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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/3/2015 - PB&R Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 3, 2015 – 6:00 PM 1) CONVENE MEETING OF THE PARKS BEACHES & RECREATION COMMISSION TO ORDER – 6:01 PM 2) ROLL CALL Present: Ron Cole, Chair Roy Englebrecht, Vice Chair Tom Anderson Laird Hayes Walt Howald Marie Marston Absent: Kathy Hamilton Staff: Sean Levin, Recreation & Senior Services Deputy Director Mike Pisani, Acting Municipal Operations Co-Director Dan Sereno, Landscape Manager Janet Cates, Recreation Manager Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant 3) NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC 4) PRESENTATION OF THE 2015 LERN (Learning Resources Network) INTERNATIONAL AWARD TO SARAH BOULTON FOR EXCELLENCE IN BROCHURE DESIGN Deputy Director Sean Levin introduced Marketing Specialist Sarah Boulton to the Commission. He listed the marketing pieces she produces and reported that she received the very prestigious, 2015 LERN International award for excellence in brochure design for the Summer 2014 Marketing Campaign. Chair Cole presented the award to Ms. Boulton and she expressed her appreciation to Deputy Director Levin and the Commission. 5) CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of the December 2, 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. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 2 Recommendation: Receive/file Activity Report of past and upcoming projects and events. D. Tree Donation – Bob Henry Park Recommendation: Approve tree donation for Robert Glen Wetherell at Bob Henry Park. E. Tree Donation – Bob Henry Park Recommendation: Approve tree donation for Eleanor Dunn at Bob Henry Park. F. Bench Donation – M Street Pier Recommendation: Approve bench donation for Thomas J. Kardos at M Street Pier G. Corona del Mar Pocket Park – Plaque Content Recommendation: Approve the Land Donation Plaque Content to be placed at Corona del Mar Pocket Park. Chair Cole opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Chair Cole; seconded by Vice Chair Englebrecht, to accept items 5A – 5G of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously, with Commissioner Hamilton, absent. 6) CURRENT / NEW BUSINESS – Staff Report A. Bonita Creek Park Synthetic Turf Field Design Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission review, provide feedback and approve the proposed Bonita Creek Park Synthetic Turf Field Design. Deputy Director Levin introduced the item and deferred to Recreation Manager Janet Cates. Manager Cates provided a brief background regarding the project addressing the scope of the project, challenges with maintenance and the hiring of landscape consultant, RJM Design Group to oversee construction. She introduced Craig Sensenbach, Associate Landscape Architect to review and answer questions from the Commission. Mr. Sensenbach provided a PowerPoint presentation with an update of the project progress. He addressed the prior CMX study, existing conditions, delineation of the limits of the synthetic turf, examples of edge conditions to be preserved, proposed efforts to save existing trees, examples of other synthetic fields, maintenance measures involved and the project schedule. Discussion followed regarding the lighting, the outfield, the proposed soccer field, and the possibility of another adult size soccer outlay within the field; legislation regarding synthetic fields was addressed and possible effects on the project, water requirements and cooling systems. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 3 Ensuing discussion regarding another soccer outlay could mean an increase of established budget, removing additional trees and moving light standards. Mr. Sensenbach addressed the safety zone distance and dimensions between the concrete line and the playing field. Chair Cole opened the public discussion. John Graas, President of the Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, commented regarding the league and listed his experience in the City and noted the attendance of the Board of Directors of the Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League. He noted that they strongly oppose the removal of the dirt infields and support the installation of synthetic turf. He addressed the organization noting that they are all volunteers and that Bonita Creek has been their "home field” since 2001. He addressed the negative results of removing the dirt infields and hoped that the City will work with the league and the Newport/Mesa Soccer Club to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Jason De La O, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, commented on the smaller soccer field in the existing proposal, noting that younger age groups do use smaller fields. He reported that they have raised funds to improve the snack bar and build batting cages and note that dirt is basically a requirement to be able to play softball. Mark Arblaster, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, noted there is a shortage of lit fields in the City and stated this is a great opportunity to maximize the uses of this venture. He stated he disagrees that by having two large soccer fields that it would require moving light standards and or trees. Olivia Slutsky, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, commented on the importance of maintaining the look and feel of softball and opined that installing synthetic turf on the infield would disrupt the integrity of the game and spoke in support of maintaining the dirt infield. Jason Pouliot, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, spoke in support of keeping the dirt infield for softball. Ryan Molloy, Jr. All American Football, spoke in support of the proposed project. Dan Blair, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, spoke in support of keeping two diamonds with dirt on the infields. He noted that there are many options for soccer but that when it comes to softball, that fields are limited and urged the Commission to consider two fields for the league. Mike Lieber, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, opined that the dirt infields are integral to the game. Additionally, he reported that synthetic turf poses a safety factor in that the girls cannot easily slide on it. Jim Mosher commented on the health issues and that concerns may be overblown and addressed cost issues relative to synthetic turf. He wondered if expected extra revenue Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 4 to the City would defray any additional costs and whether the City has a better estimate of the cost and maintenance needs over twenty years. Lee Defrancisco, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, spoke in support of synthetic turf at Bonita Creek Park and keeping the dirt infield. He commented on the growth of the field and the pride of the girls. He spoke in support of multi-use fields. Jeff Smith, Newport/Mesa Girls Softball League, commented on his experience with the league and on the well-maintained fields. He spoke in support of the synthetic turf. Chair Cole closed the public discussion. Discussion followed regarding encroachment on the brick dust, the location of home plate if two full size soccer field overlays were placed and if safety studies had been conducted. Deputy Director Levin noted that if two full-sized soccer fields were placed that it would encroach into the softball infield. Discussion followed regarding maintenance costs of a dirt field. Vice Chair Englebrecht stressed that the Commission should not rush into making a decision without fully analyzing the possibility of installing two full sized soccer fields. Additionally, he felt that the legislation regarding prohibiting synthetic fields will pass. Commissioner Anderson stated that installing two full sized soccer fields would be possible without encroaching on the dust and opposed installing synthetic turf on the infields. He commented on the safety of synthetic turf and spoke in support of moving forward with the project. Deputy Director Levin reported that while the AYSO 97 organization is not in attendance, he had spoken with them and they would use the smaller soccer field as well as a big field if it would fit. They did not want to encroach on the dirt, however. He commented on moving the home plate and brick dust but that it would move it closer to the wall. He addressed the timeline noting that if the project is not approved that it would be delayed. Commissioner Englebrecht stated the need to get more information and asserted this is too expensive a project not to make an informed decision. He hoped that obtaining more information will not add to the cost. Discussion followed regarding revenue generation, youth groups and helping to offset maintenance costs. Ensuing discussion pertained to the percentage of field use by adults versus youth groups. Deputy Director Levin noted that a smaller field would be well-used. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 5 Mr. Sensenbach commented on working within the context of the existing topography, preserving the trees on the edge and preserving the existing light fixtures. He added that play areas can be redefined and that different age groups could be accommodated. Brief discussion followed regarding the CMX study. Chair Cole requested a show of hands from the public indicating those who would like the Commission to make a decision at this time in order not to delay the project another year. Motion by Commissioner Howald; seconded by Commissioner Hayes, to approve the proposed Bonita Creek Park Synthetic Turf Field Design. Motion carried as follows: Ayes: Cole, Hayes, Howald, Marston Noes: Anderson Abstain: Englebrecht Absent: Hamilton B. Denial of Tree Removal Request – 1022 East Balboa Boulevard Recommendation: Staff recommends that the PB&R Commission deny the removal request of William Peterson of a City tree at 1022 East Balboa Boulevard. Acting Co-Director Mike Pisani presented details of the staff report noting that a request was made for the removal of three trees due to damage to sewer laterals. After staff consideration, it was determined that two trees caused the damage and these were removed. However, there was no evidence that the City ficus tree caused any damage and therefore was not removed. He stated that staff is recommending denial of the request to remove it. He addressed Council Policy G-1 and noted that Mr. Peterson has requested to appeal staff's denial. Chair Cole opened the public discussion; seeing none the public discussion was closed. Motion by Commissioner Howald; seconded by Commissioner Hayes, to deny the removal request of William Peterson of a City tree at 1022 East Balboa Boulevard. Motion carried, unanimously, with Commissioner Hamilton, absent. 7) 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) Acting C0-Director Pisani commented on the fire rings and bike racks at Peninsula Point. He reported that staff is reviewing best management practices regarding fire rings and that new bike racks were installed last week. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Minutes February 3, 2015 Page 6 Deputy Director Levin announced upcoming events in the City that include a Movie in the Park at Peninsula Park on March 27, 2015 and the Mayor's Spring Egg Roll on the Civic Center Green on March 28, 2015. Commissioner Howald noted that the Ad Hoc Dog Park Committee had inspected four sites throughout the City and that the Committee will make a recommendation to the Commission, in the near future as to the most appropriate location. Vice Chair Englebrecht commented on the Commission's responsibility to carefully review each item that comes before them. He commented on the issue of fire rings and the past actions taken by the Commission. He referenced the matter considered tonight regarding synthetic turf and felt that the Commission did not do a good job of vetting it before voting. Commissioner Anderson requested an updated report as to the percentage of adult leagues whose members work and live in the City, noting that the City is lenient regarding fees for residents versus non-residents. He expressed disappointment that the Commission was rushed into making a decision relative to the synthetic turf matter. Chair Cole disagreed with the prior two speakers and noted that he feels comfortable regarding the decisions that were made relative to fire rings and the synthetic turf item. Discussion followed regarding the synthetic turf matter, vetting of same and prior considerations as well as providing cost alternatives on future projects. Commissioner Howald asked when the report regarding the trees on Poppy would be considered by the Commission and asked for information regarding the reconfiguration of Ocean Boulevard. 8) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher expressed confusion regarding the issue of dog parks. Additionally, he commented on the Harbor Commission's goals and objectives for the upcoming year and suggested that the PB&R Commission may want to consider establishing yearly goals and objectives as well. 9) ADJOURNMENT – 7:49 PM Submitted by: ________ Teri Craig, Admin Assistant Approved by: _____ Ron Cole, Chair eÉÇ VÉÄx gxÜ| VÜt|z