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Home My WebLink About01/09/1990 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT .BEACH Motion Ayes N 0 Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission January 9, 1990 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX. Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Main- tenance Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary Commissioner Demmer left the meeting at-9:45 P.M. due to illness. I. PROCEDURAL.MATTERS Item #1 - Call.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 December 5 1989 Approval of Minutes Commissioner Compton moved the minutes of the December 5, x x x x x 1989 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Dover /PCH Land II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - City Property - 4210 River Avenue City Property - Chair Taft turned the meeting over to Director Whitley who 4210,River reported the electorate, by a narrow margin, voted last Avenue November for the City to retain and not sell the subject property. As a result, the City Council has asked this Commission to determine if they would like the property included in the park, system which is currently zoned R -2 and would require a.zone change; or determine uses of the property from a public standpoint and retain the R -2 zoning. This Commission originally recommended to Council that the parcel was not of significant value to the park system. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX • Director Whitley indicated the property might be able to be leased without going to a vote of the people, however, Commissioner Herberts pointed out that Section 1402 of the City Charter reads that the -lease or sale of the property requires approval by the public. Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Hal Polley, 4204 River Avenue, addressed the Commission. He stated he has been, active in the Newport Harbor area since 1936 and was quite concerned when the City leased land to the Balboa Bay Club. However, he now supports the lease since the Club is available for numerous civic groups. He reported he and his neighbors are very concerned about overdevelopment of West Newport due to increased congestion, traffic and parking problems. Mr. Polley explained that the subject park has been there (� for 25 years at no cost to the City since it has been developed and maintained by Jack Alward and his neighbors. He strongly urged the Commission recommend to Council that the site be retained'as a park and adjoined and developed as part of Channel Park. Mr. Jack,Alward,, 4208 River Avenue, addressed the Commission and pointed out the subject site was used as a.park many years ago prior to Channel Park and that the neighbors have maintained,it at their expense. He felt the objective . should be to keep the property green. it should be cleaned out, making it more viable as a park. Mr. John Shaffer, 404 32nd Street, addressed the Commission and reported that,when he-was convalescing at Hoag Hospital, he enjoyed the lush greenery from his room. He urged that environmental concerns not be neglected. Ms. Susan Davis, 4208 River Avenue, addressed the Commission. She stated she favors the existing park for enjoyment and view reasons and suggested benches be put in. She referred to Lido Island -which has many parks smaller than this site. Patrick Fales, 4104.River Avenue, addressed the Commission. He felt the area is a beautiful spot,of greenery which looks �YJJ Wake a natural work of art and recommended it remain this Y• 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Janine Gault, 406 San Bernardino, addressed the Commission. Although a resident of Newport Heights, she and her friends assumed that the site would be kept as a park since the vote to sell the area was defeated. She urged the site be kept and maintained as a park. David Fales, 4104 River Avenue, addressed the Commission and requested'it beJept as a park since he likes to ride his bike and play in it. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner'Konwiser referred to the open lots on Lido Island previously mentioned and pointed out these are privately owned and maintained. Commissioner Konwiser reported the site has been identified as a vacant lot and not a park to the average citizen. - Access is difficult; it is not.properly zoned; and it is not an appropriate place for a park. He recommended the City sell or lease it in compliance with the existing zoning. Commissioner Demmer Stated she favors the site as a park to be included in the Recreation and Open Space Element of the General Plan since there is no designated mini park in West Newport. She recommended the site be maintained as a botanical park and that it.be coordinated with Channel Park providing safety railings, a boat dock and safe access to the beach. She also,.pomplimented Mr. Alward for his interest and time given to this parcel over the years. Commissioner Compton reported he felt that rather than main- tain'a small area with poor access that not everyone can use Channel Park should be built up with trees, etc., which would benefit more people. Commissioner Herberts agreed with Commissioner Demmer that since the electorate voted to keep it as a park, this is what should be done. She referred to "L" Street Park and "M" Street Circle which are small beautification.areas enjoyed by residents. She also felt small parks are needed to walk to due to parking problems and, therefore, favors a beautification area or small mini park. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts also suggested a public dingy dock be put in and the area cleaned so it can be more accessible. Another option would be for.the Association to pay the City to maintain it. Commissioner Vandervort pointed out the vote in November was not to sell the site but also not necessarily to keep it as a park. Since there is a large City park nearby and no physical way to join the areas, she•would. not recommend the site for a park. Commissioner.Grant stated he was concerned with costs, over - bu:ilding and trees. -He suggested capital budgets first be reviewed and then consider adding a dock and trees at 'He.recommended Channel Park. the property be sold to improv and enhance other areas where more people, not a select group, would benefit. Chair Taft concurred with Commissioner Compton that improve- - ments are needed.at ,Channel Park. Should the mini park remain, it would need to be made more accessible to the public since the,City cannot afford to spend funds for a place used by so few. Motion x Commissioner Kpnwiser motioned to recommend to the City Ayes x x x x x Council that.the.R -2 zoning be retained and that the propert Nays x x is not needed in the park syst, em. Motion passes. Mr. Hal Polley, 4204 River Avenue, addressed the Commission concerning Channel Park. He stated football, softball and other sports activities used to be played there and an open area is definitely needed. When the park was redone, the restrooms were built in front of homes and where home - plate used to be; now there is not room for a softball field and the park,is not as usable. There are twp BBQ pits but no water and no.sprinklers by the Palms. He further stated the neighbors were not notified of the City's plans for the park. Jack Brooks advised the Homeowners Association was notified and also approved the plans. Item #6 - Tree Removal Appeal - 715 Narcissus Tree Removal Chair Taft turned the meeting over to-Commissioner Herberts, Appeal Chair of the Street Tree Committee, who reported she thinks the subject tree is magnificent and that Corona del Mar residents prefer to retain mature trees in their area. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 o.m_ iNDFY Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mary Jane Kirtland, 715 Narcissus, addressed the Commission. She stated that in October, 1989 the Tree Supervisor recom- mended removal of the Ficus Nitida which.is causing sidewalk and curb problems in addition to being a hazardous condition She asked the Commission to recommend removal of the tree which she would be happy to replace with one more suitable. Commissioner Herberts asked Ms. Kirtland if she would like the designated tree, which is a Eucalyptus Ficifolla, should the tree be removed. Ms,. Kirtland replied that although they are pretty but messy, it would be an improvement. During discussion, Commissioner Compton agreed the tree is pushing against the sidewalk and curb and will have to eventually be removed. Commissioner Konwi•ser felt every tree should be in harmony i ) with its surroundings. The bulk of this tree is above the sight line and does'not belong on this street. He recom- mended the tree be removed and replaced with the designated tree at City expense. Commissioners Vandervort and Demmer agreed the tree is too large and hazardous and•would recommend removal. Commissioner Grant recommended the tree be removed and re- placed with two trees. Motion K Commissioner Compton then motioned to remove the tree and Ayes K x x x x' replace it with the designated tree at City expense. Abstain x x Motion passes. Item #7 - Capital Project.Proposals FY 1990 -91 Capital Project Chair Taft announced the Commission should determine their Proposals final prioritization at this meeting which will be forwarded FY 1990 -91 to the City Manager. Director Whitley then•summarized and clarified each of the proposed projects. He passed out the Park Facility Improve- ment Fund report which allows the,Department to accomplish projects not normally budgeted for or not anticipated, such U 1 �/� as emergencies. Jack Brooks explained the Fund's expenditures and pointed out there is a $30,000 balance left over which reverts back to the Department CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Grant suggested it be called a Park Facility Emergency /Contingency Fund and that the Commission be apprised of the expenditures every six months and a general department policy for i.ts expenditures be developed for the Commission's approval. Commissioner Grant also recommended the Playground Equipment Replacement Fund be clearly identified"in the future. Chair Taft then turned the meeting over to Commissioner i Konwiser, Chair of the Cap•tal.Improvements Committee, who suggested the items be kept in the order they appear. He pointed out that about half of the budget is already commit- ted and there is no justification to decrease the funding. Commissioner Grant disagreed with the prioriti:zation and presented a letter from the Corona del Mar Soccer Club requesting field three at the Lincoln Athletic Center be �> lighted due to the increase in demand for fields and since this field was to be lighted under the original approved plan. Commissioner Grant also.pointed out that Little League has requested batting cages and AYSO needs to be reimbursed for soccer goals. Director Whitley explained that AYSO will be reimbursed from available funds for the soccer goal's. Batting cages are not a capital project and can be purchased under Playground Equipment Replacement Program funds. Chair Taft opened the,meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Ralph Nelson, Business Manager for Little League and spokes- man for soccer, addressed the Commission. He pointed out the need for the optimum.use of fields and thus the need for lights and their need for batting cages. Motion Following further discussion; Commissioner'Herberts moved to accept the capital project proposals as presented in the following priority: 1. Corona del Mar High School Olympic Pool 2. Oasis Expansion 3. Park Facility Improvement Fund 4. Cliff Drive Park i 5. Playground Equipment Replacement Program J 6. Newport Shores Park 7. Athletic Field Refurbishment 8. Lincoln Athletic'Facility 9. Mouth of Big Canyon 10. Eastbluff Park CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Grant stated he would not support the motion since he felt projects which have been started and pre- viously approved should first be completed. Motion Commissioner Grant made a substitute motion moving Newport Aye x Shores Park to #4 position; Lincoln Athletic Facility to Nays x x x x x #5 position; Cliff Drive Park to #6 position; Athletic Field Refurbishment to, #7 position; Mouth of Big Canyon to #8 position; Playground Equipment Replacement Program to #9 position; and Eastbluff Park to #10 position. Motion fails. Ayes K x x x x Vote was then taken on Commissioner Herberts motion. Nays x x Motion passes. Item #8 - Proposed Bond Issue Proposed Director Whitley reviewed the Park Bond Issue, pointing out Bond Issue it has been discussed for a year and a half and it is now (") time to make a recommendation to Council if a bond issue is needed. The Castaways and,Cal Trans West areas have been identified as park parcels and it is staff's recommendation that a park bond issue be pursued for these areas and trans- mitted to City Council. Commissioner Vandervort presented a map and aerial photo- graphs to better explain locations. Commissioner Compton reviewed the acquisition options for th Castaways area and stated he favors a bond issue. He also explained the Cal Trans West view park which would be re- duced in size due to its topography. Motion x Commissioner Compton then motioned the Commission support a bond issue to enable the purchase of the two parcels of land for active parks, one in West Newport and one in the Castaways area. Commissioner Konwiser reported he has not been contacted wit regard to a bond issue and.does not feel the community is that interested. Since he doesn't feel a $25 million bond issue would pass, he is not supporting the motion. Commissioner Herberts disagreed, stating she feels many people would support a bond issue since they want more activ and open space such as the Castaways which should be� claimed now since we.may not be able to go back and reclaim it in the future. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission •..- City Council Chambers 7 D•m. INnFY Commissioner Grant felt the City does not need more active open space. compared to other cities assuming we achieve the Recreation and Open Space Element. He did not feel a bond issue would pass. Commissioner Demmer did not feel the issue should be if the park bond issue passes; she felt the main focus should be on obtaining the Castaways for the future. Ayes K. x x x x Vote was then taken on Commissioner Compton's motion. Nays x x Motion passes. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Beth Cooper, 322 Sapphire, addressed the Commission on behalf of the Balboa Island Improvement Association. She asked.that the Commission consider the lot on the Fire ri Station site on Mane Avenue be turned into a pocket park. �- Since they have paid-for it through taxes, they would like to save it and use it for a quiet oasis with a bench and flowers. She pointed out Balboa Island is very park defi- cient and more,.space is needed for both visitors and residents. In addition, a public restroom is needed since there is presently a hygiene problem. Commissioner Herberts suggested Ms. Cooper first transmit her request to Council who would, in turn, ask for a recommendation from this Commission. Commissioner Grant expressed his support for this request as the site is near so much foot traffic and would greatly benefit the neighbors. Bob Jessen, 303 43rd Street, addressed the Commission con - cerning Channel•Park. He said in the past the park was used for football, soccer and softball, but now the park has been destroyed and people are not using it. He commented on the hazardous restroom and wall and noted that the homeless are even using-the area now. He suggested tearing down the outhouse and walkway; separating the grass e and sand; replacing the slide; dredge; and build a minor retaining wall so the water will drain into the street. He added that consideration also be given to winds when developed. parks are Director Whitley replied that the back stop at Channel Park was removed at the direction of this Commission due to residents' complaints about broken windows. The site was CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH L) 16 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 D.M. INDFX never large enough for regulation fields, but good for practice. When the•,park was to be refurbished, it was done through the normal capital improvement,process and approved by the community,, Commission and City Council. The restroom was an add -on service.by Public Works to service those at the bus stop. Commissioner Grant,noted that the West Newport Association does not represent all the residents who may not have been notified'. Commissioner Compton agreed that.West Newport Association does not speak for every homeowner in the area. He agreed people are not using the park as much as-they should and there is a need for green belts and playing areas. Commissioner Vandervort added that West Newport desperately needs active parks. Chair Taft agreed with Commissioner Compton that the park is not being used and would like to see it improved for the community. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #9 - Status of Capital Projects - FY 1989 -90 Status of Director Whitley reported there have been no real changes Capital Projects during the past month. Commissioner Compton questioned the area by the bridge in West Newport which will be reland- scaped. Commissioner Grant,,-referred to the play equipment at Buffalo Hills Park which was removed. Director Whitley advised he will pursue and report back. Jack Brooks stated he would like equipment put back in. Item #10 - Reecreation Division Recreation Commissioner Herberts stated she was impressed when she Division visited Oasis - every room was being used when,she was there. Commissioner Grant recommended the need to increase youth basketball at the Lincoln gymnasium. Item #11 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Commissioner Grant referred to the Hammered Dock-at the Street Tree Aquatic Center and. what happened to the dirt. Director Division Whitley advised it was supposed to be stockpiled and sold•, however, he will follow up on the matter. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH U 0 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 n_m WrIPY Chair Taft and Commissioner Konwiser pointed out the need for shrubs /flowers at the Carroll Beek facility. V. COMMISSION COMMITTEES Item #12 - Capital Improvements Capital Improvement No report from Chair Konwiser. Item #13 - 'Street Tree Street Tree Chair Herberts reported the committee will meet in January concerning 11 trees. Item #14 - Recreation Program Recreation Program Chair Compton reported the committee will meet in January. Item #15 - Oceanfront and Beach Oceanfront and Beach Chair Vandervort reported they did not meet this month. Item #16.- Budget Budget Director Whitley reported the Department is in the process of preparing the budget which has been delayed due to com- puter problems. When completed, the Budget Committee will review and a summary will be provided. The Budget Committee and staff will meet with the City Manager on February 13, 1990 at 1:30 P.M. Item #17 - Parks and Open Space Acquisition' Parks and Chair Grant reported the committee did not meet last month. Open Space Acquisition Facility Inspection Reports on the parks need to be turned in by the Commissioners. Commissioner Konwiser reported children play on the CYC roof which needs immediate attention. Commissioner Herberts reported Newport Beach is an official Tree City, USA. I_t_em #19 - Commission Liaison Assignments Commission (a) Commissioner Herberts reported Oasis had a very Liaison Assignments successful dance. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 1 �H arks, Beaches & 'Recr.eation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 n m IMr1GY (b) Commissioner•Compton reported the Theatre Arts Center shows are being sold out and a new location for their facility is being researched. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Item #20 - Dover /PCH Land Dover /PCH Commissioner Compton referred to the southeast • corner of Land Dover and Pacific Coast Highway where there W now vacant land since the storage tanks were removed and questioned if the City could beautify,this area. Director.Whitley advised one section reverted back to The Irvine Company; some parts are easements; and some are Cal Trans rights -of -way. Landscaping could be added to the easement area with Park Facility Improvement Funds. Commissioner Compton asked if we could contact The Irvine Company towards compromising to beautify their property. Director Whitley will pursue. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10:45 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on January 3, 1990 at 10:00 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, Secretary