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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/5/2013 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 5, 2013 – 6pm 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 6:03 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Present: Kathy Hamilton, Chair Tom Anderson, Vice Chair (Arrived at 6:10 p.m.) Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht Phillip Lugar Marie Marston Jack Tingley Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, Municipal Operations Director Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the February 5, 2013 regular meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Parks & Operations Division Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. C. Item pulled by Commissioner Tingley. D. Item pulled by Director Harmon. E. Item pulled by member of the audience. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher commented that he had submitted written comments which were incorporated into the minutes. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, seconded by Commissioner Lugar, to approve Consent Calendar items 4A & 4B. Motion carried by acclamation. C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Commissioner Tingley reported attending the Camp Expo part of the Newport Mesa Spirit Run and commented positively on the experience. He complimented staff for the success of the program. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission March 5, 2013 Page 2 Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher asked the Recreation and Senior Services Director to comment on the City’s negotiation with Michael Mooseland of the Christian Science Church for its sale or lease of West Newport Community Center and its future programming Director Detweiler stated that she could not speak to a Closed Session item. However the improvements made at the West Newport Community Center has expanded the gymnastics program and that that it has been a great success. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion D. Bench Donation. Director Harmon stated that he pulled this item to confirm for the Commission that this bench donation will replace an existing bench. He referenced photos that show that that the existing bench is not a donated bench but will be replaced with one. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Mrs. Marshall commented positively on working with Mr. Paul Ramirez who guided her throughout the process. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion E. Additional Street Tree Designation - Jim Mosher stated that he pulled this item to remind the Commission of their previous action to remove eighteen Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees on Holiday Road. Mr. Mosher stated that he hoped that the Commission will use care in its actions regarding the Groves Bike Trail noting that it is designated as a public landmark within the City's tree policy. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, seconded by Commissioner Lugar, to approve Consent Calendar Items 4C, 4D and 4E. Motion carried by acclamation. 5) CURRENT BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Lower Castaways – A Discussion on the Future of this City-Owned Property - Director Detweiler introduced Harbor Commissioner Gehrling stating that he would be providing a report on Lower Castaways seeking the Commission’s feedback. Harbor Commissioner David Gehrling provided a presentation regarding the future of the Lower Castaways. He provided a brief background and commented that the property had been deeded to the City in 2008 by The Irvine Company and in return The Irvine Company would be able to develop other holdings within the City. He addressed the size and location and reported on its uniqueness and description of the property. Commissioner Gehrling went on to talk about the zoning designations of the property, as part of the General Plan and described restrictions versus the Coastal Land-Use Plan. He went on to say that the grant deed prohibited the development of commercial marinas and reported a need for a rezoning process. He addressed existing uses and presented some ideas for the property including a boat launch, an emergency ramp, having the area as a hub to connect to the Upper Castaways, public piers, boat storage, a community garden, parking overflow and a staging area for other City activities. Additionally, Mr. Gehrling invited Commission members to attend their Study Session on March 13 at 4:30pm Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission March 5, 2013 Page 3 Discussion ensued regarding the Coastal Commission possible involvement, The Irvine Company's deed of the property to the City, the possibility of providing written comments for those unable to attend the study session and the benefits of developing a boat launch as well as related challenges. Ensuing discussion pertained to availability of funding for the various plans. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Received & Filed. B. Tree Donation Request - Director Harmon reported that a donation request from Melissa Belanger to donate a Hong Kong Orchid tree to be planted at Cliff Drive Park. He stated that staff recommends approval of the request and that that there will be no view issues related to the planting of the tree. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, seconded by Commissioner Lugar, to approve donation of one Hong Kong Orchid tree by Melissa Belanger to be planted at Cliff Drive Park. Motion carried by acclamation. C. Special Tree Removal - Director Harmon presented an update on the Blue Gum Eucalyptus removal on Groves Bike Trail and addressed replacement trees approved. He noted that staff had recommended removing and replacing the trees on a phased approach and reported that one of the trees recently fell and that it had not been one earmarked for removal because there were no visible signs of decay. He reported that removal and replacement will not be phased but that all of the trees will be removed and replaced right away. He reported that Arborist Dan Jensen will be included in the process and will be asked to reevaluate the remaining trees along the trail and report to the City Attorney's office. Director Harmon noted that no action by the Commission was needed. Discussion followed regarding the need to act expeditiously and to consider the remaining Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees while developing an appropriate timeline to move forward. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher noted that Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees are Council-designated landmark trees accepted as a public benefit in return for development rights at the adjoining tract. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Received & filed. 6) 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) Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission March 5, 2013 Page 4 Director Detweiler presented an update on the new Civic Center and addressed dates of closure when staff is scheduled to move to the new site. She reported that press releases will be issued by the PIO relative to the move. She also noted that there will be a partial closure on March 11 at 1pm to allow staff to clean out files, etc. She announced that the Grand- Opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at 10am. She reported that staff will provide parking information and will set up a training session for the Commission to learn the new voting system in the new facility. Director Detweiler stated that the Coastal Commission will consider the removal of the Fire Rings on March 6 in San Diego along with the height of the tower for Marina Park. Additionally, she commented positively on the Spirit Run and commended her staff for their work on the Camp Expo. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher referenced written comments he submitted related to the Commission’s decision making authority. 8) ADJOURNMENT – 6:52pm Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: ________ Kathy Hamilton, Chair