Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/1990 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes �i i Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recr,eation Commission March 6, 1990 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 Director Whitley left the meeting at 9:30 P.M. due to illnes . 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 February 6, 1990 Approval of Minutes Commissioner Grant referred to Public Comments, first para- graph, third sentence, and corrected it to read "...that the homeowners must approve baseball back stops..." Commissioner Vandervort referred to Ltem #10, Recreation Program, fourth paragraph, and corrected it to read "...in- viting the coaches to give input to scheduling at the facility." x Commissioner Herberts then moved the minutes of the February x x x x x x x 6, 1990 meeting be approved as corrected. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Parking at American Legion and Dover Shores /PCH Parcel to be addressed under Public Comments; Cal Trans West Park to be addressed under Item #12; Signage to be addressed under Item #18; and Art in Public Places to be addressed under Item #24 (c). II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Request to Install a Plaque at the Newport Pier Request to Install a Director Whitley referred to the report submitted and pre- Plaque at sented the original photograph of the subject plaque. Newport Pier CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX He reported the Department periodically receives similar requests and referred to Council Policy I -22 which addresses guidelines on these matters. Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Delores Peffley, 48 Eagle Run, Irvine, addressed the Commission. She stated she is requesting a plaque be placed near the Newport Pier in memory of her son who died near the site while instructing a flight student in a Cessna air- plane in 1986. She added that her son was the kind of young man all parents want and who was working toward his.goal to become a commercial pilot. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Demmer explained that, although this is a difficult and sensitive matter, it is not City policy to place plaques on the beaches, parks, (�> etc. in memory of those fatalities that occur in our recreation areas. Director Whitley referred to Policy I -22 wherein the City Council and this Commission determined only the pathway at the Oasis Passive Park be the designated location for plaques for community leaders. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that benches, drinking fountains and trees can be dedicated without plaques. Commissioner Vandervort noted that since there will be re- landscaping in front of the Newport Pier, it would be timely to request a tree with no plaque. Chair Taft extended his sympathy on behalf of the Commission to Mrs. Peffley and advised her the Commission would be happy to help her should she desire something without a plaque. Motion x Commissioner Vandervort then moved to deny the request to Ayes x x x x x x x install a plaque at the Newport Pier area, but to encourage consideration of a memorial without a plaque in the McFadden Square area. Unanimous. Item #6 - Tree Removal Appeal, 1807 Irvine Avenue Tree Removal ( ' Appeal �J Director Whitley referred to the report submitted along with the attached invoices for the sewer line. He reported the Q subject tree is one of the largest in the City and the d Street Tree Committee determined it should be retained. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts reported the same request came before the Street Tree Committee two years ago. At that time it was denied and the suggestion made to present the landscaping plans to the committee which was never done. Both the Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent and Tree Maintenance Supervisor are in favor of retaining the tree if the plumbing problem can be resolved. Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Stephen Colby, 1807 Irvine Avenue, addressed the Commission. He reported that it is very difficult to exit his driveway due to the increased traffic on Irvine Avenue and that the tree blocks the view of those driving toward the beach. The tree also drops a gooey substance on cars parked under it. In addition, the tree roots could cause a fall and subsequent injury. Mr. Colby would like to upgrade his front yard but cannot do any landscaping as long as the tree roots are all over - the yard. The roots have also done damage to the street and driveway. Lastly, there are plumbing problems every two months which are expensive and a nuisance. Chair Taft asked Mr. Colby if he would be amenable to putting another tree in and he replied he felt it would be inappropriate at this site. He would agree, however, to have one planted on his property. Commissioner Herberts questioned the age of the lateral sewe line inasmuch as the tree roots will invade broken clay pipe; Mr. Colby stated he didn't know, however, it is an older home. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Konwiser referred to the original request two years ago wherein the subject tree was fully discussed and the decision made to retain the tree. He felt that, although Irvine Avenue is a busy street, the tree should not cause an exiting problem if one waited for the red light. Commissioner Konwiser stated he was dramati- cally influenced by the house and front yard and felt this unique tree goes with the scape. He recommended Mr. Colby come back to this Commission after the irrigation and landscaping are completed. Commissioners Vandervort, Taft and Compton felt the tree should be removed since it restricts landscaping and there is no place to stop on Irvine Avenue. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Demmer felt tree removal is appropriate due to the frequent and repeated sewer repair costs caused i by the tree roots. Commissioner Herberts recommended trying to remedy the situa- tion by root pruning before removing the tree. Motior Commissioner Compton motioned the tree be removed and re- Ayes x x x placed with another tree that is used in this area of the Nays x x x City. Motion passes. Mr. Colby advised he might be able to find a private party who could remove the tree at less cost than City crews. He and Jack Brooks will confer on the matter. Item #7 - Tree'Removal Appeal, 1100 Pembroke Lane Tree Removal Appeal Director Whitley corrected the report submitted by stating that the request is to remove five, not two, Ficus Nitida - trees, i.e., two on Pembroke and three on Cornwall. Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mrs. Susann Jordan - Passmore, 1100 Pembroke Lane, addressed the Commission. She reported she has .lived at this address for 19 years, 12 of which she has requested tree removals. She stated the roots have caused major plumbing problems at great expense; sprinklers, drains and pipes have been broken; the fence may now be out of alignment; and children slip on the berry droppings. Commissioner Herberts noted she observed that the root I problem could be from the Pine and Eucalyptus trees on the owner's property on Cornwall. Mrs. Jordan - Passmore stated she was more concerned with the trees on Pembroke due to the two area drains at this location. The sewer line is on Cornwall. Mr. John Passmore, 1100 Pembroke Lane, addressed the Commission. He stated the Pine Tree roots are not as ex- tensive as the Ficus roots and requested other trees be planted which have a less destructive root system. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the 1 Commission ensued. Commissioner Konwiser pointed out that 4 the Ficus Nitida is a common tree in the City and, when fully developed, makes an elegant street scene which this Commission supports. This is always an emotional and economical situation, however, no tree is perfect and free CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 Mt%i Cnnnril Chnmhcrc 7 .. w. IKIrNMV of nuisances. He would recommend a compromise by removing two or three trees, thereby retaining the street scene. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that since there are nine owners who do not have parkway trees in the area, it would be tragic if five trees were removed. She felt alternatives should first be tried to preserve the trees. Commissioners Compton and Vandervort agreed with Commissione Konwiser that five trees are too many to be removed, but they would favor a compromise of removing two trees. Commissioner Herberts stated she felt these are beautiful trees which could be root pruned. She felt the number of trees should not be the issue, but that a tree should only be removed if there is a specific problem. She suggested removing the tree closest to the light on Cornwall. M �n x Commissioner Konwiser motioned to remove the middle tree on A•f�r x x x x x K Cornwall and the tree closest to the corner on Pembroke. Nay x, Motion passes. Jack Brooks explained that root pruning is done only by request or when a sidewalk is being replaced. Item #8 - Tree Removal Appeal, 1618 Anita Lane Tree Removal Appeal Following Director Whitley's brief review of. the subject report, Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony. Pearl Cotliar, 1618 Anita Lane, addressed the Commission. Ms. Cotliar reported the subject Ficus Nitida is about 30 years old and the roots have lifted the sidewalk and have cracked her driveway near the main, water line. Ms. Cotliar added she has three trees which she likes and is ready to start landscaping but needs the tree on the north side of her driveway, which is causing the most damage, removed. There being no further Public Testimony, public hearing was closed. During discussion there was confusion as to which tree was being requested to be removed and several Commissioners realized they had looked at the wrong tree. o x Commissioner Vandervort moved this item be deferred to the _3 x x x x x x x April 3, 1990 meeting with prior recommendation from the Street Tree Committee. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX Item #9 - Basketball Court in Channel Place Park Basketball Court in Director Whitley reported the City Council at their Study Channel Session of February 12, 1990 asked this Commission to review Place Park the possibility of adding a basketball court at Channel Place Park. It is recognized that the park is under utilize l, however, it has recently been refurbished with a restroom, picnic area and retaining wall. There is room to add a court which would need to be away from the residential units Notice was sent and posted to residents in the area that thi matter would be on tonight's agenda. Chair Taft opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Troy Davis, 44041 Channel Place, addressed the Commission. Mr. Davis stated he felt the park should be left open for soccer, T -ball, football, etc., which are popular for children. Due to parking and noise concerns and that there are plenty of courts nearby, he recommended no court be installed. Mr. Daniel Clark, 4404 Channel Place, addressed the Commis- sion. He agreed with Mr. Davis that a court would restrict ball games and recommended none be installed. There being no further Public Testimony., discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Demmer felt a basketball court close to the sand adjacent to tot lot equipment would not be compatible recreational usage. She also expressed concern regarding the close proximity of the proposed court to homes. She would be against a full basketball court at this location as she favors a large green area for flexible recreational purposes. Commissioner Herberts stated she likes the idea of providing more activity but would prefer to hear.from more residents as to their feelings. Commissioner Grant felt this is not an appropriate location for a basketball court and since there has been no-overwhelm ing request for one, it should be readdressed next year in the normal capital budget request procedure. Commissioner Vandervort noted there has been no major effort supporting a court since residents were notified, however, because more younger people who are athletically oriented live in this area, the Commission needs to be responsive. to their needs. Therefore, she would favor a half court. Commissioners Comtpon and'Konwiser felt a half court would suffice. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Taft observed he has rarely seen anyone during week- days at the park and he would recommend a court or half court so that the park would be more usable. Motion x Commissioner Compton motioned to request a half court at Ayes i x x x x x x Channel Place Park be approved and that when it is submitted Nay x to City Council, West Newport Beach Improvement Association be notified. Motion passes. Item #1Q - Acquisition of Parcel at 724 St. James Place Acquisition of Parcel at Director Whitley reported City Council requested this 724 St. Jame Commission consider acquisition of the subject parcel for Place recreation purposes. He contacted the owner, who emphati- cally stated he does not ,want to sell the property. Commissioner Demmer stated she felt the Commission would benefit by having the City Council minutes prior to Commis- sion meetings in order to provide additional information necessary to deny or support City Council requests. Commissioner Herberts stated she would oppose pursuing the parcel since its owner has other uses for his own property. Motion Commissioner Konwiser motioned to deny acquiring the prop- erty at 724 St. James Place. Commissioner Demmer suggested the Commission be aware of the four zones that are established for the purposes of receivin in lieu park fee funding, available funds presently accrued in each zone, and the assessment of the existing property under discussion. She urged that correct procedures of neighborhood and homeowner notification be adhered to when i park acquisition is an action item. Both Commissioners Konwiser and Compton agreed the subject i site is inappropriate for a park due to its topography. Commissioner Vandervort agreed with Commissioner Demmer that the proper procedures should be followed, however, since this land is not appropriate for a park, they should be waived in this situation. Chair Taft concurred. Commissioner Grant suggested that if there is any interest l+l generated for a site, then the proper procedures should be followed. Ayes Vote was taken on the motion. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH C? I 0 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Parking at American Legion Commissioner Demmer referred to the grassy portion'of land next to the American Legion and asked for a policy review regarding parking on this area. Director Whitley explained the Department policy is to allow the American Legion to park on the turf when they have an overflow program, in which case the Department is notifie in advance and sprinkler heads are covered. There has been no damage to the turf. He added that the American Legion is on City leased property and they have been studying a concept for the site for their purposes. Commissioner Demmer recommended utilization of this site be a discussion item at the Commission's April 3 meeting. Dover /PCH Parcel Commissioner Compton asked for an update on this parcel which has been discussed at previous Commission meetings. Jack Brooks explained Public Works is contacting Cal Trans on,the matter. Director Whitley also advised that The Irvine Company owns many small parcels, of which this is one, and when he receives further information he will report back to the Commission. In the meantime, some plants and shrubs could be planted. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #11 - North Star Beach North Star Beach Chair Taft reported he feels this location is not being used to its full potential and would make an excellent location for an active park. Commissioner Grant reported this was discussed at the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Committee meeting. He explained some of the restraints to be considered and noted that the Dover Shores Community Association might be active against any improvements. He reported Director Whitley felt that the high salt content of the existing sand would require import as was done at Bonita Creek Park. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Compton reported this subject was also discusse at the Recreation Program Committee meeting and they thought I picnic benchesland a volleyball court might be appropriate. Commissioners Vandervort, Herberts and Demmer agreed that recreation playing fields are needed. Commissioner Herberts recommended a low key day time use with no lights, such as for the Bobby Sox program, but would first confer with Frank Robinson, environmentalist. Commissioner Demmer questioned if restrooms and parking would need to be provided. Nancy Beard explained that there is public parking above Polaris at Westcliff Park and the restrooms at the Aquatic Center are open for the public. In addition, it is doubtful if the Dover Shores Community Association would favor a parking lot at the site. _) Commissioner Grant felt the area should be more active than benches and a volleyball court. He recommended an architect be hired to draw conceptual plans, i.e., identify dimensions and lay out alternatives with costs, for the Commission to review. Jack Brooks stated he would discuss the matter with Director Whitley in order that a presentation can be made for the May meeting. Commissioner Demmer asked staff to provide dimensions, zones I and funds and make recommendations. Chair Taft pointed out the area is owned jointly with the County and felt that the County should be consulted before the Commission makes recommendations and plans are drawn. Commissioner Grant suggested the Dover Shores Community Association and Frank Robinson, environmentalist, be con- tacted for their input. He also recommended the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Committee work with staff and the architect. Item #12 - Cal Trans West Cal Trans �} Chair Taft reported there does not seem to be a lot of West q interest from the Council on this site. The property is bounded by PCH and Superior on the other side of Hoag d Hospital where access is difficult. The area is not a good location for an active park and West Newport Park is located nearby. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Compton reported West Newport Oil is going to develop in the area and he agreed with Chair Taft to defer the matter to a later date for this'reason. Item #13 - Status of Capital Projects FY 1989 -90 Status of Capital Commissioner Grant questioned the status of the Newport Projects Harbor High School pool refurbishment program. Nancy Beard explained the lockers and shower room are not yet completed. Commissioner Grant announced the opening of the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center will be in late April or early May. Commissioner Grant questioned the status on Little Corona View Park and Jack Brooks explained the architect and Public Works are preparing the plans. Commissioner Grant requested that the Commission review the plans when they are completed. Nancy Beard stated she will check on the plans which will be reviewed by this Commission. Chair Taft announced the Lincoln facility will return to a school site, but this should not affect our programs. Item #14 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Commissioner Grant questioned the priority of a picnic shade Division structure built at Buffalo'Hills Park. He also suggested the goals be taken down and locked up when fields are not in use to allow the turf to grow. Jack Brooks agreed to handle the matter and also advised Irvine Terrace Park is being hydroseeded. Item #15 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Commissioner Herberts questioned if there will be exercise classes at West Newport and Nancy Beard explained there will be many classes, including exercise, at the Center. V. COMMISSION COMMITTEES _Item #16 - Capital Improvements Capital Improvements No report from Chair Konwiser. Item #17 - Street'Tree Street Tree Chair Her berts reported the committee reviewed five tree requests. She passed out a letter from the National Arbor CITY OF -NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council, Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Day Foundation congratulating the City as being named a 1989 Tree City 'USA. When the date and time are announced, she will notify the Commission and encourage them to attend the Arbor Day ceremony. Item #18 - Recreation Program Recreation Program Commissioner Compton recommended new signage at Las Arenas Tennis Courts. Nancy Beard stated staff feels the two signs are adequate in addition to one posting the rules. Commissioner Compton questioned signage at the Girl Scout House which is a public facility. Nancy Beard explained it is highly used by the Girl Scouts and scheduling for the public would be a problem, however, it is allowed. Commissioner Grant felt the Scout House should be re- signed and publicized so others can use it. Nancy Beard will pursu . —) Commissioner Compton referred to West Newport Community Center and requested Nancy Beard pursue the idea of an Open House. Commissioner Compton also questioned signage at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center and requested the above items be brought back at the Commission's April 3 meeting. Commis- sioner Grant requested the sign at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center be implemented before the dedication. Item #19 - Oceanfront and Beach Oceanfront and Beach Chair Vandervort reported the committee did not meet in February. Concerning the recent oil spill, at Chair Taft's ' request, she asked Director Whitley if there was anything the Commission should do and he had advised volunteers are not needed. Commissioner Vandervort also reported "Speak Up Newport" will meet at the Villa Nova Restaurant at 5:30 P.M. on March 7 to give a full report on the oil spill. Item #20 - Budget Budget Chair Taft reported they had a good meeting with the City Manager on the operating budget which was slightly trimmed. Nancy Beard reported a full time Human Services Coordinator and a maintenance person will be funded for Oasis. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #21 - Parks and Open Space Acquisition Parks and Open Space Chair Grant reported restraints on Mouth of Big Canyon were Acquisition discussed at their last meeting. Another meeting will be set when information is received from the Department of Fish and Game. The Facility Inspection Forms were completed and given to Director Whitley who will report back on what will and will not be done. Item #22 - Newport Shores Park Newport Shor Park Chair Compton reported they are waiting for the budget-to be approved. Item #23 - Chair's Report Chair's Report Chair Taft reported the City Manager feels that since there are negotiations underway with major property owners, i.e., The Irvine Company and West Newport Oil Company, it might upset the park bond issue and recommended to the City Council that the issue be tabled for the present time. Item #24 - Commission Liaison Assignments Commission Liaison (a) No report from Commissioner Demmer on Friends of Oasis. Assignments (b) No report from Commissioner Compton on Friends of the Theatre Arts Center. (c) Commissioner Herberts reported Art in Public Places at McFadden Wharf is the Arts Commission's next project. Discussion of the art work is delayed until there is final approval from the Assessment District. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Compton asked for an update on encroachments from that committee. Commissioner Konwiser reported they meet monthly and a meeting with the Study Session is schedul d for March 12. He explained that certain rights were traded many years ago, particularly in the West Newport area. Criteria is needed to resolve the specific situations among the Coastal Commission, the City, and the respective homeowners. When they-have a definite recommendation as to criteria, permits, fees, etc., this will be transmitted to the Planning Commission and then to the City Council and finally to the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 n 1ntn9=v Coastal Commission. VII. 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 February 28, 1990 at 8:10 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, secretary