Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/05/1989 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Motion Ayes 14 3 Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 5, 1989 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Super- intendent Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Main- tenance Superintendent Dottie F1ohr,Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS In lieu of Chair Taft's absence, Vice Chair Grant presided. Item #1 - Call to Order Call to Orde The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Grant, Herberts, Konwiser, and Vandervort were present. Chair Taft was absent. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of August 1, 1989 Approval of Minutes x Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes of the August 1, x x Y x x x 1989 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda x Commissioner Vandervort moved the agenda be adopted as x x x x x x presented. Unanimous. Vice Chair Grant, on behalf of the Commission and the community, presented Commissioner Konwiser with a beautiful sailboat as a momento for his outstanding services as Chair. Commissioner Konwiser thanked the Commission and staff for all their help; he said it was a great year and he is looking forward to the forthcoming year. Director Whitley introduced Nancy Beard, the newly appointed Recreation Superintendent, who has been with the Department as Recreation Supervisor for the past five years. He stated she has already grasped the responsibilities and is looking forward to working with her. Vice Chair Grant asked the Superintendents to briefly explain their duties for the new Commissioners. CITY OF NEWPORT .BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX .Ms. Beard reported her responsibilities include supervising four Recreation Supervisors along with direction from Mr. Whitley and the Commission. She said she is looking forward to her new responsibilities. j Jack Brooks reported he is in charge of all park and street trees in addition to the landscaping at City owned facilities. II. ACTION_ITEMS Item #5 - Tree Removal Request - 324 Signal Road Tree Removal Request Director Whitley reported the subject appeal to remove a Brazilian Pepper has been through the Street Tree Committee process. For the Commission's information, the original request, a statement from the owner's landscape architect and a petition have been included in the report. 1 Vice Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Mike Talbot, 401 Signal Road, addressed the Commission. He stated he purchased the subject property and plans to move in shortly. He reported that, although the Tree Maintenance personnel have done a good job, the tree is unattractive and sheds constantly. The shallow root system has not only deformed grade and curbing, but the roots also run through their neighbors and their own yards making it difficult to properly landscape. Fifty one neighbors have agreed the tree should be removed and replaced with a recommended tree. In addition, the Pepper Tree is not on the recommended list. He reported the City of Santa Ana is taking out 2,857 of these trees due to similar problems. In summary, he is requesting the tree be replaced with a tree or trees acceptable to the City for which he would be happy to bear the cost. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Konwiser stated the street has a number of these trees, however, if the owner is planning to relandscap , the Pepper would be in the way. He reported he favors granting the request providing a low scale umbrella shaped type of tree or a duplicate of those on the street be planted. Commissioner Compton concurred. �1 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Vandervort said she felt this is a gorgeous tree and asked if root pruning would help. Jack Brooks advised they would first have to investigate the root system. He added that the Liquid Amber is the designated tree and is pyramidal but at maturity is umbrella shaped. Commissioner Herberts agreed the tree is beautiful and had originally agreed with staff to retain it. However, the yard is a mess and if the owner would put in two new trees, preferably Liquid Amber, she would favor removal. lotion x Commissioner Konwiser moved to remove the tree and that it ayes x x x x x x be, replaced by standard policy with a 24" box tree.at the homeowner's expense. Commissioner Herberts amended the motion that the tree be the designated Liquid Amber.Unan.iirou . Item #6 - Tree Removal Request - Dover Shores Community Tree Removal Association Request � 1 Director Whitley reported the Dover Shores Community Associa- tion has requested removal of six Eucalyptus Trees since they are inhibiting views above the park site. Although Council Policy I -9 addresses street trees, Commissioner Herberts requested that this matter be brought before the Commission because the trees are located in a park site. Vice Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Ed Benson, representing the Dover Shores Community Association, addressed the Commission. He presented a diagram of the trees in question noting that their community is very view conscious. Their CUR restrictions state all trees over 14' must be trimmed or replaced. He asked that their request to remove six trees be granted since they block views of about eight homes and are also very messy. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Demmer said when she visited the site nobody was there and the park is beautiful. - Since this Association has greater flexibility and options as to views, she favors retaining all six trees. Commissioner Herberts stated that, although she is view conscious, only three trees block a small portion of the ocean view; therefore, she recommends retaining the trees. Commissioner Vandervort said she-favors saving the trees since they are good trees and are not too large. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Compton did not see a view problem and recommended retaining the trees. Commissioner Konwiser said he felt other varieties than Eucalyptus should have originally been planted. However, since they are well pruned and do not sufficiently interrupt views to justify removal, he recommends they be pruned every 1 -2 years with a 2 year maximum. Motion x Commissioner Demmer moved the City retain the 6 Eucalyptus Ayes x x x x x x Trees in Westcliff Mini Park. Unanimous. Director Whitley explained that the homeowners association can appeal the Commission's decision by directing a letter to the City Council. Vice Chair Grant advised Mr. Benson the Association can always request the trees be trimmed when deemed necessary. ' Jack Brooks advised the homeowners association can do this i an off year under the Department's supervision. Item #7 - Oxbow Loop Oxbow Loop Director Whitley reported a letter on the subject item from the West Newport Association was directed to City Council and referred to this Commission. He stated the area has been designated as a future park site and that there is no question that a park is needed here since West Newport is park deficient. In the past there has been confusion, over ownership of the land and now the mechanics of acquisition are a problem since other agencies are involved. The property is considered wetlands which has environmental issues attached to it; therefore, an alternative site would have to be developed as wetlands if this area is to be a park site. Vice Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Mike Johnson, 5803 Seashore Drive and former Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commissioner, addressed the Commission. Mr. Johnson reviewed the history of the area stating the opportunity was.missed years ago to acquire the property, but that the timing is appropriate to do so now. The major problem was clarification of ownership, however, the Oxbow Loop Agreement has just been signed by all parties and will soon be recorded. The problem now will be trading the wet- lands since the Department of Fish and Game and the envi- ronmentalists are against removing them. He stated this is l�J a perfect location for a park 'since there is no.place for CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX children to play except in the streets, leading to other problems such as drugs, etc. He asked that this Commission recommend to the-City Council that the City be the lead agency to deal with other agencies as well as private partie to develop the 5 -7 acre park site. Wally Semeniuk, 6807 W. Seashore, addressed the Commission. He reported the need for a park in this area existed six years ago, however, they could never break down the owner- ship. Since this is an opportune time to.start moving on the project, he asked that the Commission budget funding for the park so the area can be developed. Following a brief discussion by the Commission, Commissioner Motion x Konwiser moved the City act as lead agency in acquiring and Ayes x x x x x developing this area as a park. Unanimous. Item #8 - Community Service Awards Community j ) Service - Director Whitley reviewed the Commission's community service Awards awards program. Staff is recommending Ralph Rodheim, Jack Hochadel and John Gray be honored for their outstanding job in helping to obtain the 50 meter pool at Corona del Mar High School. Vice Chair Grant reported there will be a dedication ceremon of the pool at its completion and suggested the awards be presented at that time. Motion K Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Compton motioned Ayes K x x x x x the plaques be presented at the dedication ceremony. Unanimous. Item #9 - City Council Policies City Council Policies Director Whitley reported that staff and the Commission annually review City Council Policies. Therefore, the I- series, which provide direction for this Department, are provided for this purpose. Vice Chair Grant reported he asked the City Manager, who complied, if it would be possible to delay review of the I- series for a final decision at the Commission's October 3 �. meeting, thereby deferring Council consideration until their October 23 meeting. Commissioner Vandervort recommended the I- series be reviewed at this meeting and that those policies that require addi- tional consideration be brought back at the Commission's October 3 meeting. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Following agreement on Commissioner Vandervort's suggestion, Director Whitley reviewed each policy, its history, amend- ments and usage. Policies I -5, I -6, I -16, I -19 and I -21 were brought back for consideration following Director Whitley's review of the entire I- series. Director Whitley presented a proposed amendment to I -5, Use, Priorities and Fees for Facilities and Equipment, to be added to Item 2 under Priority of Use, to read as follows: "These groups are predominately youth sports organizations. Staff will coordinate quarterly meetings to determine equit- able use of available athletic facilities. Groups not satisfied with the results of this procedure can appeal the staff determinations to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission." He explained that there are eight youth groups the Department co- sponsors which serve the community. By adding the pro- ( posed amendment, the groups would be equitably prioritized. Vice Chair Grant felt the amendment should be expanded and rewritten to be presented at the Commission's October 3 meeting. He felt in- season sports and those organizations composed mostly of Newport Beach residents should have priority. Commissioner Konwiser said he felt the policy should be broad and flexible; therefore, he favors the proposed amend- ment as written. Commissioner Compton concurred. Director Whitley explained that youth groups have priority on a school facility. The Department has quarterly meetings with the eight Youth Commissioners and the recent one re- sulted in a very cooperative and positive spirit. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort motioned I -5 be pulled for considera- Ayes x x x x x x tion by the City Council at a later date and that the Recreation Program Committee and a staff representative meet to present their findings on I -5 at the Commission's October 3 meeting. Unanimous. I -6, Instructional Recreation Activities. Director Whitley reported the revenue percentages were changed to 20% fast t year for funds to be set aside for certain surfing and tennis purposes as written. Vice Chair Grant recommended the same concept for adult softball revenue be included, such as designating the funds for fields, etc. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Nay Motion Ayes Motion Ayes I arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Nancy Beard advised the budget process is the same and that the revenue is in the.same fund. Jack Brooks advised these funds are not for maintenance purposes, bur are for new facilities /equipment. x Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Konwiser motioned x x x x to retain Policy I -6 as written.- Motion passes. x I -16, Commercial Uses in Public Parks. Vice Chair Grant referred to Newport National Little League operating con- cession stands and stated he feels a separate policy is needed for non - profit groups. Director Whitley advised the License and Permits Division handles these matters which also require this Department's approval. Commissioner Konwiser recommended adding "non profit users" following "Commercial users" in the first sentence and adding that it needs the approval of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Department and License and Permits Division. . Director Whitley suggested I -16 be pulled in order to clarify issues such as product liability, etc. x Commissioner Konwiser then moved to take I -16 off the agenda, x x x x x for Council approval at a later time in order that addi- tional input be provided by staff. Unanimous. I -19, Maintenance and Planting of Parkway Trees. Since the policy included was not the latest amended one, Commissioner x Vandervort moved I -19 be pulled so that the current one can X x x x be reviewed. Commissioner Herberts amended #I on Page 4 under Parkway Planting to read "Root barrier shall be installed..." Unanimous. Commissioner Grant asked that the wording as regards City and Parks, Beaches and'Recreation be consistent in the policy. I -21, Bike and Foot Race Policy. This policy was deemed to be deleted since it is under the direction of the Finance Department. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 10 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #10 - Use of Lincoln Athletic Facility Use of Lincoln Director Whitley referred to the letter included in the Athletic Commission's agenda from the Corona del Mar Soccer Club, Facility result of which was a positive meeting wherein it was agreed the Lincoln facility was being well used, Vice Chair Grant had questioned certain items and Director Whitley advised the grass is speced as Bermuda which has not changed. The specifications as written have no conduits for lights on the third soccer field. He explained that the Lincoln facility is leased from the School District and all lessees have been notified that this is the last year it can be leased. Although we have put in new irrigation, turf, and have refurbished the gym, we will not be maintaining the facility but will still be able to use it in the afternoons,' evenings and weekends as per the Agreement. The School District will be responsible for scheduling, concessions, lighting, signs, etc. Item #11. - Buffalo Hills Scoreboard Buffalo Hills Director Whitley reported Vice Chair Grant had expressed Scoreboard concern over the colors of the scoreboard at Buffalo Hills Park. The motion was to retain it without any conditions. This had also been approved by the homeowners association. Vice Chair Grant pointed out the Little League sign and trailer at San Miguel were never approved and urged that all signs in parks receive this Commiss'ion's prior approval. He questioned if the sign should be taken down at San Miguel. Director Whitley explained that Little League was granted permission to have a temporary scoreboard at the start and end of its season; and that they could have a concession awning for their regional tourney at San Miguel. Commissioner Demmer said she felt there should be no sports signs in any public parks year round'. During discussion on guidelines concerning signs and con- cession stands in parks, Vice Chair Grant stated Chair Taft recommended the matter be referred to the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Committee for review. Commissioner Konwiser agreed that since the sign at San Miguel is illegal and did not come before this Commission, it should be taken down within ten days. Commissioner CITY 'OF .NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX A- Herberts stated that, since the sign at Buffalo Hills is legal, was approved by the homeowners association, and there have been no complaints, it should remain as is. Commission (r Konwiser recommended the issue on signs be first reviewed at the committee level to develop policy /guidelines. Item #12 - Goals and Objectives Goals and Objectives Director Whitley referred to the Implementation Plan and noted many areas have been developed since the Plan was prepared. Not much more can be done until there is residen- tial development. He passed out a review of the eleven service areas which he explained and clarified. Vice Chair Grant pointed out.Chair Taft would like Goals and Objectives continued. The Parks and Open Space Acquisition Committee will meet within two weeks to review these and present their results at the October 3 meeting. Item #13 - Facility Inspection Facility Inspection Director Whitley reported the facility inspection report will be presented to the Commission for their review on October 3. Item #14 - Status of Capital Projects Status of Capital Director Whitley reported Chair Taft asked that this report Projects be prepared in narrative form which is before the Commission for their information. Commissioner Compton pointed out the basketball court at West Newport is not yet completed as stated in the report. Commissioner Konwiser voiced concern over the bad soil on the Jamboree Road Median and suggested two species of trees be used so that there is uniformity in the area. Jack Brooks advised 'hydroseeding is scheduled for September 7 and he will investigate the tree matter. Director Whitley explained the Commission will be advised as to what trees are being proposed for removal. Vice Chair Grant recommended listing those projects in the report to which we have committed funds even though we are Il not the lead agency. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #15 - Commission Committees Commission Committees (a) Capital Improvements - No report from Chair Konwiser. (b) Street Tree - Chair Herberts reported the committee acted upon 8 requests. (c) Recreation Program - No report from Chair Compton. (d) Oceanfront and Beach - No report from Chair Vandervort. (e) Budget - No report due to Chair Taft's absence. (f) Parks and Open Space Acquisition - Chair Grant reported the committee will be meeting within two weeks. Item #16 - Commission Liaison Assignments Commission Liaison (a) Friends-of Oasis Liaison - No report from Commissioner Assignments Demmer. (b) Friends of the Theatre Arts Center - Commissioner Vandervort reported "Babes in Arms" is presently performing. Their next meeting is September 6. Item #17 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and. Street Tree Commissioner Demmer questioned the origination of the sand Division in play areas, noting that the one in Cliff Drive Park needs to be evaluated. Jack Brooks advised the sand normally comes from the beach, however, in a few cases, by a contractor. They put sand in periodically according to priority. Director Whitley ex- plained these areas are reviewed during the periodic facility inspections. Commissioner Herberts asked for a status on the dog signs, noting that signs are particularly needed at "L" Street Park and the entire Peninsula. Jack Brooks advised signage is almost complete, and Director Whitley asked the Commissioners to notify the Department should they see signs are needed at certain locations. Vice Chair Grant transmitted pictures to Mr. Brooks of I� certain locations at San Miguel and Buffalo Hills Parks that need improvements and a new sign. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 13 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Konwiser questioned the sign maintenance procedures and Jack Brooks advised they are working on these and will report back on the procedures. Item #18 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Commissioner Demmer reported the fall recreation brochure cover was.well done. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out some of the Seafest activities in September which should be fun. V. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Item #19 - Volleyball Regulations Volleyball Regulations Director Whitley presented the new volleyball regulation sign which is secured on the poles. Item #20 - Communication From Newport National Little Communicati From Newpor League National Vice Chair Grant referred to the letter presented by Little Leag Newport National Little League wherein they expressed their appreciation for staff's cooperation and the excellent maintenance of the playing fields by the Parks Division. Item #21 - Unauthorized Street Tree Removals Unauthorize Street Tree Director Whitley reported the sample letters sent by the Removals City Attorney to those who have illegally removed trees are for the Commission's information. Commissioner Herberts reported that the City Attorney re- ceived numerous excuses from the recipients of the letters, which will be transmitted to the City Council for further consideration. She requested that the Council be made aware that staff and /or the Commission had advised all the people involved about the appeal process prior to the unauthorized removal. Commissioner Konwiser said he felt the letters were excellent and this Commission's position on the matter should be presented to the City Council. Vice Chair Grant agreed, stating those who illegally remove trees should be sued; and that this position should be transmitted to each Councilmember. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Director Whitley explained one removal was, in fact, authorized by Public Works as an encroachment permit. He will discuss the others with the City Attorney. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS The Commission's picture will be taken September 19 at 5:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers to be included in the, winter recreation brochure. Director Whitley will. discuss the location of the Christmas Dinner with Chair Taft upon his return. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at'11:00 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on August 29, 1989 at 4:00 P.R. outside the City Hall Administration Building. uottle Flohr, Secretary ( i 1A CITY OF N WORT BEACH PARKS, BEACHES AND RECRE!TION COMMISSION ( ~� REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1989 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes - Meeting of September 5, 1989 4. Adoption of Agenda II. ACTION ITEMS 5. Review and Recommendation on View Park - Hoag Memorial Hospital Master Plan (Report Attached) 6. Tree Removal Appeal - 600 Narcissus., Corona del Mar (Report Attached) 7. Tree Removal Appeal - 1011 E. Balboa (Report Attached) 8. Park Bond Issue (Report Attached) 9. City Council Policy I -5, Use, Priorities and Fees for Facilities and Equipment, Proposed Amendments Policy Attached III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS 10. McFadden's Nharf Conceptual Plan (Report Attached) 11. San Joaquin Hills Planned Community (Report Attached) 12. Facility Inspections (Report Attached) 13. Review Preliminary Plans for Little Corona and Inspiration Point (Report Attached) 14. Status of Capital Projects (Report Attached) 15. Commission Committees a. b. C. d. e. f. I 9 Capital Improvements Street Tree Recreation Program Oceanfront and Beach Budget Parks and Open Space Acquisition Chair's Report :s r