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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/10/1990 - PB&R CommissionItem No. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH { j arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission July 10, 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 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, Taft, Konwiser and Vandervort were present. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of June 5, 1990 Approval of Minutes Commissioner Compton moved the minutes of the June 5, 1990 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of The agenda was adopted as presented. Agenda II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Election of Officers for Fiscal Year 1990 -91 Election of Officers- Chair Taft announced nominations were open for Chair. Commissioner Vandervort nominated Commissioner Grant for Chair. There being.no further nominations, Commissioner Konwiser moved to close the nominations. Unanimous. Chair Grant opened the meeting for nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Compton nominated Commissioner Vandervort. Commissioner Taft nominated Commissioner Konwiser. Vote was five for Commissioner Vandervort and two for Commissioner Konwiser. Chair Grant thanked Commissioner Taft for his time and energy expended as Chair of the Commission and,all his work on the Beach and Oceanfront Committee. In recognition and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page `2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX appreciation on behalf of the Commission, staff and citizens of Newport-Beach, he presented Commissioner Taft with a sailboat sculpture. -Commissioner Taft thanked the-Commission for the opportunity to serve as Chair this past year. Seating of the Commissioners then took place. Item #6 - Dover Shores Community-Association Tree Removal Dover Shores Request Community Association Chair Grant turned the meeting over to Director Whitley Tree Removal who reported this is the second request in eight months Request by the Dover Shores Community Association to remove six trees in Westcliff Park. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony. Mr. Ed ( } Benson, 1028 Westwind Way,-addressed the Commission. Mr. Benson stated he is a member of both the Board of Directors of the Dover Shores Community Association and their Architecture /Landscape Committee. He reported their CC &R's state no tree can be over 14' in height. Should there be a complaint, their committee requests the homeowner to choose between topping down or removing the tree. Mr. Benson stated there are many trees in Westcliff Park, some of which now block views. He requested the City's cooperation in preserving their original views by removing the trees, particularly the Palm Tree clusters. 'Mr. Lew Copp,.1022 Westwind Way, addressed the Commission. Referring to the three trees directly in front of his house, he stated they not only block his view, but are-also ugly and do not enhance the park. There being no further Public Testimony, public hearing was closed. During discussion by the Commission, Commissioner Taft stated he was in favor of removal since the trees are un- attractive. He asked if anything could grow on the lower slope and Jack Brooks advised that nothing can grow due to ( the boron which is a poison. Tests and work have been tried but to no avail. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Konwiser referred to City Council Policy I -12, Obstruction of Views by Trees, which he felt would authorize such tree removals. Commissioner Demmer stated she felt Westcliff Park is one of the most beautiful parks-in the City. She stated its usage as a passive park and view park and-as determined in the General Plan is opposed to denuding a public park that , is for the entire community to enjoy. Commissioner Herberts referred to the picture of the three Eucalyptus Trees. She stated if they are left alone, they will be well above the ocean view and would not obstruct views. Since they also add a skyline and aesthetic view, she would oppose taking them out. Although she prefers a park not be denuded, she stated she would consider removal of the 3 Palms directly in front of the patio at 1022 West - wind Way. Vice- Chair "Vandervort -stated she felt the trees give per- spective and enhance views, therefore, she would oppose removal: Commissioner Compton stated he felt only a couple trees block views and only those should be removed. Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to deny the request. Commissione Ayes x x x x x Herberts amended the motion to include that the three Palms Nays x x be considered for removal subject to the Street Tree Committee's approval or disapproval. Motion passes. Director Whitley advised staff can tag the subject trees so there is no question as to which trees will be considered for removal. Item #7 - Tree Removal Request - 1918 Deborah Lane Tree Removal Request Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mrs. Roger Weigard, 1918 Deborah-Lane, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Weigard presented pictures of the tree roots causing serious problems to her yard which she cannot upgrade. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that Mrs. Weigard woul.d be t agreeable to a replacement tree. Commissioner Herberts asked Mrs. Weigard if she would be agreeable to sufficient root pruning. Mrs. Weigard explaine that the City told her the tree would blow down if the roots were cut. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Jack Brooks stated they could further investigate and find out if there are enough additional roots or they could mound with additional soil. There being no further Public Testimony, public hearing was closed. During discussion, Commissioner Demmer stated she would favor removal and replacement since this is one of the worst root invasions on private property she has seen. Commissioner Konwiser agreed and suggested the same variety of tree be replanted. Commissioner Compton felt the subject tree is beautiful and would first consider root pruning. Should the Tree Division deem this unsafe, then he would favor removal and replace- ment. Commissioner Herberts agreed with Commissioner Compton that root pruning first be considered if it is indeed safe. Motion x Commissioner Konwiser motioned that staff ,probe the lot to Ayes x x x x x x x see if there are sufficient underground roots to safely root prune. If not, the tree should be removed and replaced with a tree agreeable to the owner and Park and Tree Super- intendent. Unanimous. Item. #8 - Application for Volleyball Court - 1500 E. Ocean Application Front for Volley- ball Court There being no Public Testimony, Chair Grant turned the meeting over to Vice Chair-Vandervort, Chair of the Beach and Oceanfront Committee. Commissioner Vandervort reported a letter was received requesting the subject court be placed on the west side, rather than the east side as requested by the applicant. The committee met and approved moving the court to the west side of the sidewalk and 50' away from the lifeguard tower. Chair Grant questioned if this would necessitate reposting and Commissioner Taft advised it would not since those residents within 200' of the property line have been notified Motion x Vice Chair Vandervort moved the volleyball court be put in Ayes x x x x x x x front of 1412 E. Ocean Front at a location no closer than 50' from the lifeguard tower. Commissioner Taft amended the motion to include that the installation be in accordance with the official Volleyball Rules and Regulations. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX .Commissioner Demmer questioned who gets the rules and regu- lations and Commissioner Taft advised these accompany all applications and the rules are also posted. Vice Chair Vandervort reported the Beach and Oceanfront Committee met to discuss a-revision of the rules and regula- tions-which will be brought to the Commission for their review at their August 7, 1990 meeting. Item #9 - Request for Dedicated Park Bench Request for Dedicated Director Whitley reported the subject request is before the Park Bench Commission for the third time. The meeting was opened to Public Testimony and Mr. Ramzi Jajonie, 1109 Newport Center Drive, addressed the Commission: Mr. Jajone, brother of Darin,in whose memory a park bench with plaque is being requested, stated their original request was made on September 6, 1988, after which City Council Policy I 722, Naming of City Parks, was adopted on Sept- ember 12, 1988. Commissioner Demmer asked Mr. Jajonie where he wanted the bench placed and he replied he would like i.t at 28th Street where Darin surfed. He added that if Darin were alive, he would have been able to contribute to the community in accordance with Policy I -22. There being no further Public Testimony, discussion by the Commission ensued. Commissioner Konwiser referred to Policy I -22 which he stated does not really address this issue. Commissioner Herberts reported there are many areas in the City where a donation would be beneficial if the dedication plaque were unobtrusive, well located and appropriate to the area. She stated -she would approve a bench if it qualified but that the Commission should have full right of approval of all such donations and plaques. Director Whitley advised if a bench is located adjacent to the boardwalk, it requires an encroachment permit because it is in a road right of way. He further advised that the ` Commission accepted Mr. Jajonie's original request subject to the bench without a plaque being put in a park site. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Compton stated he felt there needs to be con= sistency and some requests have been denied in the past. He felt a donation to a group would be more apropos. Commissioner Demmer felt there are areas that could use a park bench. She suggested a compromise with the applicant be reached in regard to honoring his request without starting a precedent, such as asking him if he would like to donate a bench with a plaque in another part of town. Chair Grant pointed out all policies, which are subject to interpretation, are reviewed in the fall and the Commission may want to review I -22. Commissioner Konwiser felt the issue is not a park bench and voiced his concern over all•the'requests the Commission might receive. The question is the difficult decision of where to draw the line, which is not opening up the possi- bility in the first place. He also commented that the Commission has an opportunity in the near future.to review the policy. Commissioner Herberts suggested a list be maintained of those areas that need benches, drinking fountains, etc. Commissioner Taft pointed out that Laguna Beach has a plaque on almost every bench. Chair Grant summarized the issue by stating the Commission could either vote to accept or deny the •request or table the issue until Policy I -22 is reviewed. Commissioner Compton felt the issue is the plaque, not the bench, and did not think I -22 is apropos in this issue. Motion x Commissioner Compton motioned to table the matter for 60 days Ayes x x x x x 'x x in order that the Commission can have an opportunity to further review the I- 22'Policy and the request. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #10 - Park Facility Inspection Program Park Facili Inspection ' Director Whitley referred to the report submitted and ex- Program plained that the first three pages are a result of the last inspection. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Demmer questioned the responsibility of the Bluffs under Kings View Park and Ensign View Park as regards . to trash, etc. Jack Brooks advised these are the City's responsibility and he will follow up on the matter. Item #11 - Capital Projects Capital Projects Director Whitley briefly reviewed the report submitted, notin that restrooms at CYC and Eastbluff which have been carried over are in the design state. The contract at Little Corona has been awarded. He also explained that the Oasis ex- pansion has a 3 year funding and the Department has applied for state funds for this fiscal year. Commissioner Herberts requested low spickets at the two drinking fountains at West Jetty Park. In addition, there are no dog signs yet. Jack Brooks will pursue. Item #12 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Item #12 was addressed following Item #9. Division Commissioner Herberts reported water conservation is too conservative in some parks. Jack Brooks explained the Sprinkler Technician is investigating the matter which will be corrected. She also asked that "M" Street Park be re- landscaped and Jack-Brooks advised this will be done this summer. Commissioner Demmer reported 15th Street Park needs watering and questioned if some areas are being cut back more than others. She added, however, that Cliff Drive Park at the Scout House looks beautiful as does most of the turf areas along Cliff Drive. Jack Brooks advised the irrigation system is being redone and there will be a better maintenance service. Commissioner Herberts referred to the property on River Avenue which was then discussed as to cleaning it up and making it accessible to the public. Director Whitley ex- plained this is not a park, but a residential lot owned by the City, however, he will confer with the City Manager on the subject. Chair Grant agreed this site should be clean up and suggested either Director Whitley or Commissioner Herberts pursue the matter since it is the City Council's responsibility. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Em- City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Compton asked when the basketball net will be put up at West Newport and Jack Brooks reported this will be done. Commissioner Konwiser reported the woodchi.pping throughout the City looks good. -Chair Grant asked about the removal of the old playground equipment at Buffalo Hills South which Jack Brooks will pursue. Nancy Beard advised residents at Buffalo Hills would like a gazebo /picnic shelter such as the one at Irvine Terrace Park. Commissioner Konwiser stated mounds are needed at West Newport Center. Director Whitley replied this is scheduled and there will be improvements at this -area. } Item #13 - Recreation, Division Recreation ,Division Nancy Beard reported Celeste Jardine -Haug, Recreation Supervisor at Oasis, had a baby girl, Erin Julie, on July 7. Kathy Ready is acting in her stead for six months. Director Whitley then distributed the CdM Scenic 5K Run T- shirts to each Commissioner. Commissioner Compton reported Ms. Beard and he wrote the article for the inside cover of the summer brochure and one is now due for the fall brochure. Ms. Beard volunteered to write the article. V. COMMISSION COMMITTEES Item #14 - Committee Selection Process Committee Selection Chair Grant thanked the Commission for their vote of confi- Process dence and stated he is open to suggestions and ideas. He recommended the Commissioners complete the committee interest form and that the Commission meet again in two weeks to discuss the Chair's objectives /procedures; set a calendar/ agenda for the balance of the year; review subcommittees; and set goals and objectives for the committees and individual Commissioners. Chair Grant further recommended that if any subcommittee has further work that the original committee meet and recom- mendations can be reviewed at the August meeting. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion x Commissioner Compton moved that there being no further Ayes x x x x x x x business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourn at 8:45 P.M. to meet again on July 24, 1990 at 4:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers.Conference Room. Unanimous. The agenda^,for this meeting was posted on July 2, 1990 at 3:00 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. i Dottie Flohr, Secret y I` 1 l/