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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/2/2014 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting September 2, 2014 – 6PM 1) CONVENE MEETING OF THE PARKS BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER – 6:02 p.m. 2) ROLL CALL Present: Ron Cole, Chair Roy Englebrecht, Vice Chair Tom Anderson Kathy Hamilton Laird Hayes Walt Howald Marie Marston Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Mike Pisani, Acting Municipal Operations Co-Director Dan Sereno, Landscape Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Support Specialist 3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the August 5, 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. D. Bench Donation — Topaz Avenue @ South Bay Front Recommendation: Approve donation of bench for George Watson by Lee Cassidy at the end of Topaz Avenue at South Bay Front on Balboa Island. E. Tree Donation — Irvine Terrace Park Recommendation: Approve donation of tree for Hunter Glyer by Steve Glyer at Irvine Terrace Park. Chair Cole opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Howald; seconded by Vice Chair Englebrecht, to accept items 4A – 4E of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously. 5) CURRENT / NEW BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Application for Listing of the Goldenrod Avenue Footbridge in the City’s Register of Historical Property Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission review the information and forward their recommendation to the City Council to classify the Golden Avenue Footbridge as a Local Historic Site (Class 3). Planning Program Manager Patrick Alford presented details of the staff report addressing background, Council direction and noted that while the Goldenrod Avenue Footbridge is not a unique architectural feature, it is a visual landmark and key to the quality of the area. He added that staff believes it is appropriate to classify it as a Local Historic Site (Class 3). In response to an inquiry from the Commission, Planning Program Manager Alford reported that local designation carries no weight, other than recognition and therefore, there are no additional steps required in terms of retrofitting and/or repair. He added that staff will not pursue a State registry. It was noted that there are no restrictions with classifying the footbridge as a Local Historic Site and that the liability/responsibility of that bridge continues to be with the City. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of changing the bridge to a higher designation in the future. Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Ron Yeo noted that many residents of Corona del Mar use the bridge daily and that it provides practicality as well as pride for residents. He spoke in support of the item and hoped for a unanimous vote from the Commission. Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Brief discussion followed regarding use of the bridge over the years. Motion by Commissioner Marston; seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to forward their recommendation to the City Council for their review and approval to reclassify the Golden Avenue Footbridge as a Local Historic Site (Class 3). Motion carried unanimously. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 3 B. Sculpture Donation from Sister City Okazaki, Japan — Irvine Terrace Park Recommendation: The Arts Commission recommends that the PB&R Commission consider the donation of a sculpture from Sister City Association — Okazaki, Japan for placement in the Irvine Terrace Park and forward their recommendation to City Council for their approval. Director Detweiler introduced the item and noted that Council policy requires that the Arts Commission confer with the PB&R Commission for placement of art in City parks. She deferred to staff for a report. Library Services Director Tim Hetherton provided background noting that the City's Sister City, Okazaki, Japan, donated the sculpture for placement within the City. The Arts Commission has reviewed the matter and recommended that City Council accept the piece. He stated that the Arts Commission believes that the Irvine Terrace Park would be a suitable and appropriate location for the piece. He introduced and deferred to Arts Commissioner Robert Smith to discuss the aesthetics of the piece. Arts Commissioner Smith listed other pieces of art that have been donated to the City by Okazaki, Japan, and reported that several members of the Arts Commission reviewed various locations and concurred with placing this piece at Irvine Terrace Park. He addressed other sculptures located there and offered to respond to questions. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Anderson, Arts Commissioner Smith addressed the location of other sculptures within the park. Commissioner Anderson expressed concerns with placement at Irvine Terrace Park and wondered if other sites were considered. Arts Commissioner Smith reported that the Friends Garden area at the Library was considered but it did not feel like the statue belonged there. He understood that the City may place it temporarily in the Library patio area and added that it felt natural to place it at Irvine Terrace Park along with the existing Japanese pines and the carved-stone lanterns. Arts Commissioner Smith acknowledged the challenges with finding the right location for pieces and stated that it should be placed where it seems to make sense. He added that the City of Okazaki, Japan, is aware of other pieces located at Irvine Terrace Park. Additionally, he commented on the involvement of Wendell Fish who established the Sister City relationship with Okazaki and lived in Irvine Terrace until his death. Vice Chair Englebrecht indicated that the Arts Commission has justified placement of the statue in Irvine Terrace Park and that the points presented are well-taken. He asked whether Newport Beach has reciprocated with gifts to the City of Okazaki. Arts Commissioner Smith responded that he does not know for certain but felt that Newport Beach has reciprocated. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 4 In response to Commissioner Marston's question, Arts Commissioner Smith responded that the placement of the piece is permanent. Commissioner Marston expressed concerns with security and referenced the Ronald Reagan statute. Arts Commissioner Smith explained that the piece is heavy and is mounted on a base. Commissioner Howald noted that the Arts Commission has the interest of the overall City and stated support for its placement selection. Commissioner Hayes asked about the artist and whether or not the artist was well known. Arts Commissioner Smith reported that the stone was quarried in Okazaki but does not know the reputation of the sculptor. Commissioner Hayes asked the value of the piece but Arts Commissioner Smith indicated that did not know the value. He went on to say that other than wanting it to be original art and appropriate for the setting, the Arts Commission does not consider the valuation of the art. Commissioner Hamilton expressed interest in knowing what the City of Newport Beach has done in reciprocation in terms of gifts to Okazaki. It was noted that the delegation that visited Okazaki took gifts to present to them. Staff will follow up with the appropriate individuals and report back to the Commission. Chair Cole commented positively on the location and asked if there is a City-wide master plan for art. Arts Commissioner Smith reported that City Council has retained Arts OC to develop an Arts & Culture Master Plan for the City. In response to Commissioner Hayes's question regarding the existence of a map of all public art in the City, Library Services Director Hetherton noted that there is an inventory of all City art pieces and that photographic study of all of the City's new public art pieces was recently acquired. Work is currently underway to develop a phone “app” through the library website with a tour of all public art pieces in the City including the Sculpture Garden exhibition here at the Civic Center. Arts Commissioner Smith addressed the upcoming inauguration of the City's temporary art exhibition in the Sculpture Garden and stated that Commissioners should have received invitations. Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Jim Mosher expressed appreciation for the clarification and agreed with the Arts Commission recommendation to place the statue in Irvine Terrace Park. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 5 Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Motion by Vice Chair Englebrecht; seconded by Commissioner Howald, to accept the donation of the sculpture from Sister City Association, Okazaki, Japan for placement in the Irvine Terrace Park and forward the recommendation to City Council for their review and approval. Motion carried unanimously. C. Revisions – City Council Policy G-1 — Retention or Removal of City Trees Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission review the modifications made by the Ad Hoc Committee to City Council G-1 Policy; take public input and return at a future meeting with a final draft to forward to City Council for their approval. Acting Co-Director Pisani reviewed proposed revisions to City Council Policies G-1 and G-6 and the difference between the two (2) policies noting that G-1 has to do with the protection of the current urban forest and the rules and regulations regarding removals and G-6 has more to do with the planting of new trees. A PowerPoint was presented. Chair Cole stated that the process tonight is to hear from the public and among the Commission; then the Ad Hoc Committee will review those comments and return with a final draft which the Commission will review and send to City Council for their review and approval. Discussion ensued regarding the number of trees in the City and how many problem trees are removed in an average year. Commissioner Howald stated that one of the purposes of the subcommittee was to make the policy easier to understand. He went on to say that now they have categories of trees and that it should make it easier for the general public to understand before requesting removals and or reforestations. He noted that the most important part is that the policy now includes retention, removal and maintenance. Discussion ensued regarding specific words of the policy; emergency removals; the section on special trees and the cap of 250 problem trees removed per year and whether that was a good number. Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Ron Yeo, Corona del Mar Residents Association Reforestation Committee, thanked staff for their hard work. He reported that the HOA Committee hasn't had a lot of time to review this report. He asked if the Committee’s comments should go to staff and the Ad Hoc Committee or another meeting of the Commission. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 6 Mr. Yeo noted that the matter should not be rushed as there are a lot of important things to consider. He added that his Committee spent several months on the matter and developed a report, concentrating on the older section of Corona del Mar. He noted that the report was sent to staff in July and encouraged Commissioners to read it before making any decisions. He reported that staff has defined reforestation as removing problem trees and that the Corona del Mar Residents Association Reforestation Committee looks at reforestation as reforesting the area where there are missing trees. He noted the importance of keeping up-to-date and opined that the recommended changes are clear and easier to follow. He referenced Attachment 1 in the G-1 policy and felt that it would be helpful to retain for historical purposes. He expressed the key problem is that the policy does not address long-term goals for some neighborhood trees such as on Goldenrod and Poppy. Jim Mosher commented on the staff report red-line version and recommended that sub- numbers be used instead of bullets; voiced his concern that issues could be called up by a Council Member but does not explain who they can be called up to and opined whether they should be appealed to the PB&R rather than to City Council. He commented on reforesting the special trees noting that as they grow old, they may need to be replaced and suggested clarifying in the report that staff requires that the petition be returned within ninety (90) days and notes that signatures can become stale. He suggested alphabetizing the list of neighborhood trees. Bob Shelton stated that he finds it troubling that the work that the HOA Tree Committee had not been included in the discussions or report with regards to a portion of the landscaping in Corona del Mar. He noted that more time is required and more information needs to be fully shared. He hoped that the Commission is moving in that direction. Eric Pearson stated concerns regarding the dredging at Marina Park. He was advised there is a section in the meeting later on the agenda, where the public may comment on non-agenda items. Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Commissioner Anderson stated that the Commission has received good public comments and looks forward to reading the report provided from the Corona del Mar HOA folks and others Commissioner Anderson suggested that staff resend the email out to the HOA’s. Acting Co-Director Pisani stated that ideally that staff and the Committee would like to return again November for the Commission review. Chair Cole stated that since no decision is needed that they would move on to next item of the agenda. D. Revisions – City Council Policy G-6 — Maintenance and Planting of modifications made by the Ad Hoc Committee to City Council G-6 Policy; take Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 7 public input and return at a future meeting with a final draft to forward to City Council for their approval. Acting Co-Director Pisani reviewed the revisions to Council policy G-6 with a PowerPoint presentation. He noted that the goal of the Ad Hoc Committee was to predominantly devise a street tree designation list into a more appropriate format He noted that the Committee went through the list and created a new tree list that is included as an attachment to the staff report. This list categorizes trees by the size of the parkway that can be used as a guide for homeowners and landscape architects. Trees are listed for two-foot, three-foot, four-foot, five-foot and eight-foot parkways and a tree may be chosen from those on a smaller parkway category. The list includes trees that are considered natives, palms, pines, evergreen, deciduous trees; over ninety (90) species of trees that are currently available. The list is intended to be reviewed annually with species added and trees with limited availability removed. He noted that the list is a living document. Discussion ensued regarding designated street trees and HOAs. Landscape Manager Sereno stated that staff has collected most everything but that there are several to be added in the next draft specifically Goldenrod Avenue. Commissioner Anderson stated that Castaways and the west side also need to be included. Manager Sereno stated that there are not as many active HOAs in that area that have chosen trees for their neighborhoods or that they are private communities where the City has no jurisdiction. Commissioner Anderson stated that when he and Commissioner Englebrecht were reviewing the policy that it was their goal to provide residents more trees to select from then just one or two. Chair Cole opened the public discussion. Ron Yeo, Corona del Mar Residents Association, noted that the key problem in Corona del Mar is when there are certain rules regarding the distance of trees to street corners and driveways. He reported that it was going to change from ten (10) feet to five (5) feet but that it is not shown in the report. Acting Co-Director Pisani acknowledged the error and stated it will be corrected. Mr. Yeo continued noting that the one key item that hurts residents of Corona del Mar relates to the numbered street sites where large buildings are being built and trees are being removed and replaced and these locations used to have three (3) or four (4) trees per block and now with these new rules that they will be lucky to get one (1) or two (2). Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 8 At twenty-five (25) feet from the start of the curb, he noted that it is just not reasonable for Corona del Mar although it may be for the rest of the City. He added he would like to see staff working with Public Works on many of these issues. He suggested fifteen (15) feet but could stay at twenty-five (25) feet if the measurement was from the outside of the curb rather than the inside. He commented that the City doesn't always follow that and asked for flexibility. He wondered if residents could pick from the parkway list if they wanted to plant a tree or whether they would have to pick from the trees listed by the HOA. Jim Mosher provided the history of why there is an official tree list noting that it goes back to the early history of the City (1920s or 1930s) and is embedded in the Municipal Code in Section 13.08.020. He added that the Code states that the City shall set out the names of streets in the City and designate the species of tree or trees that may be planted on each street or portion thereof. He addressed the adoption and number of copies to be kept on file by the City Clerk so that the public can inspect them and added that the Commission will need to recommend not only adoption of the resolution, but a change in the ordinance and the Municipal Code. Additionally, he stated this has not been well-publicized and that the list seems to address only a small portion of the City. He commented on the trees on Irvine Avenue noting that they are not on the list and that there are some loose ends that the Committee still needs to address. Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Chair Cole asked if the Commission was following the same process as G-1 Acting Co-Director Pisani stated yes. Chair Cole suggested to Mr. Mosher and other members of the public to forward their comments to staff so that they can be forwarded to the Ad Hoc Committee. Commissioner Anderson suggested that staff look into the requirements of the Municipal Code. He also commented on the trees on Irvine Avenue and asked if they were co-owned. Acting Co-Director Pisani said yes. Director Detweiler clarified that any correspondence should be addressed to the Commission, as a whole. 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 announced that the summer program has come to a close and that over 9,000 campers participated in the summer programs. She noted that it was a successful summer with warm weather resulting in all aquatics and beach programs doing very well. She commended staff and contract instructors for the success of the program. She announced that the Hootenanny in the Heights is scheduled for September 21st, 2014, at Cliff Drive Park at 11:30am. She noted that the after-school program continues at three (3) locations and that staff has added an after-school enrichment program at Harbor View. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 2, 2014 Page 9 She reported on a presentation made by the City Manager's office about the Balboa Theater to City Council. Staff worked with the City Manager's office to discuss what could be done with the facility. A Fine Arts Center was proposed with a focus on the arts ranging from live performances to art type classes. She stated that Council liked the concept and directed staff to spend more time on developing the facility design for further review. Vice Chair Englebrecht stated he would not support moving ahead with what was presented to Council adding that he believes this is a waste of the City's money. Acting C0-Director Pisani indicated he is glad the summer is over and commented on the number of changes and projects throughout summer. Chair Cole commended staff for running a great summer program. Commissioner Hayes commented positively on a recent tour of Sunset Ridge and Marina Park. He thanked staff for leading the tour. 7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Eric Pearson expressed concerns regarding the dredge material from Marina Park being dumped in the ocean adjacent to his home. He added that the beach in front of his house is growing at three (3) feet per year. He reported that the EIR doesn't specify where the material should be dumped and that it has been dumped in front of his house, which is not appropriate. Chair Cole noted that staff will discuss the matter with Mr. Pearson after the meeting. Arts Commissioner Robert Smith complimented the Commission for its decision on the bridge. He commented on Rex Brandt's art school and noted that the Arts Commission is thinking about a tribute to Mr. Brandt at the same time of the official adoption of the historical categorization of the bridge. Ms. Pearson expressed concerns with dredging material being dumped in front of her home, commented on cost differences and asked why it is being dumped so close to residents. Director Detweiler reported that staff will contact the Pearson’s to follow up on their matter. 8) ADJOURNMENT @ 7:52PM Submitted by: T Craig Teri Craig, Administrative Specialist Approved by: Ron Cole Ron Cole, Chair