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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/02/1987 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Se( fed Aye a• U N Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 2, 1987 City Council chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Street Tree Supt. Mark Deven, Recreation Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 Call to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called-to order at 7:02 P.M. Item #2 Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Brenner, de Boom, Herberts, Konwiser,, Springer, Taft and Wolfe were present. Item #3 Approval of Minutes x Commissioner Konwiser moved the minutes of -the May 5, 1987 X. meeting be approved. -Seconded by'Herberts. Unanimous. x x x x x x x Chair Wolfe asked for discussion concerning the minutes being typed, stamped "Draft" and mailed to each Commissioner for his /her perusal prior to final typing. It was-decided that Mark Deven will consult with the City Clerk and City Attorney to determine if this method of-handling the minutes is fair and legal. Item #4 Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the -addi-tion of Newport Harbor Aquatics and Encroachment Problem on Ocean Boulevard. Items #10 and #11 will be addressed prior to Item #5. II. SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS Mark Deven reported that Dr. Arthur Walton from the Newport Balboa Rotary Club was present to help present the awards for outstanding individual performance based on accumulated points at the City Track and Field Championships held -April 24. This was a very positive and outstanding Meet attended by -many participants and spectators. Special thanks was given to the Balboa Rotary Club for-their financial support and to the School District for providing Davidson Field for the event. Dr. Walton then presented trophies provided by the City of Okazaki to Kelly Jo Swarberg of Newport Heights School and Cory Thomas of Andersen School. Motion Seconde Ayes t, 0 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission x Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m Dr. Walton addressed the Commission and explained the cultural exchange program-with the City's Sister City, Okazaki,,Japan. Their Meet is,held almost simultaneously with this City and, after the results are compared, a perpetual trophy will be presented to'the winner. Chair Wolfe thanked Dr. 'Club, Kelly Jo Swarberg tion in the meeting. III. ACTION ITEMS Item: #5 - Determine Walton, the Newport - Balboa Rotar and Cory Thomas for their partic for Chair,Wolfe asked that all Commission members be present at the Joint Meeting with City Council. Commissioners Taft and•de Boom explained•they" would be unable to attend. Chair Wolfe said he will make a general'overall - presentati -at the meeting and each Commissioner will make a short presentation on his /her expertise. Item #6 —Liability Insurance Mark Deven reviewed staff's recommendations approved by the Risk Manager which were the result of an extensive study. Mr. Deven answered questions and explained in detail the' attached!Chart•of Risk /Exposure Analysis for community "organizations and special events. Mr. Deven specifically noted that the recommendations do not preclude anyone from acquiring insurance and-that the Commission may be petition to help acquire insurance. Commissioner Springer corrected the two race events on the chart which should have read $1,000;000 aggregate limit. Commissioner Springer also recommended speed limits be implemented on paths in the parks which are used'simultane- ously for cyclists and pedestrians to help alleviate the City's liability. Jack Brooks explained that enforcement of speed limits is extremely difficult. Commissioner Konwiser said insurance requirements was approve the recommendation Brenner. Unanimous. he�felt the categorization of well done.--He—then moved to as submitted. Seconded by INDEX Determine Agenda 'for Joint Meeting wit City Counci Liability Insurance CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX <_ Item #7 - Parkland Acquisition Priorities Parkland Acquisition Motion x Mark Deven reported that the,City Council asked this Commis Priorities Seconded x sion•to•review, prioritize and give their opinion on the Ayes x x x x three parcel locations as described in the Commission'•s Nays x. x x -agenda packet: Mr.,Deven pointed-out-that the Department's budget requirements would not be affected'by any action in this regard. After Mr. Deven - reviewed the three sites and °potential uses,-Chair Wolfe opened the-meeting to Public Testimony. Ms. Marian Rayl, President of the Newport Heights Associa- tion, 426 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission 'concerning the property for sale at 2919.Cliff Drive. Ms. 'Rayl reported the'citizens are interested in this property since-it is located in the middle-of Cliff Drive Park. The site consists of beautiful•mature trees and-foliage which, if removed, would affect the-rest of the park. In addition, t..') preservation of the property could serve a great many uses, such as a museum, weddings and various City activities. Petitions were collected which`Ms: Rayl•presented to the —Commission. On behalf of-the citizens of their Association 'she is requesting Cliff Drive Park be given top priority on the--acquisition list. Chair Wolfe questioned the potential parking problems which might occur if the park were expanded. Ms: Rayl said this was a worthwhile consideration which has not yet been 'addressed. Commissioner Konwiser voiced his concern over costs•and if the-Association could contribute towards the project. Ms. Rayl replied there is•a tremendous community support behind thi's issue and they will-,pursue raising a percentage of the funds. Gail�Demmer, 2812•Cliff Drive, addressed the Commission. Ms. 'Demmer emphasized that the Newport'Heights Association is not asking for more recreational facilities or view en- hancement. They are asking the•City to take•adv4ntage of the•opportunity to purchase the property up for sale in order to unify the-existing park. Theyare not asking for more-parking space but will be giving this their considera- tion. They also do not want the trees taken•down and would agree to find a use for-the existing building. Bonnie Jeannette, 400 Santa Ana Avenue, addressed the Commission. Ms. Jeannette referred-to the parking issue an CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Is _,. explained that since most park sites do not have parking lots, this should not be considered as a criteria for acquisition. The lower two lots, however, may be developed for parking. Ms. Jeannette suggested the Association could provide their own labor to help restore the park as they have done,in the past. 'Kathryn­Kalanz, 445 San.Bernardino, addressed the Commission Ms. Kalanz' indicated that Avom Street will be improved and that this area would provide some parking. In addition, she said- she felt there already is enough °avai'lable parking within a °short distance of the park. Marian Rayl, 426 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission aga+in•to,state� that the City Council is cons'i'dering pur- chasing the:old China Palace for City parking which is below the subject site. Peggy Clark, 415 San Bernardfno,-addressed the Commission. -She spoke of the beautiful•trees • and•variety of birds on the property-and asked that these resources be preserved. Carrie Slayback, 426 Riverside, addressed the Commission. 'Ms. Slayback had heard 'a Councilmember comment that the Cliff Drive Park site i•s City property and Chair Wolfe directed staff to verify this statement. Chair Wolfe closed the meeting to Public Testimony and asked the Commissioners to voice their opinions on the proposed 'parkland'acquisitions. Commissioner Herberts supported the Cliff'Drive Park propert as her first choice as she felt its acquisition to be of benefit to, the entire community. � She s&td­that •perhaps the two lower commercial lots could be used or sold to help defray the cost of said property. Her second choice was the Griswold Property. Her third choice was the 1'5th Street property inasmuch as there is already City property in that area that has leases coming to an'end-•and• might provide extra parking at that time. Commissioner de Boom reported her first choice was Cliff Drive Park; that the 15th Street location'be further investigated; and that she has no opinion on the Griswold Property. Commissioner Springer favored Cliff Drive Park followed by 15th Street• and the Griswold Property. J l� Commissioner Taft favored Cliff Drive Park followed by the Griswold Property and the 15th Street site. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Commissioner Konwiser reported'he believed the Griswold 'Property should be deleted from the list since it would be for the maintenance of a view corridor which he deems unnecessary. Commissioner Konwiser said he was rating, the 15th Street property as,-his first'priority'since it would eventually pay f'or itself within 25 years and .would become more'-economical-to the-City as it grows. He said he was rating Cliff Drive Park second since the major beneficiary of such an acquisition would'be the local neighborhood. Commissioner Konwiser added that should•a firm commitment -be made from the Association as-to providing '& percentage of funds or labor in -kind, he-would then condition his recommendation. Commissioner Brenner said she leans more-toward-favoring the 15th Street location since it would pay for itself, but-noted that the City already-owns a great deal of propert in'that-area which could eventually-be used for a park or parking. -Under optimum conditions,'she would favor acquiring the Cliff Drive parcel-providing the cost was not exorbitant for both acquisition and renovation of the building. Commissioner Brenner - stated she has'-no opinion on the-Griswol-d Property other than it would only benefit those who' live nearby. Chair Wolfe stated he felt every effort should be made for the "City to acquire both the,Cliff Drive Park•propefty and the'l5th Street property. He said-that,,in his opinion, parking at 1.5th•Street is equally -important �as'the Cliff - Drive'Park acquisition although it serves a, different purpose. He also suggested an offer for-Cliff Drive Park be made which is`less'than the present asking price. He-then reminded -the'Commission that they were specifically asked to only prioritize and give-their opinions. Chair Wolfe motioned to prioritize the acquisition of the three subject parcels as follows: '(1)-Cliff Drive Park subject to the conditions that the trees not be removed; the building on the property be renovated - providing it is cost effective; potential parking problems are resolved; and neighborhood residents donate a designated percentage of time,or funds towards the project; (2) 15th Street and-Balboa; and (3):the Griswold Property. Seconded by Springer. i Motion passes. Commissioner Brenner pointed out that she was opposing the motion since her first choice would-be the 1-5th Street site which would pay for itself and she•does not believe in spending an extremely large amount of money for aesthetics CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Seconded Ayes Motion Seconded Ayes Abstain r J N arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX when there are so many more pressing needs in the City such as traffic solutions and recreational facilities. •'Item 48 - Water Bill Insert Water Bill Insert x Mark Deven reported that the water bill insertion concerning x the-purpose and functions of this-Commission can be cir- x x x x% x. x culated -if approved. Commissioner Springer motioned to approve the insertion as written. Seconded by Brenner. Unanimous. Item #9 - Request for Volleyball•Poles Request for ' °Volleyball x Mark Deven reviewed the tree requests for voll- eyball courts, Poles x -one at Ocean Front and "G" Street, one at Lugonia and one at x x x x x- U Walnut-Street on the Ocean Front. Mr.. Deven reported that .x since the Walnut Street court would conflict with the life - •guard'tower, staff is recommending two•'courts at Lugonia along with one court at the "G" Street location. Commissioner Taft agreed with- the- "G" Street location but felt -one court would be sufficient at Lugoriia since' there is a court at'Colton. Commissioner Konwiser moved to approve staff's,recommendatio as presented. Seconded by Herberts. Motion passes. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS • , ' Bonnie Jeannette, 400 Santa Ana Avenue,-addressed the 'Commission and referred to the beach litter-problem. -Mrs. Jeannette suggested an active, campaign-be implemented along -with'al ticketing and/or requirement ,for. abusers to partici- pate-in a trash pick up program. Following discussion, the Commission formed a subcommittee with Commissioner-Konwiser as Chair assisted by Mrs. Jeannette. 'They will transmit their recommendations for a campaign-against beach littering to °•the Environmental Quality Affairs Citizens Advisory Committee. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #10 - LIfeguard Staffing at Corona del Mar'State Beach Lifeguard Staffing a' r � Mark Deven reported that Vice Chair Brenner requested a Corona del report summarizing Marine Safety Staffing at Corona del Mar State Mar State Beach and then introduced-Capt. Bud•Belsh'e. Capt. Beach Belshe addressed the Commission and referred to his written report. He explained the City's beach patrol and lifeguard CITY OF (NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Pgge 7 City Council Chambers 7 D.m. INDEX staffing during the different seasons. He pointed out that since demand at Corona del Mar is not as great as other areas, patrol jeeps are used and the area is often spot checked from Ocean-Boulevard. Patrol during Easter Week is based on Weather, surf conditions and•the crowd, the latter being determined by parking lot attendance. The Harbor Patrol is also on alert during Easter Week and throughout the summer. Commissioner Brenner voiced her concern over-lack of life - guards staffing at Corona del Mar. She recommended all towers-be manned on weekends from Easter vacation through .the summer-. She also pointed out that if one has to pay for parking fees, lifeguards should be provided. She commented that spring seems to be the time when our beaches are used most-by,Newport Beach residents as the summers are so crowded °that many local people do not use them as often. Capt.•Belshe reviewed their staffing availability. This { becomes a' problem during the offseason since'95% of their work force is seasonal part -time help with the majority returning to school. Mark Deven suggested the Marine Department be consulted regarding costs for additional staffing or that the matter be referred to this Commission's Oceanfront and Beach Committee. Upon Commissioner Brenner's suggestion, the-Commission decided to put this issue on the July 7, 1987 agenda as an Action Item. -Commissioner Herberts asked that a lifeguard be staffed at Tower #i in Pirate Cove and that this be included as an Action Item at the July 7 meeting. Item #11 - Beach Litter�Receptacle Pick Up Schedule Beach Litte Receptacle Mark Deven introduced Mr. David Niederhaus, the new Pick Up 'General Services Director. Mr. Niederhaus-addressed the Schedule Commission and handed out his business cards should any of the Commissioners want to call him directly. Mr. Niederhaus reviewed his written report included in the agenda packet and added that his Department is doubling their efforts to t keep the beaches,cle'an during the summer. The General Services Department will be employing a super- vised work force from the Orange County Juvenile'Court Program and handicapped persons from the Vantage Foundation CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX <- - M.'. Program to assist regular permanent and part =time personnel ,,*in City-wide litter control. The•C'ity Council approved both groups on a,one year trial basis. These programs are inexpensive and should be worthwhile both to the City and the participants. These programs will also free some Department staff to do other more complex jobs. Mr. Ni•ederhaus reported the General Services Department has a good working relationship with the Park and Street Tree Division and they want to do their best for the citizens and• the City. Commissioner Springer expressed her concern over the messy restrooms and suggested a permanent attendant be employed. Mr. Niederhaus replied that this has been recommended in the past, however, it presents a cost problem. Mr. Niederhaus agreed that there are not enough.restrooms, how- ever, they will be, increasing the number of portables. Mr. Ni•ederhaus then answered the Commission's questions 1 regarding staffing, work schedules, trash collections and the machinery they use'. Commissioner Taft reported he and•Commissioner Springer imet on Memorial Day to 1nspect'the rest'rooms,from the'Wedge to the Santa Ana River and that they found no overflowing bins and very•little litter. Commissioner Herberts reported the Wedge area is much cleaner and-thanked Mr. Niederhaus for his efforts. Chair Wolfe said he felt more bins are needed-at the end of Prospect and Orange Streets. fle also suggested•an insert in the water bill be used to warn citizens it is a mis- demeanor to. put personal garbage 'in City bins. Commissioner Brenner pointed out more-bins or additional pick up are needed at Inspiration Point. Jack Brooks replied this•is the Parks Division's responsibility. Unlike the General Services Department, the Parks Division does not work on weekends,•however; Mr. Brooks -he will .-sa:td investigate the matter. Chair Wolfe raised the question of tree removal and Mr. Brooks explained the only-time a tree•is removed 'without the Street-Tree Committee's review is when a hazardous condition exists. Chair Wolfe than-thanked Mr. Niederhaus for attending the y� meeting and clarifying the Commission's concerns. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item 02 - Beach Restrooms Project Status Report Beach Rest- rooms Proje. Mark Deven briefly reviewed his report which was requested Status Repo by Chair Wolfe to provide an update to the Commission on the restroom projects. The information was provided by the Public Works Department. Commissioner Herberts indicated that re- tiling at the Washington Street location did not look complete. Mr. Deven-will-follow up.and report back. Chair Wolfe reported the Commission-is concerned that're- placement of the Newport Pier Restroom is taking such a long time. Commissioner Springer said she felt the present location is acceptable and suggested portables be•used during construc- tion. Mark Deven advised that the present 1'ocation may be "in cohfl°ict with the proposed development and that the City Council determines the restroom locations. Chair Wolfe recommended a restroom or portable be installed at'the'Santa Ana River location. Mr. Deven will transmit the Commission's recommendations and' "-suggestions to the Public Works Department and advise them 'that this Commission would like to be informed concerning 'public input and the status of the restroom projects. Item #13 - City Council Action on Commission Recommendations City Counci Action on Mark Deven reported-the-City Council approved the Commis- ' Commission si•on's recommendation authorizing the use of-Sgt. Pepper- Recommenda- -oni's Pizza Store, Inc. stationery for adult sports team tions standings and the installation of a Directional Sign for . "The Terraces" residential development,on City parkland just north of Oasis. Item #14 - Status of Capital Projects Status of Capital Chair Wolfe questioned the status of Bonita Creek Park and• Projects ,.Mark Deven reported the contract has been awarded.- Details will-be forthcoming. Chair Wolfe voiced concern over the del'ay•in construction of ( ) the Community Youth Center. He and Commissioner Brenner plan to see the City Manager and•the•Council concerning this matter. Mark Deven explained that the project delays were due to the differences between the'Project Architect and . �k City Departments responsible for project approval. CITY OF NEWPORT .BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 Citv Council Chambers 7 n m INrWy - ••Item• #15 - ,Commi.ssion'Subcommittee Reports Commission Subcommitte, Commissioner Konwiser,-Chair of the Park Maintenance Reports Committee, reported he- received a letter from Bruce Harrington-on behalf of the Booster-Club concerning improve- ments at the Corona del Mar High-School tennis courts. Mr.'Harrington is asking $7,000 from the City for windscreen and fences. Mark Deven advised staff will review and report back at the July 7, 1987 Commission meeting. Commissioner Brenner, Chair of the Recreation Program Committee, reported they did not meet 'this-month. She also reported she charted the scheduling of Oasis-rooms and determined that it appears there,•is availability other than after-3:00 P.M.,for recreational use. Commissioner Springer said she felt the'Priends of Oasis would•be agreeable to using the rooms if it resulted in increased funding for their programs. i ) - Commissioners'Taft and Konwiser suggested°Commissioner Brenner's recommendation be pursued. 'Commissioner Herberts concurred., Mark Deven reported staff-will review and convey the. Commission's recommendation to the Friends of Oasis. Mr. 'Deven will report his findings to the• Commission. Commissioner Springer, liaison to Oasis, reported a new van was donated to Oasis in the memory of Jim Ray and that Howard Jadwi,n announcedthere•will•be an opening-for a new Supervisor in August. Commissioner Springer also recom- ••mended a guitar and folk jam be hel'd at Oasis. Mr. Deven -reported staff is pursuing special events at the Center. Commissioner de Boom, liaison to the Friends,-of the Theatre 'Arts Center, reported the last performance is this weekend and the Theatre will be closed for, the remainder of the summer. Commissioner Herberts, Chair of the Street Tree Committee, reported she and Mr. Brooks met concerning the Juniper on Irvine Avenue and it was determined to ask Mr. Colby to prepare a preliminary sketch of-his'-proposed-improvements for the-Committee's review. Commissioner Herberts reported the six models of proposed landscaping for Inspiration Point are in the•'City Hall Lobby for the Art in Public Places project. She suggested CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH t3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX the Commissioners look at them and•g.ive her their comments. The models will remain through July. .Item #16 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Mark Deven reported there are 245 adult softball and basket - •bal'l teams registered and $75,000•in revenue from "team fees for the next fiscal year. The-Mayor's Cup Tennis Tournament has over 100 participants and the,Corona del Mar Scenic 5K on June-5 has been sold-out with 1500 runners. Oommissioner de Boom suggested there be a radio announcement advising citizens the Race has been filled. Mark Deven ' `will contact KOCM. Item• #17 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree No discussion. Division Item #18 - Newport Harbor Aquatics• Newport Harbor Chair-Wolfe announced the School Board•did not approve Aquatics funds for the Newport Beach Aquatics group.' The project's funds will be�kept in reserve and the Board wi'11'meet again .:in -September. ' Commissioner de Boom pointed out that since the District -does not have money-they can use at this--time, they cannot take-any--action. They have not, however, been turned down. Mark Deven reported the project request'has been•deleted from the preliminary 1987 -88 budget. Shoul•d'sufficient Funds•from•the School District and Booster Club become available, the'-requested funds can-be placed back in the budget. Commissioner de Boom recommended a letter be sent from this ­'Commission to the Newport-Harbor Aquatics Boosters noting that this Commission still supports them. Item #19 - Encroachment Problem on Ocean Boulevard Encroach - ment Proble Commissioner Brenner reported Councilman Sansone called °her on Ocean regarding an� approved encroachment'-at 3713 Ocean Boulevard Blvd. where a large stairway is•being constructed. 'Mark Deven reported the City Manager directed-Publ•-ic•Works to investi- x 'gate this and he will report the results at the.next -Commission meeting. Commissioner Brenner asked for an overview of the encroach - ment•process. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH I `R arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Wolfe announced election of officers will take place at the next Commission meeting and explained the procedures which will take place. 'VI. SPECIAL, URGENT•OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS None. VII. ADJOURNMENT There-being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned"at 10:20 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted -on May 28, 1987 at 1.2:45•P.M. outside .'the,City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flo hr