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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-11_BVAC_Approved_MinutesCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH BALBOA VILLAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Location: ExplorOcean 600 East Bay Avenue Wednesday, June 11, 2014 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Henn called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. The following persons were in attendance: Balboa Village Advisory Committee Members: Michael Henn, Council Member (Chair) Tony Petros, Council Member Gloria Oakes, Balboa Peninsula Point Association Ralph Rodheim, Balboa Village Merchant Association Member Tom Pollack, ExplorOcean Representative Jim Stratton, At -Large Representative Absent: Grace Dove, Central Newport Beach Community Association Staff Members: Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski, Deputy Community Development Director David Webb, Public Works Director Robert Stein, Assistant City Engineer Fern Nueno, Associate Planner II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON -AGENDIZED ITEMS Interested parties were invited to address the Committee on Non - Agendized Items. Jim Mosher commented on City Council actions from the prior night and stated that it is difficult for the public to track what money is being spent for what purpose. He asked for clarification on how much was spent on Balboa Village and how much of the budget for the coming year is planned to be spent on Balboa Village. Chair Henn stated that it is not feasible to calculate how much more is being spent on Balboa Village than any other part of the City; however, staff may be able to summarize the total spending directly related to the efforts of this Committee relating to Balboa Village. Kimberly Brandt, Community Development Director, stated that staff has the ability to itemize the money spent for the Village since the Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) began implementing the Balboa Village Master Plan. Council Member Petros stated that during a previous meeting, there was a presentation on last year's work program, the items achieved, and a public discussion about what the Committee will do in the coming year. Further, he explained that the public has been privy to all of the work done last year and all of the milestones to be provided in the upcoming year. Fern Nueno, Associate Planner, stated that on July 9, 2014, after the BVAC meeting, there will be an informational meeting regarding the parking strategies that staff has been working on as part of the public outreach previously discussed by this Committee. There being no one further wishing to address the Committee, Chair Henn closed the Public Comment on Non - Agenda Items portion of the meeting. III. ITEMS FOR REVIEW 1. MINUTES of May 14, 2014 Recommended Action: Approve May 14, 2014 Minutes Chair Henn noted Council Member Petros' abstention on this item as he was not present at the last meeting. Jim Mosher complimented staff on the preparation of the minutes. Action: Committee Member Pollack moved to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2014, meeting and Committee Member Oakes seconded the motion. The motion passed 3 -0 -1, with Committee Member Petros abstaining. 2. VILLAGE MAINTENANCE ACTION PLAN Recommended Action: Receive and file Chair Henn introduced the item and deferred to Associate Planner Nueno for a presentation. Ms. Nueno indicated this is an updated report to talk about proposed changes to the Action Plan, current budget, and items to be incorporated into the streetscape improvement plan. Chair Henn noted that it could be a year or two before the streetscape plan is executed because of approvals and funding and he is disappointed about having to wait for an indefinite period of time to execute it. He does not know the impact on the budget and is concerned about the vagueness of getting it done. Associated Planner Nueno stated that the trash receptacles with the kelp are expensive and if the City goes with a different theme it may be costly to replace them now and then again once the streetscape plan is implemented. She noted that waiting 1 -2 years is a long time if some receptacles need to be upgraded now. Chair Henn recommended that when Council signs off on the streetscape plan in the fall, a footnote be placed in the plan to note that the items are to be executed promptly following the approval of the plan, to the extent that the year's budget will permit. Community Development Director Brandt stated that per the schedule, the streetscape plan should be done by the mid -point of the fiscal year and a midyear budget adjustment can be done. Chair Henn opened up the public comment period. Jim Mosher asked what dollar amounts were set aside. Associate Planner Nueno responded that a table included in a previous agenda packet had the dollar amounts and she can share that information with Mr. Mosher. There being no one further wishing to address the Committee, Chair Henn closed public comments. Action: The Committee received and filed the report as modified to include the footnote regarding the midyear budget amendment. 3. INTEGRATED IMPROVEMENT PLAN (Design Guidelines, Streetscape and Wayfinding) Recommended Action: Conduct Roundtable Discussion with RRM Design Chair Henn introduced the item and deferred to Community Development Director Brandt, who asked members from RRM Design Group to introduce themselves. Jami Williams, RRM Design Group, introduced her team and gave a presentation. She spoke about working with the City to establish a vision and create a unified identity to be a theme throughout the plan. She reviewed the timeline, spoke about what RRM envisions and wants to accomplish over the next 5 -6 months, and spoke about planning workshops to help RRM establish what the City's vision is. Ms. Williams spoke about the design guidelines currently in place and how those can be enhanced to refine the character to reinforce the theme. She noted that RRM's vision is to get up to speed, get an understanding of what the City is looking for, and put together some initial concepts for presentation at the July 9, 2014 meeting. RRM would like to refine the concepts at the July, August, and September meetings, and anticipates public hearings in October 2014. Scott Martin, architect for RRM, stated that he is looking to the Committee to guide RRM and is looking for an open dialogue and collaborative process. Mr. Martin provided some information on his background and stated that he would like to create realistic expectations for growth in the City. He asked each Committee Member for words that characterize Balboa Village. Committee Member Oakes asked representatives from her association prior to the meeting, and stated that the existing architecture is eclectic, neglected, and schmaltzy. Future architecture should be eclectic, quaint, and nautical. Committee Member Stratton stated a positive word is historic. He agreed that existing architecture is neglected and shoddy, and some merchants are not the most ideal. Committee Member Rodheim indicated that Balboa Village is home of the Fun Zone and there is an identity crisis of "who are we and where are we." The Village is the heart and soul of the City and the entertainment center of the City. Further, the negative with the Village is the inability to attract local residents and in order for the Village to survive, the City needs to determine what the local residents want, i.e., variety of dining, opening of the theatre, and the opening of ExplorOcean. The Village is eclectic and historic and those are important elements. Committee Member Stratton stated that ten years ago a City consultant laid out some Balboa Village Guidelines that went through a lot of this process and currently need to be updated. He indicated that he does not want to spend a lot of time reinventing what the City has already gone through. Committee Member Pollack stated that as it exists today, the three words to describe the Village are blight, barren in terms of the landscape, and dark. In the future he views the Village as a hub for recreation, entertainment, and culture. Committee Member Petros stated positives would be pedestrian scale, landscaping, signage, store fronts, and an expression of wonder as you go down the block. Further, the arrival should not conflict with the pedestrian experience. Committee Member Rodheim stated the biggest challenge is parking. People cannot find parking and therefore start their experience angry. Chair Henn stated that the Village is iconic with the Pavilion, Ferris wheel, and theatre, and the City needs to connect the iconic experiences. Mr. Martin asked if there are other buildings that stand out positively or negatively and Chair Henn responded that the ferry landing is also iconic. Committee Member Petros added that the Main Street court is at the arrival of the Pavilion. Committee Member Pollack stated that the Balboa Pier could use some improvements such as signage and lighting. Committee Member Rodheim added the Balboa Inn as a positive. His favorite building is at the corner of Main and Balboa but is in disrepair. Leslie Miller stated that presently the Village is dirty and dark and should be clean and bright. It would be nice to have a magical element, such as a fantasy theme that children would enjoy. Howard Hall indicated that parking is an issue and the meters present a problem. Alison Ryffel spoke about trees and bringing back the carousel. Brian Hannegan, RRM, stated that landscape would be controversial and asked what people like and do not like, what streets look good, and what streets need help. Committee Member Rodheim stated that the City has done a fabulous job with regard to sidewalks and widening. The planters along Balboa Boulevard are attractive and the City is working on enhancing the vegetation in them. Further, there are hanging pots with silk flowers which are changed out quarterly. He indicated more hanging plants are needed on Main Street and feels Palm Street needs to be enhanced. The palm trees on Main Street are a negative. Committee Member Stratton stated the bushes on Main Street are nice but are catch -alls for trash and debris, which makes Main Street look dirty. Committee Member Oakes commented on the black pots and stated they look like sand buckets. She suggested they be painted a color other than black. Committee Member Pollack would like to see lights on the palm trees on Palm Street and have bougainvillea growing up the palms. He would take out all of the palm trees on Main Street and replant them with taller ones. The swirls on the sidewalk are a maintenance problem. Committee Member Rodheim stated that under the trees at Balboa Island there is artificial grass and it is fabulous and there is no maintenance involved. Committee Member Petros stated that he does not like the palm trees because they do not provide shade. He appreciated the value but does not like them. He would like to see the strategy incorporate what is done at amusement parks in order to create color. Chair Henn stated there needs to be a thematic approach to landscaping that ties together the Village and gives a sense of place. Leslie Miller's wish would be a classic piazza plaza to create a sense of place with a sculpture, fountain, and benches. She stated the Queen Anne palms are a problem and creates a shaggy look. Janet Ray asked if the scope of the project included the hardscape. Further, she stated that the boardwalk is dirty and that it would be nice to see something classy. Committee Member Rodheim talked about uplighting the palm trees. Committee Member Oakes stated that the plantings chosen should not make sidewalks more unfriendly with droppings. Committee Member Stratton noticed the City plants things and sometimes after a period of time there is not adequate maintenance. He would like a provision for maintenance to maintain the plants. Alison Ryffel spoke about the history of trees and wondered if the trees that have not thrived were planted incorrectly. Simon Andrews, Graphic Solutions, discussed wayfinding. He understood the plan needs to be implementable, something that can be economically implemented and maintained, and something that will express the character of the City. Parking is the number one wayfinding issue in a City and there is a need to find strategies to convert drivers and passengers into pedestrians. Committee Member Oakes stated that "no outlet" signs should be more clear. Committee Member Stratton stated that the directional signs are not lit at night and cannot be read. He has found that using the same type of sign is helpful. Chair Henn stated that he was elected to Council in 2006 and that there had been a 5- year argument about the signs, and he would like to revisit the issue. He stated that signs should be consistent in design and color. Committee Member Oakes indicated the signs that people like are the U -Drive Boats, Woody's Wharf, and the dolphin sign because they are whimsical, fun, and playful. Committee Member Stratton was hopeful for an over - the - street marquee identifying historic Balboa. Committee Member Rodheim stated that the most important thing is off -site parking and indicated that it is a huge challenge for wayfinding. He appreciated the historic - looking neon signs and indicated that new merchants put up cardboard signs and banner signs. The signage should reflect the character of the Village. Committee Member Pollack stated that the experience starts before you hit the Village. He suggested lighting up signs and making them bigger and more readable. Committee Member Petros talked about the distinction between wayfinding and signage and how they are mutually exclusive. He suggested using colored signs and banners. Chair Henn endorsed the feeling of historic -style signs. He also stated that there is a component of this plan that is pedestrian- oriented as opposed to auto - oriented. Committee Member Rodheim stated bicycles are very popular. Leslie Miller agreed with using color signage. She also urged the Committee to consult with the City Arts Commission. Howard Hall spoke about parking and stated that something other than one flat lot should be created in the center of town. Jim Mosher spoke about the difficultly in locating the bicycle racks. Committee Member Pollack stated that there is too much signage and private parking lots should not be advertised on public streets. A member of the public stated that there are a lot of residents who are vocal about there being too many signs and are concerned about the visual clutter that occurs. Committee Member Rodheim mentioned signage concerns for public docks, fishing, etc. that lead to a proliferation of regulatory signs. Ms. Williams provided some images and asked the public and staff to write comments on them about what they like and do not like. Action: No action required. Discussion only. IV. PUBLIC COMMENT None. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Balboa Village Advisory Committee, Chair Henn adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2014, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.