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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/7/2013 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2013 – 6pm 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER – 6pm. 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 Pat Thomas, Deputy Public Works Director 3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR Jim Mosher noted that he had submitted written comments which were incorporated into the minutes. A. Minutes of the March 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. Picnic Table Donation Recommendation: Approve donation of picnic table from the Pam O’Leary to be located at Peninsula Park. E. Picnic Table Donation Recommendation: Approve donation of picnic table from the Kathy Arnold to be located at Peninsula Park. F. Pulled by member of the public G. Reforestation Request Recommendation: Approve reforestation request of one City Carrotwood tree within the parkway in front of 1958 Port Locksleigh from the Newport Hills Community Association. Motion by Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Lugar, to approve Consent Calendar items A, B, D, E and G. Motion carried by acclamation. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission May 7, 2013 Page 2 C. Recreation & Seniors Services Activity Report. Recommendation: Receive/file monthly Activity Report for activities and upcoming projects. Commissioner Tingley questioned staff if a permit had been issued for the Persian New Year event held at the CdM State Beach that over 3000 people attended. Director Detweiler reported that no permit was processed and fees were not assessed with the gathering. She explained that there is no event organizer and the beach use is in recognition of a holiday and users are in compliance with the beach rules. Discussion continued regarding the process for regulating use at the beach and it was noted that this particular use is considered "drop-in" use and a non-commercial activity therefore not requiring a permit. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion; seeing none the discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Lugar, seconded by Commissioner Marston to approve Item 4C – Recreation & Senior Services Activity Report. Motion carried by acclamation. F. Tree Donation Recommendation: Approve donation of one Pine tree from Sharon Wright to be located at Castaways Park Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher commented on policies regarding the donation of trees and dedicated trees. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Lugar, seconded by Commissioner Cole to approve Item 4F — Tree Donation. Motion carried by acclamation. 5) CURRENT / NEW BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Sunset View Park — A Discussion of the Conceptual Plans of Sunset View Park Recommendation: Review and provide feedback of the conceptual plans for Sunset View Park It was noted that this item was noticed to property owners within 300 feet of Sunset View Park. Deputy Public Works Director Pat Thomas provided details of the report addressing location, surrounding properties, initiation for the project, funding by Hoag Hospital and details of the conceptual landscaping plan. He reported meeting with the nearby Villa Balboa Homeowners' Association to receive comments and that they were incorporated into the revised concept. Deputy Director Thomas reported that the park will be a passive site and addressed plant materials, a plant material guide, a proposed walkway, planned improvements, relocation of the park sign and some additional features. He added that staff prepared an environmental assessment of the property and determined that there are no sensitive species located on the site and noted exemption for CEQA. He stated that the site is within the Coastal Zone and will need a Coastal Development Permit in order to move forward with the proposed improvements and addressed the expected timeline. Discussion followed regarding ADA compliance efforts, relocation of the existing gate, the emergency access road, parking, proposed location for the installation of a bench and allowing for future bench donations. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission May 7, 2013 Page 3 Deputy Director Thomas stated that the park is not intended for active use but rather a passive turf areas. Discussion continued regarding placement of benches on the turf in an area with access to views and blocking views for adjacent residential areas, proposed low shrub planting areas as well as the height of the proposed shrubs, identifying the location for future public art and possibly increasing the turf area. The Commission advised Deputy Director Thomas to consider increasing the turf area where feasible, adding a picnic bench, addressing ADA access and defining locations for opportunities for public art. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Larry Welton Private Civil Engineer, reported that he had been retained by some of the property owners of the nearby residential complex to review the plans and provide recommendations. He stated that their it appears that the entire area has been raised over the years but that no records or approved permits relative to the grading can be found. Mr. Welton stated that the homeowners are concerned that their views of the ocean will be blocked and would like to the grading reduced to the levels of the 1990's. He added that he has only photographs that reveal that the grade was lower. He estimated that two to three feet would need to be removed from the top of the slope. Phil Bias, resident of Villa Balboa, Member of the Board of Directors and Landscape Designer, reported meeting with Deputy Director Thomas and that he and Members of the Board are in favor of the proposed plans discussed tonight. He reported that this is not a new park but rather a continuation and "finishing off" of the existing Sunset View Park constructed in the early 1990's. He addressed existing conditions and donations by Hoag Hospital for construction of the park. He reported that no parking is provided for the park and stated that the existing gate does not extend the full width of the concrete drive and that there is ADA access. Mr. Bias reported that maintaining views is a major concern for the homeowners and commented on placement of benches and possible public art. Jim Mosher commented on the planned uses of the park and questioned the type of surfacing of the tot lot. Director Detweiler stated that a tot lot is not planned for the site and that any reference to it is an error. Discussion followed regarding providing ADA parking. Dick Grady, Villa Balboa resident, noted that he is not impacted by views and commented on the safety and use of the park. He noted that this project involves completion of the park and that the park is widely used. He indicated support for replacing the sod without compromising the safety. Ryan Ross spoke in support of the project and addressed the issue of safety noting that the bluff ramps up from the concrete sidewalk to the proposed shrubs. He addressed the increase of the slope and wondered how that could have happened. He suggested that staff consider reducing the bluff slope to improve safety and views. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion B. Special Tree Removal Recommendation: Consider removal of 13 Special City Landmark trees along the Groves Bike Trail. Director Harmon reported on previous action taken by the Commission, the status update, replacement of removed trees and acceptance by the public. He commented that after the removal of the first 54 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission May 7, 2013 Page 4 trees that an arborist was tasked with assessing the remaining trees and his concerns were noted in the report recommending removal of an additional 13 trees. He noted that when these trees are removed, replacement trees will be planted soon after. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Jim Mosher reported that these 13 “elderly” trees are special trees that there are policies requiring accommodations and/or alternatives for saving these trees. He stated that one of the trees is in a location where it could not possibly pose a threat; and commented on the need for the approval of the type of replacement trees. He noted that he believes the project will need a Coastal Development Permit and referenced his written comments that were submitted to the Commission. Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Director Harmon noted that the tree Mr Mosher mentioned could pose a threat and that Council has commented on their approval of replacement trees. He stated that the area looks great and that the Commission has done a great job on the project and that staff has worked with the Coastal Commission and received the "go-ahead" to complete the work. Motion by Commissioner Lugar, seconded by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve the removal of the 13 Special City Landmark trees along the Groves Bike Trail. Motion carried by acclamation. C. Special Tree Removal Recommendation: Consider removal of three Special City Neighborhood Trees from 207, 301 and 302 Marine Avenue. Director Harmon addressed the locations, significant problems with the trees, the need for the emergency removal of a tree at 324 Marine Avenue, community outreach and calls of support by residents. He recommended the removal of these trees for safety reasons and that they will be replaced with 36” box trees and should be planted within a week of their removal. Brief discussion followed regarding the deteriorated condition of the existing trees. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion Gene Giannulli reported that he has the same variety of eucalyptus tree in front of his property and referenced a previous conversation regarding removal of his tree for safety reasons with Urban Forester Conway. He stated that Mr. Conway had suggested that he write a letter requesting removal but has not received a response. He stated that recently a card was placed on the tree in front of his property; but when he returned later, the card was gone. He asked why his tree is not on this list for removal. He stated that his tree is diseased, a nuisance and that a man recently fell due to the roots of the tree and and then stressed that the tree must be removed. Mr. Giannulli stated that his address is 224 Marine Avenue. Director Harmon commented that he was unsure why his tree was tagged and apologized for the confusion. He committed to assess the tree within one week and return with recommendations for removal to the Commission at a later date. Jeff Herdman Balboa Island Improvement Association President noted their full endorsement of the removal and replacement of the trees. He asked staff to ensure that the turf and bricks in the tree wells are replaced when the trees are planted. Director Harmon stated that turf and bricks will be replaced in the tree wells. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission May 7, 2013 Page 5 Chair Hamilton closed the public discussion Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the removal of three Special City Neighborhood Trees from 207, 301 and 302 Marine Avenue. Motion carried by acclamation. D. Special Tree Removal Recommendation: Consider removal of one Special City Neighborhood tree adjacent from 541 Hazel Drive. Director Harmon presented details of the report and pictures of the tree and that the homeowner supports the removal of the tree. He presented staff recommendations noting that the tree exhibits signs of failure. Brief discussion followed regarding the proximity of the tree to the utility lines. Chair Hamilton opened the public discussion; seeing none the discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Lugar, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the removal of one Special City Neighborhood tree adjacent from 541 Hazel Drive. Motion carried by acclamation. 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) Commissioner Tingley stated that he would like to discuss how drop-in use of beach and parks are managed to include commercial use. Director Detweiler updated the Commission on the feasibility of synthetic turf and reported that a line item now appears on the City Council's Facility Financing Plan for FY 2014/15 to fund installation at Bonita Creek Park. Further Council approval would be required to allocate CIP funding during the FY 2014/15 process. Commissioner Anderson commented that some of the Palm Trees on Irvine Avenue will need to be replaced. Director Harmon affirmed that a claim has been submitted to the contractor for replacement of those trees. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher provided an update regarding a tree in Corona del Mar that was blocking the marquee of the New Port Theater. Additionally, Mr. Mosher commented on changes in parking at the Corona del Mar State Beach and the Balboa Pier. 8) ADJOURNMENT at 7:26pm. Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: ________ Kathy Hamilton, Chair Teri Craig Kathy Hamilton