through the park. They also wanted to utilize
a qualified restoration ecologist to help the establishment of the plants over the
first three (3) years.
As far as the budget, Mr. Niederhaus explained that there are three (3) funding
agencies with the largest being the CCC. Through an agreement they have
contributed and committed almost $100,000. The City originally set forth
$75,000 in CIP funding to make up the difference in the two grants. The second
grant was with the Nature Conservancy, which was originally $55,400 and
recently was reduced to $50,000. Basically the City has expended $23,600 in the
past six months in order to get this ready to bring back to Council. A
substantial amount of salt bush was removed to prepare the area for less
invasive native plants.
Outlining the history of the CCC grant, Mr. Niederhaus explained that in June
2000 the PB &R Commission agreed to submit a grant application to the CCC,
which was followed by a Negative Declaration, which was a requirement in
order to qualify for the funding. Finally in April 2002 the PB &R Commission
recommended a resolution for City Council to approve the Grant Application
and Revegetation Plan. In May 2002 the CCC approved the Revegetation Plan
and authorized the grant. In June 2002 the City Council adopted a resolution
authorizing staff to accept the grant funds, which was done on June 24, 2002.
In December 2002 a plan design was originated with an amended goal of having
the installation completed by June 2003. On March 25, 2003 the Council
reviewed this item at a Study Session and staff was directed to address the
possible installation of non - native turf in a small portion of the park. During
the months of April — June 2003 staff assessed various options and met with
CCC and the Nature Conservancy to come up with a compromise to have some
non - native grass that would provide an area for recreation. In June 2003 a
public outreach program was started in preparation to take it back to the PB &R
Commission and to City Council. In July 2003 the PB &R Commission rejected
the proposed amendment which included the non - native grasses and voted 5 -0
to install ornamental non - native turf and permanent irrigation in the meadow
area of the park. The PB &R Commission also recommended to the Council that
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the agreements with the CCC and the Nature Conservancv be terminated.
Mr. Niederhaus reviewed the agreement terms of the CCC grant and noted that
the grant funds must be expended by March 2004, since the $99,600 is in a state
appropriation bill and must be paid by then. The 20 year agreement started in
June 2002 and extends through June 2022, with monitoring done by an
ecologist. The City can't interfere or detract from the project purposes, which is
to have a park with native plants and to, maintain the irrigation system and
plants. If the City doesn't do what is agreed to in the document, the City will
have to reimburse the CCC. The funds must be expended in the manner
described in the approved budget and the CCC may disallow part or all of the
costs if not taken through staff for approval. Photos of the existing conditions
were shown — the fuel modification zone and the meadow area viewed from the
south. Mr. Niederhaus reviewed the type of vegetation that can be planted in
the fuel modification zone and the area along Dover Drive.
Mr. Niederhaus explained the options and noted that they basically evolve
around Option 1, which is to continue on with what was agreed upon in the 2002
agreement. This option would require no further action except to bring it back
to the Council, get the plan completed and out to bid, the selection of a
contractor and planting before the end of the year. Option 2 is to amend the
original plan, which was what went to the PB &R Commission, to install native
grass in the central area and would require additional funding by the City
($30,000). Option 3 is to follow through on the PB &R Commission's
recommendation to reject the grants and to install non - native ornamental grass
in the central area with permanent irrigation at a cost of approximately $80,000
- $100,000. Since there is still $46,000 left over from the $75,000, the cost would
be between $45,000 - $60,000. Option 4 is to not install any improvements,
reject the grants and return the budgeted funds to the General Fund. Option 5
was developed after conversations with the City Manager and considers all
native grass and permanent irrigation in the entire central meadow area
(approximately 3 acres) and requires additional funding in the amount of
$100,000 - $124,000. The cost spread is due to the uncertainty of the quantity
and the exact cost of the grass.
Referring to a table in the presentation, Mr. Niederhaus noted that Option 1 is
to proceed with the original plan. The City will receive close to $150,000 in
grant funds and the cost to the City is only about 35% of the project, however
the modified use of the park must be approved by the CCC over a twenty year
period of time. The project cost remains at the original estimate of $230,000.
Option 2 is to amend the CCC agreement and add some amount of native turf.
This option offers a compromise since there is still some recreational use and the
grants can still be accepted and the City can live with an additional cost of
$25,000. The cost of this option would be $255,000.
Option 3 is to install all non - native ornamental grass, which was approved by
the PB &R Commission. This would provide an additional three acres of
recreational use for the City; however the cost increases and the City would be
required to pay for everything and would have to pay increased maintenance
costs. The City would lose $150,000 in grants and the City may compromise the
future potential to obtain grants from the CCC, the Nature Conservancy or
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other similar groups. The City was depending on using Castaways as the initial
point and possibly requesting funding for either Bayview or Newport Village.
With Option 4 where no improvements are made, basically the only cost would
be the money that has already been spent on the project (almost $24,000).
Option 5 is probably the best compromise and the most expensive. The option
provides for native turf in the large meadow and the grant and the vegetation
plan may not be lost. The City's cost would be between $80,000 - $124,000, less
$46,000.
In summary, Mr. Niederhaus explained that staff is not recommending any of
the options, however are just trying to find all the solutions and listen to the
input from the public. He reported that the only piece of correspondence
received since the PB &R Commission meeting was an email from Karen Bane,
CCC staff member, which has been forwarded to the City Council. Her email
was for clarification purposes on the completion deadline of March 2004 and
monitoring and maintenance. Mr. Niederhaus reiterated that staff is looking for
direction on this issue due to the time constraints.
Mr. Niederhaus reported that Mr. Lomeli found a native plant at a turf nursery
in Pomona and took a group to visit the nursery, as well as a meadowland in the
Malibu area. The grass is called meadow sedge and is found from California to
Washington. Showing slides of the grass, he noted that it is best suited for
traffic and has the least amount of maintenance problems. He showed samples
of the unshorn and mowed grass. He indicated that the nursery that Mr. Lomeli
located can provide all the grass to the City. He explained that it is durable in
nature — good for dog runs, children's play areas, etc., which is what the public
is looking for. It is reasonably drought tolerant; however it would require
watering in the hot summer months. The plugs would be planted 12 inches on
center and within 90 days complete grass coverage can be expected.
In response to Mayor Bromberg, Mr. Niederhaus explained that in May & June
the staff noticed all the communities within several miles of Castaways. There
was a fairly good turnout at the PB &R Commission meeting; however they did
not receive significant written response. He stated that the notice indicated
what is being recommended and what the amendment might be. He reiterated
that the only public meeting so far has been the PB &R Commission meeting in
early July, attended by approximately 17 residents.
For clarification purposes, Andrea McGuire, Recreation Superintendent,
reported that Bob Henry Park is used by AYSO and Little League during their
seasons, although it isn't used as heavily as other fields. She noted that there
are games every day from 4:00 p.m. to dark, on Saturdays and sometimes on
Sundays.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway's question, Mr. Niederhaus reported
that 10 -15 people attended the Advisory Committee meetings, and noted that
they represented a variety of interests (plant nursery, technical side, plant
society, and residents from the surrounding areas, in particular Westeliff and
Castaways).
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Vouncil A9.ember Webb stated that the option indicates the cost to be $80,000 -
$120,000 for the sedge meadows. If the grant were to continue to go along with
that, you would add that $50,000 - $120,000 to the grant money and questioned
whether the grant money could be used since the City would be vegetating
approximately 2 -1/2 acres less than what was originally proposed. He
questioned whether there would be a reduction or would there be a reduction in
the grant. Mr. Niederhaus explained that the grant did not include funding for
any native grass; therefore the City would have to provide the extra funds. He
also reiterated that the City has not received agreement from the CCC that
Option 5 is acceptable. He noted that they were invited to today's meeting;
however Ms. Bane was unable to attend. He reiterated that the City would have
to pay the extra cost for native grass. Council Member Webb questioned
whether it could be assumed that the grant would be reduced by that amount
since 2 -1/2 acres less of native material is being put in place. Mr. Niederhaus
indicated that he wouldn't want to assume anything, but hopefully it could be
replaced, however the sedge grass is more expensive than the native grasses.
In response to Council Member Webb's question about the flowering plants, Mr.
Niederhaus reported that they flower briefly in the spring time but they are
hardly noticeable and flower for less than 30 days. He reported that the City
has come to agreement with the CCC that no prickly pear plants would be
planted in the accessible areas.
Val Skoro, PB &R Commissioner and Chair of the PB &R Park Development
Subcommittee, distributed photos of Castaways Park taken on July 2, 2003. He
described the park and noted that in today's market the property is probably
worth $20+ million. As reflected in a letter dated July 15, 2003, the PB &R
Commission in a public meeting on July 7, 2003 reviewed the plantings and
grant funding for the park and unanimously recommended that the flat portion
of the park encircled by the asphalt pathway be planted in grass to provide for a
user friendly park and to provide space for picnicking, flying kites, etc. He
noted that the area under consideration encompasses 2 -1/2 to 3 acres, or 10% of
the park. The rest of the park would remain in a natural state. He noted that
the flat portion of the park consists of non - irrigated vegetation. He said he
frequently stops by the park and has yet to see anyone using the benches, etc.
and is oftentimes the only person in the park. He noted that until recently there
have been no Brown Act open meetings on the use and design of the park. He
said the non -Brown Act ad hoc committee, composed primarily of
environmentalists, met with the sole goal to restore the Castaways Park to a
self- sustaining ecological site. The committee had only one purpose in mind and
there were no alternatives other than the charter of the committee. When the
grant was applied for, the onerous conditions of the grant were not made clear.
He explained that the grant ties up the property for twenty years, requires up to
five years of irrigation and a guarantee of a success rate of at least 70% of the
native plants planted. He questioned whether the City wants outside sources
controlling what is done with Newport Beach real estate. He made comparisons
to Corona del Mar and the reasons for the relinquishment of Coast Highway.
He spoke in support of the sedge grass as an alternate. In summary, he stated
that the PB &R Commission solicits the Council support in providing a user -
friendly park and not creating a situation in which outside sources are allowed
to dictate what is done in the City. He questioned whether it made sense from a
business standpoint to accept $5,000 - $7,000 per year to tie up a $20 million
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Debra Allen, Chair of the PB &R Commission, echoed Mr. Skoro's comments
and noted that she sent the Council a letter after the Commission meeting
which outlined her point of view and what the Commission asked her to do as
part of the motion made at their meeting. She commented on the staff and the
magnificent job that they did in finding possible alternative plants that may
solve the problem. She said she fears that if the City turns over the permitting
of the park to an outside agency from Sacramento for approximately $140,000
for twenty years, it would be doing a big injustice. She pleaded with the Council
not to give up the power to determine the fate of Castaways Park in exchange
for some grant money which reduces the City's right to control the park for
twenty years. She made comparisons to the problems with the Bayview project
and the Coastal Commission.
Bradd Barmettler, President of the Castaways Homeowners Association,
voiced concerns about the project and noted that no one has ever approached
him indicating that the park needs to be more than it is. He spoke in support of
the natural setting and pointed out that the residents get a lot of noise pollution
and trash from Bob Henry Park. He noted that Bob Henry Park is not
overutilized. He noted that there are serious groundwater problems in the area
due to improper drainage of the property and irrigating the park will only add to
the current problems. He reported that they held a board meeting on Monday
night and reported that as a community they want the park to stay in a natural
state like it is today. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway, Mr. Barmettler
stated that Board voted unanimously (5 -0) to either leave it the same as Option
1 or to change it as indicated in Option 2.
Jo Vandervort, President of Mariners Community Association, President of
Dover Village Association, and President of Speak -Up Newport, said that she
and her grandson, Harrison, are at the meeting to advocate for grass in the
center area between the asphalt trails. She noted the benefits of grass and
Harrison gave examples of activities that him and his family could do on a
grassy area. She indicated that the area outside the trails should remain native
vegetation and noted that instructional tours are provided at the Environmental
Nature Conservancy in the area. She stressed the importance of having areas
for activities other than organized sports.
Barbara Batson stated that Castaways Park is different than other parks and
is not meant for running and playing. She noted that it was designed to take a
stroll, enjoy the beauty and silence. She said it's not a park for bouncing
birthday parties and a lot of noise. She encouraged the Council to keep the park
in a natural manner without a mowed lawn.
Elaine Linhoff spoke in support of Option 1, however said she could live with
Option 5 if it didn't cost too much money and the grant funds would not be
negated. She said she would not approve Option 3 because of the water
shortage situation.
Dennis Baker voiced concerns that previous Councils have approved, accepted
and signed contracts and made commitments to the project, and after meetings
to reach compromises with the CCC, the City is now "pulling their chain again ".
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He said his concern is based on the fact that the City has other grants with this
agency and this may impact future grants. He addressed comments made about
the cost, the removal of eucalyptus trees, the prickly pears, etc. and other
inappropriate scare tactics that have been used. He said there may be room for
some compromises such as Option 2 where the grant can be maintained and
possibly Option 5. He noted concerns with any option that takes a great deal of
water and adds run -off into the Back Bay.
Don Krotee, Planning Director and President of the Newport Heights
Improvement Association, indicated that he conducted a poll of members and
directors, and consolidated the comments in a letter provided to the Council. He
said he would like to see Council instruct staff to look very seriously at ways to
keep the grant. He referenced issues that have been raised such as the removal
of the eucalyptus trees and the runoff from mowed grass. He reiterated that the
Homeowners Association supports Option 2 and emphasized that the residents
believe that the statements that have been made that the natural planting or
what has been referred to as plain old grass and the natural parks will not
accommodate the simple needs of children and grandmothers is misinformation.
Jan Debay questioned whether there was a pre- committee drawing in the
Public Works Department that included grass in the meadow area and noted
that this is not necessarily the original plan for the park. She spoke in support
of balance in the City and noted that there are scarce recreational areas for the
families in the area. She spoke in support of having shared uses in all new
parks and noted that currently the meadow area is wasted space and is not
enjoyable. She spoke in support of a compromise and a shared use and noted
that the Back Bay area is probably the way Newport used to look. She
referenced Bayview and the senior housing project, and pointed out that all
grants come with strings and there are too many strings attached to this grant
for the dollars provided.
Stephanie Barger, Executive Director of Earth Resource Foundation,
explained the importance of having native habitat and noted that in California
97% of the wetlands have been destroyed in open spaces. She said the reason
for the native habitat is to have birds, rabbits, butterflies, etc. and this type of
habitat provides food for those animals. She noted that the area is used a lot,
however pointed out that currently the habitat is not in good condition because
it has not been restored. She voiced similar concerns as Mr. Baker regarding
the commitments that have already been made. She noted that the Advisory
Committee has not met since March 2002. She explained that the twenty year
term is to insure that a long -term plan is done and further explained the review
process required by the CCC. She noted that as new trees grow, the eucalyptus
trees will be removed.
Mayor Pro Tem Ridgeway noted that the 97% reported by Ms. Barger is correct
as it pertains to the wetlands, but not the habitat represented here.
Jan Vandersloot distributed a packet which contained materials relating to
the dedication of the park as a natural park. He also showed photographs taken
last Sunday which depicted the type of uses and noted that it is functioning well
in its intended use as a passive view park. He noted that there were 9 meetings
held by the PB&R Commission and 6 meetings of the Council from 1995 -2002
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and all were in support of the natural park and revegetating with natural
grasses and wildflowers in the central area. He said it was only at the last
PB &R Commission meeting where there was a contrary vote. Of the ten
speakers that addressed the Commission, six were in favor of the compromise
and four were in favor of the turf grass. He indicated that if the pulse of the
community were gauged, it would indicate that they want the area to be left
alone and want it improved through restoration. He said that adhering to
Option 1 would probably allow the addition of the sedge grass and wildflowers
without spending the money outlined in Options 2 and 5. He said the reason the
area looks bad today is because the irrigation was taken away prematurely. If it
is done right everyone will enjoy it as a natural park.
Allan Beek complimented staff for finding a wain -win situation where native
plants can be used to get the lawn -like effect that people are after. He noted
that it isn't fair to compare the park in its current state because it wasn't
properly maintained and the plants weren't watered when they were
established. He pointed out that in a meadow you can have a picnic, fly a kite,
play frisbee and explore for animal nests; however you can't play soccer in a
meadow.
Coralee Newman stated that she has attended all three meetings and spoke in
support of Option 5 and having the CCC review that option. She said it sounds
like the perfect compromise to have 100% native vegetation with native grasses
in the center area and the other 90% with what has already been planned.
Mayor Bromberg stated that he's not sure what his personal choice will be,
however noted that he feels all five options should be brought back to the
Council for consideration. As far as the grant, he said he is concerned with the
grant and is not sure whether he wants to support it due to the outside control
issues.
Mr. Bludau explained that this item was placed on the Study Session agenda to
give the public the opportunity to let Council know how they feel. He noted that
one of the key issues is whether the Council is interested in the grant and said
that if that issue is resolved, then the decision on the appropriate option will be
relatively clear. He also noted that another issue to be resolved is whether the
CCC feels the sedge grass falls within the parameters of the grant.
Mayor Pro Tern Ridgeway suggested that this issue be rescheduled when all
Council Members are present and to determine if the CCC will approve the
planting of sedge grass. He said he is more inclined to go with the grants and
noted that the City made application to the CCC, negotiated with them and
everyone moved forward in good faith. He spoke in support of Option 5 since it
is a great compromise and allows something for everybody.
Council Member Webb voiced concern over the City's control over the site and
what can be done in the future and said he would hate to see the City obligated
to a specific use that would require refunding money if things are changed. He
referenced comments made by Mr. Baker and stated that his conversation with
him was based on printed material that was put together for the grant which
referenced the prickly pear plants and the eucalyptus tree removal. He said
Castaways is a transitional zone and first it is a park and it needs to be useable
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by the people. Secondly, it's a passive view park, and thirdly, it has a natural
area on the bluffs and slopes that needs to be protected. For the protection of
the bay the habitat area has to stay. In reference to the sedge grass he noted
that this provides a great opportunity to provide a green area, as well as an area
on the rustic side. He said it may be possible to work with the nursery to have
different sizes of grass that make it look like a native area but also will be really
user friendly. I£ an area can be created with the natural interpretive area on
one side and a true meadow can be created using these types of grasses, it will
be beneficial to the community. Another benefit is that this is an experimental
area and its use may be expanded to other passive parks. He voiced concerns
with the constraints and spoke in support of having the CCC transfer the money
to the Big Canyon area since it's a perfect place for revegetation. He said he
would like to see the City take the money budgeted for Castaways Park, put in
as much of an experimental park with the money budgeted, and leave the rest of
the area natural. He noted that people can adopt areas and improve them.
Referring to a map displayed, Council Member noted the number of active and
passive parks, and open space in the City. He said Newport Beach has a
tremendous amount of natural areas and very few areas for people to use the
grass. He said his recommendation is to try to create a meadow on as much of
the area as possible and to ask the CCC to transfer the funds to Big Canyon
Council Member Nichols noted that the City just approved a park ranger
program to police the parks because there are so few and people are fighting
over them. He said there are huge areas in the City that are unusable and can't
be walked through because of the weeds and the fire danger is extremely high.
He said he doesn't think the City is making good use of the properties and would
like to see a better use be made of them. He said there are plenty of natural
areas left and if there is a problem with the CCC the money should be returned
to them.
Council Member Webb noted that the City has not accepted any grant money
yet and there is a clause in the agreement that allows either party to cancel the
agreement with a seven day notice without any ramifications other than a
requirement for the refund of money if any has been spent.
3. CORONA DEL MAR VISION PLAN [ORAL PRESENTATION]
Ed Selich, representing the Corona del Mar BID, through the use of a
PowerPoint presentation, noted that it has been 26 months since the last
presentation to Council on the Vision 2004 plan. He noted that the BID now
refers to the plan as the "Corona del Mar Vision Plan" since it's now evident that
despite all their efforts their goals will not be achieved by the end of 2004. He
explained the purpose of the "Charrette" which was held in August of 1999 and
noted that they explored design changes which would strengthen the village
atmosphere of Corona del Max. Included in the Vision Plan is a design plan for
the public improvements on Coast Highway, improvement of the alleys adjacent
to the business district, advisory design guidelines for the improvement of
building facades, new sign regulations, a parking plan and improved
development standards for commercial properties. He noted that the principal
conclusion of the charrette was that in order to make any significant changes
through the business district the City needs to assume jurisdiction over Coast
Highway because of Cal Trans design standards and procedures. In February of
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2000 the City Council authorized the BID to initiate negotiations with Cal Trans
on the relinquishment of the highway.
Mr. Selich noted that the goal of the Vision Plan is to create a safe and
aesthetically pleasing pedestrian friendly environment without interfering with
traffic flow and to strengthen the "village" atmosphere of the CdM business
district. Since the conceptual plan was drafted in the spring of 2000 the BID
has consulted with the CdM Chamber of Commerce, residents associations and
other interested parties. He emphasized that it is a work in progress and a
conceptual plan.
Through the use of slides, Mr. Selich explained the plan for landscaped medians,
landscape lighting, sidewalk landscaping, parkway landscaping, and new
sidewalk paving materials. He noted that the parking lanes are proposed to be
treated with paving similar to the sidewalks and trees will be strategically
placed in the parking lanes. He stated that the current lighting poles will be
replaced with decorative poles which will allow the display of banners and
pedestrian scale lighting fixtures which will have provisions for hanging flower
baskets. The plan includes a coordinated collection of street furniture which
will include benches, trash containers, bicycle racks and drinking fountains with
the possibility for a similar design for news racks, public telephones, public
signing poles and bus stops. He further explained the major accents that are
being proposed at key locations along the business district. Some of the areas
included are the intersections of Marguerite and Coast Highway and the
parking area at Marguerite and Bayside Drive. He noted plans that will
transform the area into a village center with a focal point structure, such as a
clock tower element, near the Marguerite and Coast Highway intersection. He
explained the plans for the gateway entrances to the business district, as well as
the signage. He pointed out that with the Vision Plan the intersection of
MacArthur and Coast Highway will encourage pedestrian traffic between
Corona del Mar Plaza and Old Corona del Mar. He said the plan will also allow
the restaurants in "Restaurant Row" to have increased opportunities for outdoor
dining. Mr. Selich explained that one of the major constraints to a pedestrian
friendly environment is the bisection of the business district by Coast Highway
and went on to explain how they envision the creation of additional pedestrian
crossings. He said that Corona del Mar Plaza is interested in upgrading and
enhancing their pedestrian entrance at the MacArthur and Coast Highway
intersection.
Mr. Selich explained that the plan was developed with input from the very
beginning by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and residents
associations and since October 2000 the presentation has been given to in excess
of 3000 residents. He noted that as a result of their outreach program they have
received endorsements from the following: Corona del Mar Residents
Association, numerous Corona del Mar Homeowners Associations such as
Harbor View Hills, Corona Highlands and Shorecliffs, Speak Up Newport,
Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, Newport Harbor Chamber of
Commerce, numerous Corona del Mar businesses and property owners, the
Planning Commission, the Parks Commission, the Economic Development
Committee and EQAC.
Since April of 2001, the State Legislature has passed a bill authorizing
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
August 12, 2003
INDEX
relinquishment of the highway from Newport Coast Drive to Jamboree, Cal
Trans has prepared a draft agreement, Cal Trans has initiated and completed a
Project Source Summary Report (PSSR), the BID and the City have installed
additional trees, benches, trash receptacles, and bus shelters, as well as
budgeted for median improvements and lighted crosswalks.
Mr. Selich explained the dual track implementation program that was initially
adopted by the BID and explained the funding requirements in detail. He noted
that the total cost to construct the plan is $12 million as of February 2001. If
the City agrees to the Coast Highway relinquishment a portion of those funds
could be allocated to construct the improvements, as well as funding could be
sought from other state and federal programs. Even if the Vision Plan is not
implemented he said there are benefits to pursuing the relinquishment of Coast
Highway. He noted that with the relinquishment merchants and property
owners would have only one governmental authority to deal with, modest
improvements can be made to City standards versus Cal Trans standards, and
the community can get needed pedestrian crossings and traffic signals. He
noted that if the Vision Plan is implemented Corona del Mar will benefit by the
vastly improved shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities, an improved
business environment and an improved physical environment in the public right
of way which will encourage the improvement and upgrading of buildings. The
City will benefit from greater sales and property tax revenues, higher property
value for CdM residents which will generate higher property tax revenues, and
the enjoyment of the area by all residents of the City. He noted that this plan
provides an opportunity to replace and upgrade the aging public infrastructure
of the business district and will help insure that it retains it position as second
only to Fashion Island in generating business revenue, exclusive of auto dealers.
Mr. Selich noted that the plan is called "The Vision Plan" because it is a vision
that was put forth by those who did not want to wait for the City to do
something but took it upon themselves to develop a plan for and with their
community. He said the plan has been developed to this point as,a result of 48
months of hard work and noted that the heart of the vision is the
relinquishment of the highway. He said that if the City does not accept the
relinquished highway many, but not all, of the concepts in the plan can be
implemented but at a much reduced quality and scale and with a much higher
level of difficulty. He stated that the money offered by Cal Trans to date is not
up to their expectations; however they feel strongly that this is about more than
the money offered. He explained the uniqueness of the area and the fact that
the business district is bisected by Coast Highway. He asked that the Council
keep in mind that there are many reasons to assume jurisdiction of the highway
that cannot be evaluated dollar for dollar against what Cal Trans may
ultimately offer.
Council Member Nichols requested copies of the slides used during the
presentation and voiced concerns with the proposed trees in the median areas
and how it would affect pedestrian safety.
Debra Allen complimented Mr. Selich and the BID team and noted that this is
the best example of community outreach she has ever witnessed. She said this
can be used as a blueprint for other parts of the City to show how groups can
work together to accomplish a goal.
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City of Newport Beach
Study Session Minutes
August 12, 2003
Mayor Bromberg stated that he has supported this conceptual plan since the
beginning and still does for the reasons mentioned by Ms. Allen as well as the
fact that it will be a boost for the business district and a betterment of the
community.
In response to Council Member Nichols, City Manager Bludau reported that the
formal offer from Cal Trans for the relinquishment is $3.5 million. Staff also
explained the original relinquishment boundaries, however pointed out that the
current area being considered for relinquishment is Coast Highway between
Jamboree and Newport Coast Drive.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
ADJOURNMENT - 6:05 p.m
x, exx ++ * + * *x:rx * * *:r *xxtxxx:rrtx + ++
The agenda for the Study Session was posted on August 6, 2003, at 3:45 p.m on
the City Hall Bulletin Board located outside of the City of Newport Beach
Administration Building.
City Clerk
Recording Secretary
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