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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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May 2, 2017
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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
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