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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/1/2014 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting April 1, 2014 – 6:00 pm 1) CONVENE MEETING OF THE PARKS BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER – 6:03 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Present: Ron Cole, Vice Chair Kathy Hamilton Laird Hayes Walt Howald Roy Englebrecht Marie Marston     Absent: Tom Anderson, Chair (Excused) Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Mike Pisani, Acting Municipal Operations Director Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant   3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the February 4, 2014 regular meeting. Recommendation: Waive reading of subject minutes, approve and order filed. B. Parks & Operations 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. D. Bench Donation – Irvine Terrace Park. Recommendation: Approve donation of bench, donation by Renee Nichols to be installed at Irvine Terrace Park. Vice Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Jim Mosher stated he had submitted written comments relative to the Recreation Activity Report and requested that pictures be provided for bench donations. Vice Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Motion by Vice Chair Cole; seconded by Commissioner Englebrecht, to approve items 4A – 4D of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Cole, Englebrecht, Hayes, Hamilton, Howald, Marston Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 1, 2014 Page 2 Absent: Anderson 5) CURRENT / NEW BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Lower Castaways – A Conceptual Review Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission review the Lower Castaways conceptual plan and provide feedback to the Lower Castaway Ad Hoc Committee for further refinement. Director Detweiler introduced Harbor Commissioner David Girling who provided a PowerPoint Presentation. He stated the goal of the presentation was to gain feedback from the Commission to take back to the Ad Hoc Committee to ultimately forward to Council. He reported on the discovery process of the plan including background, studies completed, timeline, location and size, challenges moving forward and history, including historical photos. He noted expiration dates of additional lease agreements and other on- site uses. Four (4) components to the plan were addressed with a brief summery to each including the General Plan, the Coastal Land Use Plan, the Deed Restrictions and Zoning of the proposed site. The definition of ‘Take” was provided as “Damage to habitat organisms that are killed” and in regards to those items, Commissioner Girling went on to say that approval process for development in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) such as this must go through the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Coastal Commission. Study session ideas were provided and additional studies needed were mentioned. In response to Commissioner Howald’s inquiry regarding specific problematic areas that may be of concern with the current plan, Commissioner Girling stated that the area of concern which could possibly be problematic is the bulkhead in which Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) may not give permission to build any new structures. This will limit the vision of making the area available to watercraft, however, if not approved for a new structure, they can still improve the bulkhead but the ability to launch boats would not happen. Commissioner Howald inquired regarding the next step of the plan. Commissioner Girling responded that DFW and the Coastal Commission have provided favorable feedback and will know more after an April 16, 2014 meeting. He added that the plan could potentially take years and it was for this reason that the project will move forward in stages. Commissioner Marston asked if the green area could be used for concerts in the future, whether parking would have metered parking, and asked about beach access. Director Detweiler stated that the green lawn area will be flat for concerts and classes to be held there. Staff will be working with Community Development to fine tune parking requirements. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that this plan must be for the best public use for the four (4) acres because it is the last remaining area in the City for development. He also asked about charging for parking. In response to the question about parking Director Detweiler stated that the proposed 90 spots could be metered to assure access to the park amenities. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 1, 2014 Page 3 Commissioner Englebrecht suggested that fire rings be incorporated into the plan and stated he was unaware if the location of existing homes met the distance requirements but hoped it could be looked into as well. Commissioner Cole inquired on the design drawing showing a possible dock and stated he also had hopes for family activities and concerts to be incorporated into the plan. He questioned parking control and if the proposed lot would be large enough for the proposed activities and an area for bicycles. Commissioner Girling stated that the dock had been removed from the previous design plan and that a number of bike spaces would be included. Director Detweiler suggested incorporating an architectural design for the parking of bicycles. Commissioner Girling commented that he envisioned the area to be used as a friendly recreation destination. In response to Commissioner Cole’s inquiry regarding a sense of cost or funding for the project, Commissioner Girling cautioned against the idea of requesting additional staff time on estimating costs until the concept is vetted and is presented to the City Council. He also responded to Commissioner Cole’s inquiry of how the earlier staging and channel dredging was allowed to occur in an MPA area stating that it was not a development and therefore was not a conflict. Commissioner Hayes inquired regarding the peninsula of green on the rendering and asked if moved, could parking be maximized. He stated he thinks the proposed plan is great however voiced concern for not having enough room for bicycles and cars. Commissioner Girling stated the bike trail would go around the green area and the desire is to preserve plant life as much as possible. Vice Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Roy Sinclair stated that he uses Castaways Park daily to walk his dog and that he supports the project and excited for the much needed public access. He suggested incorporating the Old Landing monument on Dover Drive into the park for better public view. Harbor Commissioner Girling responded that a historic component will be incorporated into the design. Jim Mosher provided historical background to the proposed McFadden Landing stating that it was originally called “Newport” and later changed to “McFadden”. He went on to say that project is a much better one than the current gravel parking lot. He advised the Commission to preserve and protect current parks and that the he felt that the Upper Castaway Park is being encroached upon in this plan and is preserved as a natural view park and is one of the last remaining areas of natural land. Paul Julian agreed with the idea of moving the monument to the park and commended the Commission on the plan including bringing in more space for bicyclists. He expressed minor concern for patrols and loitering issues, and the maintenance of surrounding vegetation. He inquired if the dock could be used for Duffy boats, and stated that the new staircase will most likely be visible from his living room, but hoped additional vegetation would provide him privacy. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 1, 2014 Page 4 Vice Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Director Detweiler clarified that no vote was necessary at this time and stated diligent notes had been taken on the matter. She thanked Harbor Commissioner Girling, Harbor Resources Manager Miller and Architect David Volz for their hard work on the presentation and leg work involved. She stated that staff was very excited about this project. B. West Newport Community Center Ad Hoc Committee Appointment Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission appoint (2) commissioners to serve on the West Newport Community Center Ad Hoc Committee to assist in seeking community input on site locations and amenities for a brand new West Newport Community Center in the western part of Newport Beach. Director Detweiler stated that staff had received direction from the City Council to provide additional community outreach to gain input on preferred site location and amenities for the new West Newport Community Center. She asked that two (2) Commissioners be appointed to serve throughout the project process. She also noted that she had spoken previously with Chair Anderson who expressed interest in serving on the committee. Vice Chair Cole opened the floor for nominations. Commissioner Marston nominated Chair Anderson and Commissioner Hayes to serve on the committee. Commissioner Howald stated he would like to serve due to his experience or used as a resource. Commissioner Hayes stated he would be eager to serve as well. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that Chair Anderson and Commissioner Hayes would best be suited to sit on the committee due to their west side home locations. Additionally he inquired to Director Detweiler how the Community College would fit into the process. Director Detweiler stated that they are working with Coastline Community College to run some programs there in the interim until plans are fully developed. She stated that Pacifica Christian School has shown an interest in leasing a portion of the existing West Newport Community Center. Commissioner Hamilton nominated Commissioner Howald. Vice Chair Cole nominated Commissioner Marston. He went on to say that we were asked for two but we can have three serve on the committee. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht; seconded by Commissioner Howald, to nominate Chair Anderson and Commissioners Hayes and Marston to serve on the West Newport Community Center Ad Hoc Committee. Vice Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Jim Mosher inquired if the Commission was creating a sub-committee of the commission or if these are appointments to some other group. He advised that the meetings of recently appointed Harbor Commission Ad Hoc Subcommittees were chosen to be publicly noticed and feels that although not compelled by the Brown Act, this would be a good idea to apply to this new sub- committee. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 1, 2014 Page 5 Director Detweiler clarified that the meetings are not required to be publicly noticed; however, the goal is to receive feedback from the community and there will be a publicly noticed community meeting. Vice Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Vice Chair Cole restated Commissioner Englebrecht’s motion to nominate Chair Anderson and Commissioners Hayes and Marston to the Ad Hoc Committee. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Cole, Englebrecht, Hayes, Hamilton, Howald, Marston Absent: Anderson 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) Director Detweiler updated the Commission on the second Pickle Ball tournament being filled to capacity, the opening of spring registration, Youth Government Day and activities centered around it, Camp Newport Expo for upcoming summer camp activities, fire ring education and enforcement including efforts of the City to give away free lump charcoal at the fire ring sites. She described the product and experience she and staff had using it and provided a comparison to wood which was favorable. Director Detweiler went on to remind the Commission that the Annual youth track meet was Friday April 7 and also confirmed that tickets are still available for Casino Night at OASIS on April 12. She report that the lawn bowling open house is May 10th and that upcoming Buck Gully hikes are listed in the Navigator. She commended staff on the great job keeping the community engaged and involved in a variety of programs. Commissioner Englebrecht reported that he and Chair Anderson had met with staff as the Street Tree Designation Ad-Hoc Committee and learned that even though the City has many trees, the availability, the size and width of the tree and parkway are huge determining factors on whether the tree will survive or flourish. Vice Chair Cole noted that the Blackball Committee will meet on April 2. In response to Commissioner Marston’s question about the date of the G-1 meeting, Acting Director Pisani stated that a meeting was held last month and added that the CR&R Environmental Services had taken over City trash collection and will hold a compost giveaway on May 3rd at the OASIS auxiliary parking lot. In response to Commissioner Englebrecht’s question of Back Bay View Park, Director Detweiler stated that there is currently some money available in the Capital Improvements Fund and that this item will be brought back for Commission review however no timeline is available as yet. In response to Commissioner Hamilton’s question regarding the Eastbluff Baseball field scoreboard, Superintendent Levin stated that a scoreboard had been approved by the Commission to be installed but the donor had changed their mind. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission April 1, 2014 Page 6 In response to Commissioner Marston’s request for an update on Poppy Avenue, Acting Director Pisani stated that for the portion north of East Coast Highway, an Arborist will provide direction in the next six weeks; however the area south of the Highway is a Public Works project and they are still in the process of hiring a consultant. Commissioner Howald noted that he had attended the G-1 meeting and the last draft of suggestions should be finalized soon for review by the Commission this summer. Commissioner Hayes thanked Director Detweiler for the City tour and acknowledged his gratefulness to staff and the Commission and that he was looking forward to his tenure. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher commented that since there is a lack of tree availability, that the City should use the City yard or contract with a nursery to propagate seedlings to add variety. 8) ADJOURNMENT @ 7:36 p.m. Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: Tom Anderson, Chair