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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/04/1989 - PB&R CommissionItem No. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 4, 1989 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent Mark Dever, 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 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, Herberts, Konwiser, Springer, Taft and Vandervort were present. Commissioner Grant was absent. Item #3 - 'Approval of Minutes - Meeting of March 7, 1989 Approval of Minutes x Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes of the March 7, x x x x x x 1989 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented. II. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS - YOUTH BASKETBALL Chair Konwiser reported three teams represented Newport Beach and Corona del Mar in the Orange County Tournament. The teams were the "A" Division (7th -8th grades) and "B" Division (5th -6th grades) teams from Newport Heights School and the "C" Division'(3rd -4th grades)-combined teams from Andersen and Harbor View Schools. Chair Konwiser pointed out the City has been awarding these Certificates for 30 years and noted his son participated and received an award which has had more significance as the years go by. After congratulating the players and their parents, he announced each player as Commissioner Vandervort presented the individual Certificates and Mark Deven took pictures. Following the awards presentation, a reception was held on the front steps of the City Hall for the players, friends and family. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX III. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Animal Control Ordinance Animal Control Chair Konwiser turned the meeting over to Mark Deven who Ordinance reported the Police Department was unable to provide a representative to answer questions, however, the report submitted was reviewed by Capt. Mike Blitch and Officer Armstrong. The Police Department would like the Ordinance put into effect by this summer. Mr. Deven reviewed the two options which have been discusse by this Commission at previous meetings, namely, (1) Exhibit A which restricts dogs on school grounds, requires use of leash and nuisance removal, and omits restriction of dogs to sidewalks and pathways within City parks; or (2) Exhibit B which proposes restriction of dogs to path- ways and sidewalks throughout City parks in addition to requiring use of a leash and nuisance removal. Mr. Deven pointed out that the 6' maximum leash length can be changed should the Commission so desire. In additio , the bail schedule can be incorporated into the Ordinance although it is not included in the drafts. Mr. Deven presented the sign which is used in many City parks and noted the bail schedule can also be signed at a minimal cost. Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Elaine Linhoff, 1760 E. Ocean Blvd., addressed the Commission. Mrs. Linhoff stated that, although she doesn't own a dog, she feels parks are for the public and should include dog owners. She agreed that dogs should be on a leash and nuisances removed which is already in the Ordinance. She suggested that since there is little use of the beach in the winter, dogs should be allowed, but not during the busy summer months. Upon close of Public Testimony, Commissioner Springer questioned the value of Section 8 of Exhibit A and Mark Deven explained this is only for information and will be deleted. Commissioner Springer recommended posting at all park entrances and the bail schedule added to the signs. She would also like to see stronger enforcement of leash {, and nuisance control and would prefer Exhibit A be approved. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts reported she believes dogs should be allowed in parks and their owners held responsible. She read a memo from the City Manager which was directed to the Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee and was included in the City Council Study Sessioll of January 23, 1989. It stated the current enforcement level is already the highest in Orange County. She noted the "L" Street Park sign reads no dogs allowed, however, this is not working. She spoke with Dayna Pettit, Presi- dent of the Peninsula Point Association, who agrees that parks should be signed for leash and nuisance control and the bail schedule. Commissioner Herberts stated she favors Exhibit A. Commissioner Vandervort; felt dogs should be restricted to park pathways and the section referring to school property be included in the Ordinance. She favors Exhibit B. Chair Konwiser stated he felt it would be impractical and hard to enforce restricting dogs to sidewalks in parks. He recommended the maximum amount of the bail schedule be posted. Motion x Following discussion, Commissioner Springer moved the Ayes x x x x x x Commission endorse Exhibit A with the provision that signs be introduced at entryways to parks listing the full bail schedule. Unanimous. Item #6 - Appeal of Street Tree Division - 1444 Santiago Or Appeal of Street Tre Jack Brooks reported the subject tree was removed and the Division owner is out of town. He will investigate the matter and if the removal was unauthorized, the issue will be referred to the City Attorney for action. Commissioner Herberts pointed out she had taken a picture of the tree as being an example of one of the most beautiful Coral Trees. She did not see any sidewalk or curb damage. Item #7 - Tennis Court Lighting Tennis Court Mark Deven reviewed the four alternatives presented in the Lighting report which, he noted, were listed in descending order of staff preference. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers , 7 p.m. INDEX He pointed out that the project, which abuts Jasmine Creek, is in the 1988 -89 Capital Improvement Budget to install lights on two of the four tennis courts. The Planning Department recommended following applicant require- ments for Conditional Use Permits by notifying residents within 300' of the project. This was done in addition to notifying Southern California Edison and the Association Manager. Approximately 11 letters were just received and are before the Commission in strong opposition to the proposed project. Recommendation #2 limiting the use of lights for scheduled activities might be preferable, however the tennis players would probably be offended. Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Andy Thompson, 4 Jetty Drive, addressed the Commission. He stated the Planning Commission turned the proposed project down in 1985 and nothing has changed since that time. The residents still' do not want the courts lighted since they are too close to their homes. The,problem is not necessarily tennis, but rather noise, loud radios and obscene language. They are also leary about the 10:00 P.M. cut off time since the lights are often,on until 2:00 A.M. at the school courts across the street. Mr. Bill Thompson of Jasmine Creek addressed the Commission and reported he is also opposed to the project due to the loud noise and their home being too close to the courts. He questioned why the Lawn Bowling Club was not notified and Mark Deven explained that since their activities take place during the day, they would not be affected. Chair Konwiser informed Mr. Thompson that the School District is responsible for the lights at the Abraham Lincoln School although the City may some day be involved. Upon close of Public Testimony, Commissioner Taft stated there is a need for more lighted courts. He understands the residents' concerns but has seldom heard anything objectionable in the five years he has played at this location. He noted the courts are protected by trees and _ shrubbery and favors lighting the courts on a trial basis. Commissioner Vandervort stated that she is in sympathy with the residents who are so strongly against the lights and noted the School District has occasionally asked for improvements which the residents have opposed. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers • 7 p.m. INDEX . Commissioner Herberts asked if a retaining wall could be built higher and -Mark Deven explained that this is impractic 1 since the whole wall would have to be re- engineered. . Commissioner Herberts stated she is in agreement with the residents. Chair Konwiser referred to the specifications and pointed out they are designed to push the light in one direction. He favors a provisional program with a quality sign stating noise abuse would eliminate the lighting system. Commissioner Brenner agreed that a sign is important to minimize the problems and that there is a big need for lighted courts. Mark Deven advised that should the item be continued, staff could present more options as regards to signage and court policies at the May 2, 1989 meeting. Md An x Commissioner Vandervort moved to continue this item.to the Ayes x x x x May 2, 1989 meeting asking staff to report back with Nays x x proposed signing and regulations on noise; and that the courts be posted that there will be a public hearing on May 2. Motion passes. Item #8 - Theatre Arts Center Parking Lot Lighting Theatre Arts Center Mark Deven reviewed the need for security lighting and Parking Loi reported the proposed lighting is not of sufficient strength Lighting to inconvenience anyone. Forty property owners located within 300'iof the parking lot were notified of the proposed action on this meeting's agenda. Mr. Deven reviewed the proposed system using 70 watt fixtures, three mounted at 12 feet and one mounted at 14 feet around the perimeter of the parking lot. Mr. Deven reported he received a call favoring the project from Robert Newberry who lives adjacent to the Theatre. Commissioner Springer reported she received a call from Gail Demmer of the Association who has no objections. Chair Konwiser opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Winston Verdault, 2500 Cliff Drive, addressed the Commission. He stated he was very concerned about the proposed lighting since he lives across the street from the Theatre. He referred to a neon sign five years ago which caused him so many problems and eventually it was taken down. r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX He stated he felt there were enough problems now with noise, people, pollution and parking problems. He requested another meeting be held so he could get more residents to attend. Ms. Joan Jessup, 2420 Cliff Drive, addressed the Commission. She stated in 1976 she was told the building would come down but it hasn't and her view is inhibited. She objects to the parking lot lights since she feels they will devalue her property and destroy her view. Greg Jessup, 2420 Cliff Drive, addressed the Commission and stated his room is 8' from where people park and he gets woken up. He suggested the lower access area be used. He also objected to the lights stating he feels they won't solve a security problem and will obstruct his view. Mrs. Rae Cohen, 1501 Antigua and President of the Friends of the Theatre Arts Center, addressed the Commission. She reported their patrons are of all ages and there have been falls, particularly by the elderly. Their-concern is for the safety of their patrons and, therefore, they feel lighting in the back of the Theatre is warranted. Upon close of Public Testimony, Mark Deven reviewed the proposed lighting system which is designed to minimize ambient light to residents. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort motioned the two lights behind the Ayes x x x x building located westerly toward the property remain and Nays x x the third light be lowered from 12' to 8' and the fourth light closest to Cliff Drive be eliminated. During discussion Commissioner Herberts stated she doesn't like to use the parking lot because it is too dark. The parking lot would be put to, better use if lighted and -cars wouldn't park on the streets to which the residents object. She also felt the proposed lights are minimal and conserva- tive and would recommend lowering the fourth light closest to Cliff Drive and possibly the third light. Commissioner Springer stated she felt 70 watts is not a significant glare and agreed with Commissioner Herberts' t suggestion. Vote was taken and the motion passed. C7 IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #9 - Balboa Bay Club Lease Mark Deven reported Councilmember Hart has proposed the Towers portion of the Bay Club be considered for a public park in the future. Council has not made a decision, nor have they asked this Commission for their recommendation. Should they determine the idea to be legal and sound, they would probably ask for this Commission's input. Commissioner Springer referred to her March 30 memo addres- sed to the Commissioners along with a copy of a letter from James Irvine dated June 20; 1938 wherein he states that the 4.4 acres be used for beneficial public use. Commissioner Herberts stated she would like to see the original deed for background information purposes. She feels the Commission should be involved if asked by Council since this inter - relates to other items being studied, i:e., the park bond issue. Commissioner Springer agreed. A brief discussion ensued as to the dollar figures quoted and Chair Konwiser pointed out these will be clarified and documented when necessary. Although this is a major item, this Commission would be premature to discuss it at this time. Item #10 - Status of Capital Projects Chair Konwiser referred to Jamboree Road where he sees improvements needed in four sections. Jack Brooks ad- vised the Parks Division is doing the irrigation and the improvements will be made following a cost study. Commissioner Springer questioned the Newport Boulevard landscaping project and Jack Brooks explained that they have higher priority projects at this time. They will, however, be installing a drip system in addition to shrubs and plants which should be well contained within two years. Item #11 - Commission Committee Reports a. Capital Projects - No report. I INDEX Balboa Bay Club Lease Status of Capital Projects Commission Committee Reports CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission fim- City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX b. Street Tree - Chair Herberts reported staff has done an excellent job implementing the Arbor Day program on April 28 which will qualify the City for Tree City USA. Mark Deven advised Jack Brooks provided a great deal of assistance and announcements will be forthcoming. c. Recreation Program - Chair Vandervort reported the next meeting will be April 13. d. Oceanfront and Beach - Chair Taft reported the committe met concerning three volleyball courts which will be presented to the Commission at their May 2 meeting. e. Budget - No report. f. Open Space Acquisition - No report. f" } g. Chair's Report - No report. Item #12 - Commission Liaison Reports Commission Liaison a. Friends of Oasis - Commissioner Brenner reported that Reports she has been unable to attend the meetings, however, she has encouraged them to call or write should there be anything they want brought before the Commission. b. Friends of the Theatre Arts Center - Commissioner Herberts reported a new play, Lu Ann Hampton, will be starting April 7. c. CYC Booster Club - Commissioner Brenner reported there is a high attendance at the Youth Center and voiced her concern over the outside area being under supervised. Mark Deven advised this is being worked out. Item #13 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Mark Deven reviewed the Recreation Division report sub - mitted and pointed out the popularity of the Pee Wee Tennis Camp and Enrichment Classes. Adult sports are going well and the All City Track and Field Meet will be April 14 which is a big attraction. He also reported Oasis had a program honoring their volunteers which was a big success. Ib CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX Item #'14 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Chair Konwiser referred to the property next to the Bay Division Bridge which was considered for boat launching and there are now trees planted. Jack Brooks explained the property went back to The Irvine Company. Commissioner Taft asked for a description of a spring animal which Jack Brooks explained is one that is mounted and bounces up and down. Commissioner Herberts asked, and it was agreed, that one be installed at Mariners Park. Item #15 - Future Agenda Items Future Agenda No report. Items VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR ,LAST MINUTE ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:05 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on March 27, 1989 at 2:00 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Floh'r, Secretary