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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/5/2013 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 5, 2013 – 6pm 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 6:00 pm 2. ROLL CALL Present: Kathy Hamilton, Chair Tom Anderson, Vice Chair Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Jack Tingley Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation and Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, Municipal Operations Director Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 3. PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER AWARD – EVAN DEBOUB Director Detweiler introduced Recreation Manager Cates to provide the presentation. Manager Cates introduced Evan Deboub and presented him with the Presidential Volunteer Award. She reported on his volunteer efforts which resulted in the award by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Along with a certificate, he was presented with a gold Presidential Seal pin. 4. PRESENTATION TO CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS Director Detweiler thanked staff for running the best flag football league in the State and acknowledged each in recognition of their work and efforts. She thanked parents and family members for their support as well. She introduced Recreation Supervisor Scott Williamson to present the Newport Beach Flag Football League teams, participants, and achievements and thanked the parents for their support. He presented the participants with a certificate. 5 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 6. CONSENT CALENDAR Jim Mosher commented on Item 6B and referenced the number of trees planted for the months of November and December noting a net loss of 19 trees per month. He referenced items underway and in the planning phases and reported that some have been reviewed and approved by other groups. He listed other projects for which no detailed information has been provided and referenced written comments submitted separately. He addressed removal of the trees in the bike trails and felt that the project requires a Coastal Development permit. A. Minutes of the December 4, 2012 regular meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 5, 2013 Page 2 B. Parks & Operations Division Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Motion by Commissioner Lugar, seconded by Commissioner Marston to approve the Consent Calendar 6A – 6C. Motion carried by acclamation. 7. CURRENT BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Appeal for Tree Removal at 214 Heliotrope Avenue Recommendation: Deny appeal of Franklin Vranicar to retain one City Aleppo Pine parkway street tree located at 214 Heliotrope Avenue. Director Harmon reported that subject tree is not designated as a special tree and that staff recommended that it be removed because of evidence of severe root pruning due to existing infrastructure, pending danger of failure and the fact that it is an old tree. He addressed Council Policy G-1 which allows residents to appeal staff decisions. He reported that staff had met with Mr. and Mrs. Vranicar reporting their findings to them but they still wanted the tree to be retained. Director Harmon reported that when City arborists make a finding that these older trees could be in danger of failure, it is important to remove them for safety reasons. He reported that the tree will be replaced and that staff will be happy to work with the homeowners on its replacement. Director Harmon added that this is the only Aleppo Pine tree on Heliotrope. Discussion ensued regarding specific areas of possible tree failure, replacement types, providing residents with choices regarding replacement trees as the City's tree-replacement policy is implemented. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Mrs. Vranicar presented background on the tree and other trees on the street that have been replaced. She stated that this tree is well-balanced and has more trunk area that foliage area; and that the City's tree-trimming efforts have helped but that the tree has not been trimmed in the last five years. Director Harmon stated that the tree-trimming cycle is every three years that that you can tell by the canopy size that it has been maintained. Mrs. Vranicar stated that if the tree is kept trimmed, it prevents the roots from growing too and asked that the Commission consider her appeal to retain the tree. She stated that if the tree is replaced that a palm would be preferred. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Discussion followed root pruning conducted on the tree and related safety concerns. Motion by Commissioner Lugar, seconded by Commissioner Marston to deny appeal of Franklin Vranicar to retain one City Aleppo Pine parkway street tree located at 214 Heliotrope Avenue. Motion carried by acclamation. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 5, 2013 Page 3 8. PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION/STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPDATES OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON- DISCUSSION ITEM) Commissioner Anderson reported that he and Commissioner Englebrecht are the Sports Commission liaisons and had met some youth sports groups and reported that they would like the Commission to consider field maintenance as part of the adult leagues fees as well since they use the fields as much or more than youth leagues and possibly provide more damage. Discussion followed regarding the steps needed to require adult leagues to increase their assessment and it was noted that the burden of field maintenance seems disproportionate as adult players tend to do more damage to the fields than kids. Director Detweiler reported that the item can be placed on a future agenda for discussion and consideration by the Commission. She stated that she would need to check if the issue would need subsequent Council approval. Director Detweiler provided an update on the status of the Civic Center noting that the project is moving along well. She reported that the expected moving date is around the end of March and that the grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10:00am. She reported that the Commission would meet in the in the new chambers in April. Director Detweiler went on to report that staff is continues to work on obtaining Coastal Commission permits for Sunset Ridge and Marina Parks and that staff is already planning summer programs. The spring brochure would be mailed at the end of February and the Summer Special brochure would be published soon after. Director Harmon stated that staff had received many calls of concern regarding the removal of the pine trees on the northeast corner of Jamboree and Coast Highway. He stated that this property is actually on on private property and that this reforestation is part of the HOA plan. Commissioner Englebrecht expressed appreciation for Mr. Mosher's written comments and stated that besides the Planning Commission that the PB&R Commission is one of the most important commissions in the City. He expressed concerns that the Commission's duties and powers are being taken away, disregarded or marginalized. He noted that the Council has established CAPs for landscaping and accepting park donations, which he felt, is under the Commission's privy. He wondered how initiatives such as bicycle, infrastructure, tidelands and beach management go forward without any input from the Commission. Commissioner Englebrecht addressed ten projects that should have been brought before the Commission for review before Council consideration, but none of which were. He wondered if the Commission is wasting its time. Director Detweiler stated that the Commission is serving a good purpose and that it has dealt with many complicated topics that needed their vetting. She stated that the Council values the Commission and has sent many issues to them for their review; an indication of their value. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 5, 2013 Page 4 Discussion followed regarding the Citizen Advisory Panels (CAP) that are appointed by Council Members within their jurisdiction to review plans for landscaping and talk about park donations. It was noted that a sub-committee has been assigned to work on landscaping on public rights-of-way in conjunction with the Public Works Department. Commissioner Englebrecht listed some of the projects within the report and wondered if any are within the Commission's purview for recommendations to Council. Director Harmon reported that most of the projects discussed were approved through the budget process (CIP) through the Public Works Department. Staff's intention to list projects in which they are involved in their staff report is to apprise the Commission of some of the activities performed by staff. Members of the Commission were encouraged to express their feelings and thoughts to Council via email. Discussion followed regarding it would be appropriate to address Council as an individual or as a Member of the Commission. It was noted that it would be appropriate as an individual, not representing the Commission. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Vranicar that when he moved into his home on Heliotrope Avenue that it had many pine trees but had become sickly. He stated that nothing was done to reforest the area until a committee was formed by Council that dealt with the issue. He reported that he will work with staff in reforesting efforts. Jim Mosher expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Englebrecht for considering his comments. He stressed that the duties and responsibilities placed on the Commission do not come from the City Council, but rather from the Charter. He stated that the Commission should not act as an advisory only when requested by Council, but at all times. He felt that citizens do not want Council to act without the advice of the PB&R Commission and suggested that the Commission consider placing the matter on a future agenda to present to Council as a unified voice rather than individually. Letty Giang with ABC Surf announced a beach clean-up on March 2 and March 23, 2013 from 10am – noon, from 22nd Street to 36th Street where 20 to 80 volunteers will participate. She reported that she will supply all of the equipment necessary and expressed a willingness to work with the City, the Commission and staff. She hoped that staff will work with her in producing the event correctly. Director Harmon stated that he will have staff contact her to discuss logistics. 10. ADJOURNMENT -7:14pm Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 5, 2013 Page 5 Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant