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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-2016 PBR Minutes CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting December 6, 2016 – 6:00 PM I. CALL MEETING OF THE PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER – 6pm II. ROLL CALL Present: Marie Marston, Chair Laird Hayes, Vice Chair Tom Anderson Ron Cole Dave Granoff Walt Howald Excused: Roy Englebrecht Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Mike Pisani, Municipal Operations Director Sean Levin, Recreation & Senior Services Deputy Director Justin Schmillen, Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Support Specialist Marie Lindeman, Administrative Support Specialist III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR None.   V. CONSENT CALENDAR   A. Minutes of the October 4, 2016 PB&R Commission meeting. Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Parks, Trees, and Beaches Maintenance Divisions Activities Report Receive/file Activity Report of past and upcoming projects and events. C. D. Recreation & Senior Services Activity Report Receive/file Activity Report of past and upcoming projects and events. E. Tree Donation — Eastbluff Park Approve tree donation for Gabi Dendiger at Eastbluff Park. F. Bench Donation — Sapphire Avenue and South Bay Front, Balboa Island Approve bench donation for Bruce & Suzanne Reno at Sapphire Avenue and South Bay Front. Motion by Commissioner Cole, second by Commissioner Hayes, to accept Consent Calendar Items V-A through V-E. Motion carried by unanimous vote; Commissioner Englebrecht absent. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes December 6, 2016 Page 2 VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Pickleball Courts at Bonita Canyon Sports Park West – Conceptual Design and Sound Study That the PB&R Commission: (1) Receive and file the Bonita Canyon Sports Park Pickleball Sound Study (2) Receive the Community Development Director’s determination that the project would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) on the basis that the project is a minor alteration of a public facility involving negligible expansion; and (3) Approve the Conceptual Design for four (4) Pickleball Courts at Bonita Canyon Sports Park West. Director Detweiler introduced the topic and explained several changes to the project. Manager Schmillen provided an overview of the project and explained that Bonita Canyon Sports Park West was selected by staff based on its location, size, and available parking. Sound testing was conducted in September and Manager Schmillen explained the methodology of the sound testing. Manager Schmillen introduced Gary Hardesty, Sound Media Fusion. Mr. Hardesty introduced himself and provided a PowerPoint that explained the sound testing and methodology. The objectives were to 1) measure and understand the noise created by the sport, 2) determine approximate sound levels near residences, and 3) report on activities and potential mitigations. The noise is best described as a repeating short duration impulse noise. At Bonita Canyon Sports Park West they tested at four different locations and concluded that at 300 feet the calculated maximum noise was approximately 52 dB. Mr. Hardesty stated that he did not believe that the noise from the new courts would be heard by homeowners. He recommended that the courts be surrounded by a 10-foot fence and that if needed in the future acoustic blankets could be added. Manager Schmillen showed two brief videos and explained the modifications to the conceptual design such as the 10-foot fence and landscaping changes. Chair Marston asked how the Commission should handle its Motion or Motions. Director Detweiler stated the Commission could approve everything all at once. Commissioner Cole noted that two types of balls were used and received confirmation that the classic ball was the loudest ball available. He asked Mr. Hardesty if the classic ball would be heard from the residences. Mr. Hardesty said that the sound should not be audible and noted there was little difference between the two balls. Commissioner Cole stated that Mr. Casey’s letter discussed violations of the General Plan’s Noise Element. Commissioner Cole inquired about the Noise Element in relationship to the project. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes December 6, 2016 Page 3 Manager Schmillen read the Municipal Code related to noise levels. He stated that it is staff’s opinion that the project would meet the code regardless of the type of pickleball used. Commissioner Hayes requested definition of the decibel levels of everyday sounds. Mr. Hardesty gave examples of decibel levels. The current noise in the room without speaking was around 53 or 54 dB. The mitigating factors for the project are 1) the distance, 2) the grass, 3) masking or “hiding” noise from MacArthur Boulevard. MacArthur was around 68 to 72 dB at the time of measure. Additionally, impulse noises dramatically diminish over distance. Commissioner Hayes inquired if raising the fences to 10 feet was a noise mitigation measure or if it was to stop balls from leaving the playing area. Manager Schmillen said it was to potentially accommodate sound blankets. Mr. Hardesty explained that if there were challenges they could include sound blankets which absorb sound on the courtside and block sound on the other side. NASA uses these blankets to absorb sound from shuttle launches. Director Detweiler requested clarification on the extension of the fence by two feet. Mr. Hardesty said that ideally the barrier would be as big as possible. Since the sound originates at arm level he felt the two-foot increase was preferable. Commissioner Hayes suggested that the sound blankets would shield players from road noise. Manager Schmillen clarified that the Municipal Code is 55 dB is the allowable level for 15 consecutive minutes. Chair Marston asked if there was a city ordinance related to impulse noise. Director Detweiler stated there was not. There was discussion regarding the blankets. Mr. Hardesty said that a high estimate for blankets along the back and some of the sides would be about $15,000. The blankets are fully weatherproof and fire retardant. Commissioner Howald said that they might block some view, but that there would be little maintenance. Mr. Hardesty reiterated that he did not believe the blankets would be needed. Director Detweiler stated that one of the reasons staff was not recommending the use of the sound blankets at this point was because of cost and could be somewhat unsightly. Staff also wants to maintain the air flow on the courts. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes December 6, 2016 Page 4 Chair Marston opened the public comments Ken Krum of 1949 Port Province explained how he became involved in pickleball. He encouraged the Commission to move forward with the project. Mr. Krum discussed waiting times to use courts. That morning there were 46 players, which is a lot of people on a court that should accommodate 16. The new facility will provide six additional hours of play and the courts will be full. Commissioner Granoff asked Mr. Krum about the type of balls and if one was better for play. Mr. Krum said it depended on talent but that the yellow colored ball is quieter than the green. Polly Verfaillie of 1621 Port Abby Place which is about 300 yards from the proposed courts commented on neighbors not being able to be there because of short notice. The neighborhood wanted more time to respond to the project. She voiced her discontent with the courts and suggested the AT&T property as an alternate location. She also suggested ideas for a compromise between players and residents. Jim Whistler of 825 Hibiscus Court thanked the City for developing pickleball and encouraged people to try it. He also suggested more courts in future projects. Chair Marston closed the public comments Chair Marston asked for clarification about the hours of play for pickleball. Manager Schmillen said the hours would be 7:30 a.m. to dusk. Commissioner Anderson thanked the consultant and staff. He found the noise to be inaudible from the homes no matter the ball used. Chair Marston stated that Commissioner Englebrecht had expressed his support to her for all three recommendations. Motion by Commissioner Anderson; second by Vice Chair Hayes to: (1) Receive and file the Bonita Canyon Sports Park Pickleball Sound Study (2) Receive the Community Development Director’s determination that the project would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) on the basis that the project is a minor alteration of a public facility involving negligible expansion; and (3) Approve the Conceptual Design for four (4) Pickleball Courts at Bonita Canyon Sports Park West. Motion carried by unanimous vote; Commissioner Englebrecht absent. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes December 6, 2016 Page 5 B. Sunset View Park – Ad Hoc Committee Appointment Appoint two (2) commissioners to serve on the Lower Sunset View Park Ad Hoc Committee to assist in the conceptual design process Director Detweiler discussed the reason for the Ad Hoc committee was to include community outreach during the conceptual design phase of the project. Chair Marston nominated Vice Chair Hayes and Vice Chair Hayes nominated Chair Marston to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. Chair Marston opened the public comments; hearing none the public comments were closed. Nominations of Chair Marston and Vice Chair Hayes to serve on the Sunset View Park Ad Hoc Committee. Nominations carried by unanimous vote; Commissioner Englebrecht absent. Chair Marston asked to return to the pickleball subject and requested confirmation on the recommendation. Director Detweiler said the recommendation was for a 10-foot fence, but not the sound dampening blankets. VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Howald said Director Pisani had come to OASIS Senior Center and fielded a lot of questions regarding Poppy Avenue. He went on to say that many had taken the Public Works information sheet home. Commissioner Howald gave kudos to the Public Works staff for the information that was provided. Director Detweiler clarified that the Commission’s approval of pickleball was the staff recommendation that did not include sound dampening which received confirmation from the Commission. She reminded the Commission that the Boat Parade starts next week and that there is a tree lighting ceremony at Marina Park with fireworks on December 14 and a family fun night at Marina Park for 90 people on December 16. Director Pisani stated that a construction contract on Poppy would go before the City Council on the 13th. If approved the project should start after the first of the year. Commissioner Anderson discussed showing “Dirty Old Wedge,” and suggested that Commissioners watch the video and give an opinion. There are not many movies about the Newport community, but other movies will be considered. The maker of the movie is also open to editing the movie for the City. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes December 6, 2016 Page 6 IX. ADJOURNMENT - 6:54 p.m. Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: _____ Marie Marston, Chair Teri Craig Marie Marston