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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-02-2017 PBR Minutes CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting May 2, 2017 – 6:00 PM I. CONVENE MEETING OF THE PARKS BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER – 6:00 PM II. ROLL CALL Present: Marie Marston, Chair Laird Hayes, Vice Chair Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht David Granoff (Arrived at 6:05 p.m.) Walt Howald Absent: Tom Anderson Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Mike Pisani, Municipal Operations Director - Maintenance Sean Levin, Recreation & Senior Services Deputy Director Dan Sereno, Landscape Manager Brason Alexander, Recreation Supervisor Teri Craig, Administrative Support Specialist III. NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CONSENT CALENDAR  None V. CONSENT CALENDAR Chair Marston stated that she would not be pulling the April 4, 2017 minutes but asked staff to make sure that her specific comments regarding the use of the parcel of land at Sunset View Park were added to the minutes. A. Minutes of the April 4, 2017 meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Parks, Trees & Beach Maintenance Division Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file Activity Report. C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file Activity Report of past and upcoming projects and events. Motion by Vice Chair Hayes, second by Commissioner Howald, to accept Consent Calendar Items V-A through V-C. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioners Anderson and Granoff absent. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes May 2, 2017 Page 2 Commissioner Granoff arrived at 6:05 pm VI. CURRENT BUSINESS A. Corona del Mar State Beach Volleyball Court Donation Request Commissioner Granoff arrived at 6:05 pm Consider the request to donate $2,000 for the purchase of volleyball nets from Karyn Igar on behalf of the family and friends of Ronald Hanks and Neal Cline. Deputy Director Levin provided background on the volleyball court donation request and the in memoriam plaques. Chair Marston questioned Council Policy B-17 and the size of plaques. Deputy Director Levin confirmed that these plaques would be 2 x 6 inches. Commissioner Englebrecht expressed concern over the trend of naming parks and courts after people. Deputy Director Levin responded that the plaques at the courts would be similar to bench donations and not the naming of parks. Manager Sereno explained the wording for plaques on donated benches is in accordance with Policy B-17. Commissioner Englebrecht suggested adding donation language. Chair Marston pointed out some discrepancies between the wording on the request and what will actually be printed on the plaques. Deputy Director Levin said that the language could be changed and clarified. Director Detweiler commented on paragraph H. section 3C of the B-17 Policy regarding distinguished service to community noting that there is more leeway with the plaque language. Commissioner Englebrecht restated that he preferred in memoriam language. Vice Chair Hayes agreed with Commissioner Englebrecht. He also commented that he was disappointed that the City Council had recommended renaming the John Wayne Park without it coming to the Commission for their review. Commissioner Howald also questioned the exact wording on the plaques and asked if the courts were moved or abandoned would the City have any responsibility to the donors. Deputy Director Levin stated that the language could be changed and went on to explain the policies related to the 10 volleyball courts at Corona del Mar State Beach. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes May 2, 2017 Page 3 He stated that this donation includes nets for the volleyball courts, which will be stored and used when needed. He added that any removal of the volleyball courts would require Coastal Commission approval. Director Detweiler stated the courts are well rooted in the community and would remain for years to come. Commissioner Englebrecht cautioned the Commissioners to use their brain and not let their emotions guide them in making a decision. Chair Marston opened the public comments Karyn Igar a member of the Corona del Mar State Beach Volleyball family and was close with both Ron Hanks and Neal Cline appreciated the Commission discussion. She believed the size of the plaques drove the wording, but are open to other wordings that might be attractive on the plaques. She spoke about the merits of the courts at Corona del Mar and the community fostered by Mr. Hanks and Mr. Cline. She stated that Ron Hanks had taught classes for the City for many years and Neal Cline brought the community together for pick-up games and reminded others to let beginners and everyone play. She commented that the plaques commemorate the spirit of Ron and Neal. David Cline, brother of Neal Cline, spoke about Neal’s life noting that he was a space scientist and spent 30 years at UCLA’s Department of Geophysics and worked with JPL under contract from UCLA. At 54 he retired to play volleyball and surf and took classes for both at Corona del Mar Beach. Mr. Cline explained how his brother facilitated games for beginners for 23 years. He noted that with respect to the wording on the plaque that he would defer to the wishes of the volleyball players. Laura Luca, a resident of Newport, wanted to echo the previous speakers. She stated that she took up volleyball at about 50 and that Neal Cline was very welcoming and encouraging. She noted that she was impressed that he led such a large and diverse group of people. Laura knew Neal for four years and the only day he missed a day was the day his mother passed away. He loved the game, the people, and Newport Beach. Neal and Ron were mentors and unique people. The past Saturday they held a tournament to raise the money for the plaques and 60 people played. She suggested “In loving memory” for the plaques and moving them to the wall instead of the posts. Dr. Jeanne Manese, a resident of Corona del Mar, worked at UCSD for 18 years and lived in La Hoya. When she moved and found Corona Del Mar Beach she was excited about the sense of community. She stated that the plaques would recognize the close community and provide recognition for Ron and Neal. Jim Mosher reiterated that the Commission needs to act with their heads and not their hearts and urged the Commission follow Council policies. He stated that he disagreed with the staff’s interpretation of the two sections cited regarding distinguished service. He suggested however that the Commission be flexible about the plaques so that it was clear they are acknowledging the City’s gratitude for the Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes May 2, 2017 Page 4 donation. He stated that Page 3 of the B-17 policy provides guidelines on naming public property and noted that City Council makes the determinations regarding naming after recommendation from the Commission. Chair Marston closed the public comments Commissioner Englebrecht said Mr. Mosher’s comments and letter lend credence to the use of the words “In loving memory.” He supported plaques with that language. Commissioner Granoff believed that they could do something better than a small plaque on a post such as a bench. Chair Marston suggested that if the volleyball players wanted to change to a bench or other idea that they could make that suggestion. The language would be consistent with the application and would include “loving” per the applicant’s request. Motion by Chair Marston, second by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve the donation of $2,000 for the purchase of volleyball nets from Karyn Igar on behalf of the family and friends of Ronald Hanks and Neal Cline. That the plaque will read on court 1 “In Loving Memory of Ronald Hanks”; and; court 2 "In Loving Memory of Neal Cline". The motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Anderson absent. B. Special Trees Removal – 318 and 326 Marine Avenue Consider the request for removal of two Special City Eucalyptus trees located at 318 and 326 Marine Avenue and replaced with two 36” box Water Gum trees. Manager Sereno provided background on the special trees removal request. Manager Sereno and the City Arborist Kevin Pekar requested that Walter Warriner make a tree risk assessment. Manager Sereno then introduced Mr. Warriner and provided his background to the Commission. Walter Warriner provided a PowerPoint presentation entitled Tree Assessments on Marine Avenue. He recommended removal of the trees at 318 and 326 Marine Ave. Vice Chair Hayes asked how long it took to do an analysis of each tree. Mr. Warriner stated that each tree and corresponding report took anywhere from four to 10 hours. Commissioner Cole inquired about root removal. Mr. Warriner explained that a stump grinder would be used, but in a hardscape setting you do not have to remove all the roots. Chair Marston questioned the depth of the stump grinding related to the new 36” box trees. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes May 2, 2017 Page 5 Mr. Warriner explained that most stump grinders reach about 18 inches. The rest of the digging occurs when the new tree is planted. In urban settings tree roots only go down about a foot. Chair Marston asked for comments on the replacement trees in comparison to the current trees. Mr. Warriner explained the new tree is smaller in stature, but would mature at about 25-30 feet or less. He went on to say that it would not displace the hardscape and the canopy could be shaped and noted that the existing trees are are much taller then these trees will ever grow. Commissioner Englebrecht stated Marine Avenue is iconic. He asked about color on the new trees. Mr. Warriner said the proposed replacement tree has a yellow blossom in the late spring/early summer and blooms for three weeks to a month and resembles the Eucalyptus tree. Chair Marston asked staff about other trees in poor health on Marine. Manager Sereno answered that eventually the other trees on Marine will need to bereplaced. He stated that there is not a tree designated for that for Marine but would in the future. Commissioner Howald asked if the root bulb would affect the new tree. Manager Sereno concurred with Mr. Warriner, but noted that there would be some hand work in installing the new trees. Chair Marston opened the public comments Jim Mosher noted that Council Member Herdman held a town hall and announced that there would be money budgeted for a complete redevelopment of Marine Avenue. If this is going to be a project comparable to Poppy Avenue, he hoped the plan for changing the street tree would be reviewed by the Commission. Jack Close, owner of 332 Marine Ave., said he was in the fall line of one of the trees. He inquired about the root structure after the grinding of the root ball and learned the roots would stop growing. He currently has roots in his sewer from the tree. Chair Marston closed the public comments Commissioner Englebrecht suggested the Commission table the item until the Council discuss the possible plan for Marine Avenue. Chair Marston indicated that there was a risk concern, but Commissioner Englebrecht still wanted further clarification. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes May 2, 2017 Page 6 Director Pisani commented that there is an item in the CIP budget for fiscal year 2017/18 for planning money for Marine Avenue. Any work is at least 18 months out. Motion by Commissioner Cole, seconded by Chair Marston to approve the removal of two Special City Eucalyptus trees located at 318 and 326 Marine Avenue and replaced with two 36" box Water Gum trees. Motion carried unanimously with Commissioner Anderson absent. C. Youth Programs. PowerPoint Presentation by Recreation Supervisor Brason Alexander. Director Detweiler stated that in the coming months the Commission would hear a series of presentations providing an overview of the many recreation offerings provided by the Recreation & Senior Services Department and introduced Recreation Supervisor Brason Alexander who provided a presentation on Youth Programs. VII. ANNOUCEMENTS / FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS PB&R Commission / staff announcements / Ad Hoc Committee updates or matters which members would like placed on a future agenda for discussion, action or report (non-discussion item). Director Pisani talked about Arbor Day and thanked Chair Marston for her participation; he provided a Poppy Street update, and discussed the free document shredding event scheduled for May 6. Director Detweiler talked about the Volunteer Fair at OASIS and Movies in the Park – Toy Story. She also stated that Council had approved the contract for the construction of the pickleball courts and approved the renaming of Ensign View Park to John Wayne Park. Director Detweiler went on to say that Chair Marston’s 11-year term with the PB&R Commission would end in June and in honor of her service to the City, staff had a tree planted in her honor at West Newport Park. Chair Marston was presented with a plaque and a map of where the tree was planted. Chair Marston thanked the staff. Commissioner Howald commended staff for their work on Poppy Avenue. Conversation ensued regarding the minimum size tree box for donations. Director Pisani explained that staff is working on updating tree policies to include changes that have been discussed this past year. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes May 2, 2017 Page 7 VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented on the renaming of Ensign View Park to John Wayne Park. He commented that the City Charter gives the Commission purview over all things parks, beaches, and recreation. He urged the Commission to advise the City Council all the time, and not just upon request. He was pleased that some Commissioners provided comments to the City Council at their meeting regarding the renaming but noted that their comments were not made part of the public record. Chair Marston said the comments would be documented. Commissioner Englebrecht agreed that everything regarding those issues should come to the PB&R Commission for their advice but that City Council can make decision without it. Staff confirmed that was correct and Commissioner Englebrecht said that it was contrary to the Charter. Staff encouraged Commissioners that if they had comments on specific issues that they should direct them to the City Council. IX. ADJOURNMENT – 7:30 PM Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: _____ Marie Marston, Chair gxÜ|VÜt|z `tÜ|x `tÜáàÉÇ