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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/3/2014 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting June 3, 2014 – 6:00 pm 1) CONVENE MEETING OF THE PARKS BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER – 6:00 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Present: Tom Anderson, Chair Ron Cole, Vice Chair Kathy Hamilton Laird Hayes Walt Howald Roy Englebrecht Marie Marston    Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Sean Levin, Recreation Superintendent Mike Pisani, Deputy Municipal Operations Director Dan Sereno, Municipal Operations Superintendent Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant   3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the May 6, 2014 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. Chair Anderson opened the public discussion; hearing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Marston; seconded by Commissioner Howald, to approve items 4A – 4C of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously. 5) CURRENT / NEW BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Request to Change Model & Relocate of a Recently Approved Bench Donation - Irvine Terrace Park Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission consider the request of the donor to change the bench model and relocate the recently approved bench donation location at Irvine Terrace Park for Matthew George Nichols. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 3, 2014 Page 2 Commissioner Englebrecht asked if this bench style was in any other location in the City. Superintendent Sereno stated that it matched the benches around the Sister City Association statue located in the bluffs. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that he liked this style of bench. Superintendent Sereno noted that this bench is about $700 more than the standard bench model, but maintenance is about the same and that it does not need to be varnished. Chair Anderson opened the public discussion. Jim Mosher indicated that he believes that these types of donations use public property to create a private memorial and that it is not the purpose of the bench donation policy. He went on to say that this bench if approved should face the park. Renee Nichols indicated that the location for the bench was chosen because her family believes that the public would want it at the park and the reason for the positioning is so people can sit in solitude and take advantage of the view. Chair Anderson closed the public discussion. Commissioner Englebrecht stated that the Commission needs to be sure that the best looking bench is placed in the proper location and he supports this donation. Commissioner Hamilton and Vice Chair Cole also voiced their support. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht; seconded by Commissioner Hayes, to approve the request of the donor to change the bench model and relocate the recently approved bench donation location at Irvine Terrace Park for Matthew George Nichols. Motion carried unanimously. B. Special Tree Removal – 3300 Newport Boulevard Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission consider the request to remove four (4) Special Trees – Dedicated Trees located at the former City Hall site. The species that will be removed are: (1) Ficus benjamina, (2) Pinus halepensis and (1) Harprephyllum caffrum trees. These trees will not be replaced but staff has identified four (4) existing trees that will be re-dedicated in place of those removed trees. Superintendent Sereno presented a report on the request for tree removal. He introduced Principal Planner Jim Campbell and noted that he is in charge of redevelopment of the old City Hall site and that he prepared part of the report. Superintendent Sereno went on to say that that staff searched for existing City trees that would match the stature of trees proposed to be removed. In response to a question by Commissioner Hayes, Superintendent Sereno stated staff attempted to find trees that were the same genus and stature. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 3, 2014 Page 3 Commissioner Howald asked if the same plaques would be used. Superintendent Sereno stated the plaques would be placed at the specified tree location; he also noted that staff has attempted to reach out to the families to notify them of the potential relocation. He went on to say that the two trees in front of City Hall would be protected and remain in place. Superintendent Sereno clarified for Commissioner Marston which trees were being rededicated. Commissioner Englebrecht was concerned about the cost to relocate the trees without a signed contract from the site developer. Planner Campbell concurred that the City currently does not have a signed contract with the developer and ultimately the Commission is making a recommendation to be forwarded to the City Council for their review of the project in August, 2014. He stated that staff is following the G-1 Policy and is looking for Commission input. He further stated the two landmark trees will remain but that the others are in the way of development and staff wants to be sure they are relocated. Chair Anderson opened the public discussion. Jim Mosher suggested the Commission approve the rededications if necessary, asked for clarification on the timing and suggested making the recommendation contingent on the need for removal if the trees really must be removed once the project is approved. In response to Mr. Mosher’s comment Planner Campbell stated that the removal of the trees would be done by the developer in conjunction with demolition of City Hall, if the project is approved by City Council. In response to a question by Commissioner Hayes, Superintendent Sereno stated some of the types of ficus are listed as problem trees and are generally not planted in the streets. He further stated that staff is rededicating the trees proposed for removal to existing trees that are already in the City. Commissioner Howald stated that if the motion is made subject to when and if the trees need to be removed, he is in favor. Superintendent Sereno stated that the complete set of drawings and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are available online and that about 20% of the site will be open space. Further, the EIR is out for public comment until June 13, 2014. Commissioner Englebrecht stated he would like to table the item until the project is completely approved by Council. Chair Anderson stated that he would like to be cautious, and is suspect about the ability to save the two large ficus trees and but would like to see the trees moved only if they absolutely have to. Motion by Commissioner Englebrecht to table the item until the project is completely approved by all parties, then brought back to the Commission for approval. Motion failed for lack of a second. Motion by Vice Chair Cole; seconded by Commissioner Howald, to approve the request to remove four (4) Special Trees – Dedicated Trees located at the former City Hall site with the condition that the trees not be removed until project is approved and only if it is deemed necessary that they be removed. The species that may/will be removed are: (1) Ficus benjamina, (2) Pinus halepensis and (1) Harprephyllum caffrum trees. These trees will not be replaced but four (4) existing trees will be re-dedicated in place of those removed trees in other locations. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 3, 2014 Page 4 Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Anderson, Cole, Englebrecht, Hamilton, Howald, Hayes Nay: Marston C. Pickleball in Newport Beach Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission consider that pickleball lines be painted on one court at San Joaquin Hills tennis courts for a temporary pickleball facility while a location for dedicated courts is determined and developed. Chair Anderson gave an overview of the meeting process to the audience. Superintendent Levin introduced Recreation Supervisor Justin Schmillen who provided an overview and PowerPoint presentation. Supervisor Schmillen explained the game of pickelball and played a short video on how Pickleball came to be as a sport. He explained the various pickleball courts in Tustin, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Anaheim and Seal Beach. He noted that over the last year the community has given its feedback on pickleball and in response, staff set up temporary courts. In February 2014, staff taped lines at the San Joaquin Hill tennis courts for a trial period and was selected because the location is centrally located and has adequate parking and restrooms. Supervisor Schmillen stated feedback has been strong; that tennis players feel the noise of the paddles are distracting and that multiple lines on one court can be confusing. He stated that pickleball players prefer to play outside and that the community is asking for more structured activities, organized group play, more tournaments and instructional classes. He went on to say that staff has been observing the tennis courts and that about 46% of the time all four courts are open and available for use; and that 13% of the time all courts are in use. He stated that the goal is to fulfill the current demand for outdoor pickleball and expand the program with free classes. Staff is requesting approval that overlay temporary lines with the current tennis court lines. He stated that the proposed West Newport Community Center has pickleball courts in the plans and that staff is exploring building courts at a location on the east side of the bay. Supervisor Schmillen explained that the way the pickleball courts were taped seems to be the best orientation. He further stated there have been no complaints about the indoor courts at the Community Center. Further, that there are about 20 tennis courts in Newport Beach and the recommendation would be to use one of the courts temporarily for pickleball. Chair Anderson opened the public discussion. Sid Crossley spoke in favor of pickleball and commented about the lack of locations to play in Newport Beach. Terese Laudenbach, representing the tennis players, spoke about the seniors who have been playing there for over 15 years and noted that this location is ideal as it is easily accessible. She stated that pickleball is very distracting to the tennis players and questioned exactly what temporary means and that she was concerned that there had been no opportunity for tennis players to verbally give their input. Lloyd Sellinger spoke in favor of pickleball and would like to become an avid player. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 3, 2014 Page 5 Clay Nolde spoke in favor of pickleball and stated there is adequate parking at the San Joaquin Center. He further stated tennis players are embracing pickleball all over the United States. He would like to see the court be made permanent. Phil Dunmire spoke in favor of pickleball and stated it adds to the variety of options and opportunities for people in Newport Beach. Linda Hardenbergh stated she is a tennis player and thinks the staff recommendation is an excellent one. She would like to see a permanent pickleball facility identified quickly. Marc Arblaster spoke in favor of pickleball, thanked staff for their hard work and believes this is a great concept that he supports. Another tennis player (no name provided) stated that he would like to see a location for pickleball that everyone is happy with. Martin Flane commented that as a tennis player he would like to have a screen installed from one end of the court to another to cut down on the noise made from the pickleball paddles. Chair Anderson closed the public discussion. Vice Chair Cole stated that the tennis courts at Irvine Terrace Park always seem to be available. Supervisor Schmillen stated parking was an issue and that it only has two courts. Superintendent Levin indicated that staff is talking to Newport Coast homeowners to see if there is suitable location there. He went on to say that to stripe and put up the nets at the temporary location would be approximately $3,800. Vice Chair Cole stated that would like to see the temporary courts screened. Commissioner Hamilton reiterated this was temporary and the City is looking to find a permanent location and that should be encouraging for everyone. She agreed the sound was an issue. Commissioner Englebrecht stated the tennis players who have been playing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for fifteen years should count for something and that this block of time should be protected for tennis players. Chair Anderson stated it is a public access area and given time, people will learn to work around each other. Vice Chair Cole would like to see the court made permanent until another site is chosen. Director Detweiler stated that with this recommendation both sports can be accommodated but could not give a timeframe on the permanent location. Motion by Commissioner Howald; seconded by Commissioner Cole, to approve that pickleball lines be painted on one court at San Joaquin Hills tennis courts for a temporary pickleball facility while a location for dedicated courts is determined and developed with the caveat that staff return to the Commission in 24 months with an update on permanent location for dedicated courts. Motion carried unanimously. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 3, 2014 Page 6 D. Spring 2014 Youth & Adult Field Use Resident/Non-Resident Statistics Recommendation: Receive & File. Recreation Supervisor Schmillen provided a PowerPoint presentation and provided background on field availability at all of the parks. He explained that the field allocation policy dictates how the fields are allocated. Further, fields are allocated from March 1–June 30 and from September 1 through the first week of December with the other months closed for maintenance and repair. Priority is determined based off of City programs which have priority, youth sports commission member groups, youth sports commission member out-of-season, public agencies that are sponsored, club groups and private or commercial organizations. He explained that the allocation formula is based on priority and gave statistical background on resident versus non- resident numbers, lit fields, open fields, changes being made for fall 2014 and how best to utilize the fields. Chair Anderson opened the public discussion. Marc Arblaster spoke about being part of a soccer club, the shortage of lit fields in Newport Beach and the shortage of fields for kids. Chair Anderson closed the public discussion. In response to a question by Commissioner Hamilton, Supervisor Schmillen stated Sunset Ridge will increase capacity but lights will not be available at that park. Chair Anderson stated that there are few lit fields in the City and few fields for kids. He suspects that many of the field users are from outside a 5-mile radius and believes the City has a responsibility to keep our youth using the fields. Chair Anderson thanked staff and asked that the report be received and filed. 6) PARKS, BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION / STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, AD HOC UPDATES OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Superintendent Levin made announcements regarding the upcoming Corona del Mar Scenic 5K, the Summer Newport Navigator, summer camps and upcoming staff training. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Glen Frank commented on the Blackball working group. He stated he had put together some data and that there was a perception about inequities and time at the Wedge. The three important items to him were the surfing area, the area for the body boarders and the Wedge. Mr. Frank provided an analysis of the blackball times to the Commission. Vice Chair Cole commented on the meeting of May 15, 2014, with the Blackball committee. He stated it was a productive conversation and that the Committee is actively collecting data to provide an update to the Commission in in the fall. Chair Anderson spoke about the date of the next meeting and when a new Chair would be selected. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 3, 2014 Page 7 Director Detweiler stated Council will make decisions related to commission vacancies in June and that she would update the Commission in the next few weeks if there are action items in July. If the Commission does not meet in July, they will meet in August and elect a new Chair and Vice Chair then. 8) ADJOURNMENT @ 8:15 pm Submitted by: Teri Craig Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: Tom Anderson Tom Anderson, Chair