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Home My WebLink About12/05/1989 - PB&R CommissionItem No. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Nays { ,t arks,, Beaches & Recreation Commission December 5, 1989 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX .Ex-Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Super- intendent Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Main- tenance Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary Chair Taft left the meeting at 9:50 P.M. due to illness. Commissioner Herberts left the meeting at 10:50 P.M. due to illness. I. PROCEDURAL'MATTERS Item #1 - Calf to Order Call to Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item #2 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Grant, Herberts, Konwiser, Taft and Vandervort were present. Item #3 Approval of Minutes - Meeting of November 7, 1989 Approval of Minutes Commissioner Grant reported he felt his comments reflecting the minority viewpoint concerning Item #5, View Park - Hoag Hospital Expansion, were too abbreviated; therefore, he would not be supporting the minutes as presented. Following discussion on this matter, Commissioner Demmer suggested Commissioner Grant personally mail his comments to those he desires to address. ! x Commissioner Herberts then moved the minutes of the Nov - x x x x x ember 7, 1989 meeting be approved as written. Motion x y passes. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda- Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Park Bond Concept which will be discussed under Item #15. Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent, introduced Sue Stein, the newly appointed Recreation Supervisor from the City of Fullerton. Ms. Beard explained that Ms. Stein will be responsible for contract classes and aquatics and will also be the new liaison to the Arts Commission. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Tree Removal Request - 1715 Paloma Drive Tree Removal Chair Taft turned the meeting over to Commissioner Herberts, Request Chair of the Street Tree Committee, who reported the Ficus Nitida tree next to the driveway is the one requested to be removed. Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Richard Bentley, 1715 Paloma Drive, addressed the Commission He reported the'Ficus tree roots get into his sewer line causing it to clog and that a section of his driveway is rising due to the roots and will need to be replaced. He is also concerned that his new water line may break as a result of the roots. During discussion, the Commission questioned if this par - I" } ticular tree is, in fact, the cause of the problems. Commissioner Vandervort presented a copy of the sewer Tine map from the City of Costa Mesa which shows that the sewer line might be under the middle tree. Both she and Commissioner Herberts also commented that the raise in the asphalt driveway runs perpendicular to the roots which also poses a question that the subject tree is causing the problems. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out that the City of Costa Mesa stated part of the sewer line might have to be replaced and could be wrapped so the tree would not have to be removed. Jack Brooks noted that many black top driveways ravel from a poor base and age which is not the fault of the tree. Commissioner Konwiser stated the curb and gutter look excellent and nothing is wrong with the sidewalk. In addi- tion, the street scene includes many Ficus trees. He also pointed out the driveway is old with a poor base and the asphalt is not structurally sound. Sewer lines are not necessarily installed exactly where the engineer wants them and the water line would not necessarily be affected. In summary, he felt that the tree does not endanger the ( 1 property and fits the street scape. Commissioner Demmer complimented Mr. Bentley on how well he has taken care of City property. Due to the small frontage, extended roots and an area where trees have been removed, she would favor removal of one tree. Commissioner Vandervor concurred. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioners Herberts and Compton both agreed that since there is no proof the tree is causing the problems and the neighborhood does need beautification, they would favor retaining the tree. Motion x Ayes x x x x x :. Commissioner Grant moved to retain all three trees. Motion Nays x x passes. Commissioner Herberts requested root pruning be done for the tree. Chair Taft then thanked Mr. Bentley for his presentation and advised him he can appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council. Item #6 - Tree Removal Request - 2900 Catalpa Street Tree Remova' Request Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. j 7 Steve Bombola, 2900 Catalpa Street, addressed the Commission. He reported his tree is 3 -1/2' - 4' from the water and sewer lines and he has had the same problems as Mr. Bentley due to the tree roots. He also has a problem with his sprinkler and has lost one already causing the lawn to start dying. In addition, the sidewalk has been replaced once and is buckling again. He asked that the Chinese Pepper tree be removed and a smaller tree be planted. During discussion, Commissioner Konwiser pointed out it is a supposition that if the tree is removed, all the problems will go away. He agreed that in some instances the wrong trees were originally planted, however, maintenance by the resident influences tree growth. He felt that it would be worth saving the tree. Commissioner Demmer agreed since there are only a few mature trees remaining. She questioned if Mr. Bombola could not assess the problems in his parkway with a more creative solution other than tree removal. Jack Brooks advised that if a tree is within 5' of a sewer line and it can be proven the tree is damaging the line, the tree can be removed without going through the committee process. This, however, was not mentioned in Mr. Bombola's request. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort moved to retain the tree. Commissioner Ayes x x x x x x x Herberts amended the motion to state that if there is proof of sewer damage due to the tree, Mr. Bombola be requested to send in the bills and the matter be brought back for consideration. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Jack Brooks asked Mr. Bentley to send him copies of all bill which will be forwarded to the Street Tree Committee. Commissioner Herberts referred to an article wherein it states the added value to property that a large beautiful tree brings. Item #7 - Tree Removal Request - 601 -727 Bayside Drive Tree Removal Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Request Barbara Pannier, 639 Bayside Drive,, addressed the Commission on behalf of her 15 neighbors on Bayside Drive. She read portions of two letters which were sent to Jack Brooks addressing the walking hazards caused by unlevel sidewalk surfaces and balls dropped from the trees. She also re- ferred to the Promontory Bay Association petition which requests the trees be removed between 727 and 601 Bayside Drive due to roots causing damage to the sidewalks, drive- ] ways and building structures. She asked that the trees be removed and replaced with low maintenance trees, such as the Palm. Commissioner Demmer questioned Ms. Pannier if she was requesting removal of the trees in front of 645 and 639 Bayside and would bear the cost.or if she was requesting removal /replacement of all the trees between 601 -727 Bayside Drive at City expense. Ms. Pannier explained her original request was for the trees in front of her home at 639 Bayside Drive and her neighbor's, Mr. John Tahl, 645 Bayside Drive, and they would bear the costs. However, since their other neighbors have the same problems, they have submitted their petition, costs of which were not brought up since they were told funds are set aside for such purposes. Jack Brooks advised no funds are budgeted for removal/replace - ment of trees on Bayside Drive. Discussion by the Commission ensued, during which Commissioner Compton and Commissioner Demmer noted there are 31 trees in question for the entire expanse. Commissioner Compton questioned if all the damage is done by !� the trees and pointed out not every home has the same problem. Chair Taft agreed and pointed out that since this area was dredged, the problem may be in the material. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX •Commissioner Herberts reported the subject trees, which are Cupanias, were planted extensively in the City and she did not feel Palms would look good here. She added that the cement work done by The Irvine Company is inadequate in strength and the majority of damage is unrelated to the trees. She recommended the trees be root pruned in the area where they have caused a problem. Jack Brooks agreed these are some of the best trees and urged they be retained and root pruned along with using root barriers. He explained that it would be difficult to spray during flowering season since the flowers are so inconspicuous. He advised the stamped concrete could be replaced and regular concrete put in along with larger tree wells. Referring to the Palms suggested by Ms. Pannier, they would eventually cause view problems. Commissioner Vandervort agreed that not all the trees are causing damage and recommended the present concrete be taken out; larger tree wells put in; and the roots be pruned where needed. , Motion x Commissioner Herberts moved to retain all the trees and Ayes x x x x x x x encourage any corrections as needed. Unanimous. Item #8 - Review and Approval - CYC Project Review and Approval - Director Whitley reported the preliminary plan provided is CYC Project the fourth phase of refurbishment and landscaping of the Community Youth Center. He reviewed the improvements and upgrades, which also include improving access to the school property. He explained the proposed locations of the back stops, practice fields and soccer fields, pointing out that multi -use of the diamonds is preferred to also accommodate additional users. Commissioner Konwiser stated he felt eleven more parking spaces are needed in addition to the thirty three spaces shown. He also felt the 3' -4' berm at Field E would be dangerous and Commissioner Grant suggested a 3' -4' high fence be erected. Commissioner Grant referred to the preliminary plan and { pointed out the youth groups will need to compromise on the Jf baseball and soccer fields. He suggested the note referring to AYSO renovating be deleted. He also suggested concrete stairs be provided for access to the school area, and that this may mean the City will have to maintain the school district area during the summer. He also recommended the use of practice goals. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mr. Ralph Nelson of Little League reported Little League maintains the fields to their standards while they are using them. The school district maintains their fields to their standards. They would also like dugouts for safety purposes and would prefer an area for sliding be provided. Nancy Beard explained Little League is not interested in the upper fields which are needed for girls softball, and she, would like to see this group helped which is usually in the spring. Commissioners Grant and Compton agreed this would b a good plan. Following further discussion on location of backstops and fields, Commissioner Konwiser motioned to approve the preliminary plan subject to (1) Trying to get 11 extra parking spaces; (2) provide two ball fields, including a back stop, with the second diamond having an all grass in- field, and retaining the soccer field in the opposite (" direction; (3) Remove the 3' berm and replace it with a 3' high fence; (4) Replace access to the school area with cement or concrete stairs; (5) Add practice soccer goals in Field C; (6) Include a girls softball field and a back stop at the end of the field at Field A; and (7) Eliminate the note to remove the existing 5th Street fence at Field E. Motion x Commissioner Grant amended the motion to include working Ayes x x x x x x x out an acceptable agreement with the school district. Unanimous. Item #9 - Eastbluff and CYC Restrooms Eastbluff and CYC Director Whitley reported that staff is considering Plan B Restrooms at the CYC which would increase parking capability and eliminate potential maintenance behind the restrooms. It takes 3 buildings (present restroom, snack bar and storage space) and combines them into one. Commissioner Grant questioned why funds are to be spent on new restrooms when the new CYC has restrooms with outdoor access. Jack Brooks explained that other heavily used areas need a closer restroom. Director Whitley also advised that this is an approved project and the concern should have been addressed prior to this time. Commissioner Vandervort recommended the same color scheme be used as the CYC. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts concurred, saying it would be approp- riate to describe the exterior. Commissioner Grant agreed that it should be tied into CYC as far as aesthetics are concerned. He also suggested the Commission give some direction to design concepts before the plan is approved. Jack Brooks advised these decisions are those of the Public Works Department; that the Commission is to approve the size location and configuration. The plans can come back when they are ready. Commissioner Konwiser explained this is a preliminary plan beyond the formal influence of this Commission and that the Commissioners can individually look the plan over during the process. He suggested an Ad Hoc Committee of two people be appointed to monitor the progress of the drawings and report back to the Commission. Motion x Commissioner Grant moved to accept staff's recommendation Ayes K K x x x x x for the floor plan; accept the location; and ask staff to give the architect direction in order that the plan is compatible with CYC. 'Unanimous. Commissioner Grant recommended the schematics come before the Commission before they become working drawings. Chair Taft reported an Ad Hoc Committee will be formed to meet with Director Whitley before the plan goes to Public Works. Upon Commissioner Konwiser's suggestion, Director Whitley will ask Public Works if the Commissioners can informally look at the plans. Chair Taft reported the restrooms at Eastbluff will be similar to those at the CYC, however, they are larger and cover more area at the original. site. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to accept staff's recommendation Ayes x x x x x x x for location and layout subject to the Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of Commissioners Konwiser and Grant, interfacing with Public Works for schematics only. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH irks, Beaches & Recreation Commission am- City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX IV. DIVISION REPORTS Item #10 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Jack Brooks reported the Tree Division removed two trees and Division planted twenty eight trees. Commissioner Compton questioned removal of the trees at West Newport Park and Jack Brooks explained they will be relocated. Commissioner Compton reported that a sign is needed at Spyglass Hills Reservoir and sand is needed in the sand box. Jack Brooks will pursue. Commissioner Demmer reported she is appreciative of the work that has been done at Cliff Drive Park and asked if the landscaping will extend around the upper bluff area. She also recommended bushes be planted to camouflage the concrete retaining wall. Jack Brooks explained native plant material will eventually cover the bluff area and he will pursue bushes for the concrete retaining wall, although they will be difficult to maintain due to lack of water. Commissioner Demmer complimented Mr. Brooks on the Jamboree median and recommended further expansion on Irvine Avenue. Jack Brooks advised Palms will be planted at that location. Item #11 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Nancy Beard reported the new winter brochure will be mailed by December 8 and the Department is getting ready for Winter Wonderland at CYC on December 16. V. 'DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #12 - Capital Project Proposals - FY 1990 -91 Capital Project Director Whitley reported the list of Capital Project Proposals Proposals is entirely preliminary and there is still time for changes and additions. The final process of prioritiza- tion will take place at the Commission's January 9, 1990 meeting. Commissioner Konwiser, Chair of the Capital Improvements Committee, reviewed each of the projects and asked if there were any additional items at this time. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & 'Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Director Whitley recommended adding Lincoln field refurbish- ments for $15,000. Commissioner Compton asked about adding the Theatre Arts Center and Director Whitley advised he met with the Presiden of the Friends of the Theatre Arts Center and they will be meeting to assess their needs. There may be a possibility they will relocate to Newport Center, in which case their building could be used,as a recreation facility. Commissioner Grant recommended installation of lights at Lincoln be completed as represented in the original submittal to the state. He also stated AYSO needs to be repaid for goals and the youth groups asked for batting cages, etc. Commissioner Grant reported Chair Taft would like expendi- ture figures for last year's Park Facility Improvement Fund. Director Whitley will 'provide this information at the January meeting, Mr. Ken Gilmore, President of Little League, addressed the Commission concerning the unsafe fields at Lincoln. They are hoping to expand their program and are looking at Lincoln as the focal point. He asked that funding be con- sidered for refurbishment of the fields, including grass, sprinklers, etc., and the addition of a back stop. I "tem #13 - Status of Capital Projects - FY 1989 -90 Status of Capital Report received and filed. Projects Item #14 - 4610 River Avenue 4610 River Avenue Director Whitley reported the City Council would like this Commission to make a decision on the subject site at some time in the future. Commissioner Demmer suggested the area be made functional an tied into Channel Park for water related activities. The first decision, however, is whether we should recommend to the City Council an amendment to the General Plan to include this site. Commissioner Herberts reported she is interested in this area for the community and suggested it be opened up with a green area, picnic table and a dingy dock. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX .Commissioner Vandervort recommended an assessment of the existing plant material first take place. She said she would favor some parking and a grassy area. I Commissioner Compton suggested measurements be made of the channel and park and implement something aquatic. Commissioner Konwiser suggested identification of the physical property line be made and then identify it as a City park. Commissioner Grant recommended estimates be made as to improvements and maintenance and be researched to determine if we can abandon the street. Director Whitley recommended this be a discussion item at the January meeting; and when it becomes an action item, the homeowners will be notified. Commissioner Demmer asked staff to make recommendations at the next meeting and Commissioner Herberts asked that a copy of the ballot also be provided. Item #15 - Park Bond Issue Park Bond Issue Director Whitley reported that during the joint session with the City Council, a few Council members asked for a decision as to whether or not the Commission wants a bond issue. Commissioner Konwiser suggested when this becomes an action item, a decision be made. He suggested the pros and cons be presented at the next meeting. i Commissioner Vandervort stated she felt areas are lacking for run and play areas and favors funding for active park areas. Commissioner Grant recommended this be an action item at the January meeting. Should the vote be affirmative, then it can be referred back later as to alternative sites. Commissioner Compton stated it should be determined if there is a definite need for a bond issue; if not, it should be dropped. �._ �~ VI. COMMISSION COMMITTEES Item #16 - Capital Improvements Capital No report from Chair Konwiser. Improvement CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #17 - Street Tree Street Tree No report from Chair Herberts Item #18 - Recreation Program Recreation Program No report from Chair Compton. Item #19 - Oceanfront and Beach Oceanfront and Beach No report from Chair Vandervort. Item #20 - Budget Budget No report due to Chair Taft's absence. Item #21 - Parks and Open Space Acquisition Parks and Open Space No report from Chair Grant Acquisition Item #22 - Newport Shores Park Newport Shores Park Chair Compton reported their next meeting will be December 8. Item #23 - Chair's Report Chair's Report No report. Item #24 - Commission Liaison Assignments Commission Liaison (a) Director Whitley reported the Oasis expansion project Assignments has been open for bid by Public Works. (b) Commissioner Comtpon reported the Theatre Arts Center has new black out curtains. VII. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:00 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on November 28, 1989 at 11:30 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. 4Q �L �� Dottie Flohr, Secretary