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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/04/1990 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Motion Ayes Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission September 4, 1990 City Council Chambers 7 n_m_ lmnl=y Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Main- tenance Super- intendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to Order Call to Orde The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item 02 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Grant, Herberts and Vandervort were present. Commissioners Konwiser and Taft were absent. I_tem 03 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of ApproVdI of August 7, 1990 Minutes X x K x x x Commissioner Herberts moved the minutes of the August 71 1990 meeting be approved. Unanimous. Item 44 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of x x Commissioner Compton moved the agenda be adopted as presented with the addition of City Council Policy Review under Action Item 8 -A; Upper Bay Regional Park under Item #9; West Jetty Park and Dover /PCH Land under Item #12; and Ad Hoc Committee Meeting on Future Development under Item #17. Unanimous. Agenda 3 Motion Ayes CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 0 2Parks, Reaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 \(P p� U? IP3 �\ City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 — Analysis of Ambient Light From Analysis of Lincoln Athletic Center Ambient Ligl Chair Grant turned the meeting over to From Lincolr Athletic Director Whitley who reviewed the problems Center associated with the lights at the Lincoln facility since its renovation. The Department has tried to make appropriate corrections which have not been satisfactory to those in the area. As a result, an independent electrical consultant has been engaged to analyze the situation. However, since his report is not complete, staff recommends the matter be postponed to the Commission's October 2, 1990 meeting. Director Whitley presented a letter which Councilman Cox received from a resident in the area which helps clarify the situation and should be included with the report to be reviewed at the next Commission meeting. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Jim Barisic, 1845 Port Seabourne Way, addressed the Commission. Mr. Barisic agreed the issue should be delayed until the consultant's pertinent data is received. He added, however, that since he has not seen a terrible nuisance at the facility, he would like to hear the residents' complaints. Chair Grant advised that when the light study is completed, all information, including backup material, will be forwarded to interested users. X Commissioner Compton moved to continue this X x K x x item to the October 2, 1990 meeting, at which time the consultant's research will be completed and input from participants received. Unanimous. Item 46 — Uses of Bonita Creek Park ses of Boni LI reek Park CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Grant turned the meeting over to Director Whitley who reported there are complaints about noise and traffic from residents as a result of Junior All American Football, a popular youth activity. Director Whitley explained that this is not a Department program, but is co- sponsored as a recognized youth program that is beneficial to the youth of the community. Commissioner Demmer questioned why there are no parking signs on La Vida and Director Whitley explained the perimeter of the park is a bicycle trail where no parking is allowed. He also pointed out that the Department has never been requested for assistance in contacting the Police Department concerning parking violations. Commissioner Herberts suggested restriping for bicycles in the middle since she felt extra parking is needed. Director Whitley advised that, as originally designed, it was felt there was adequate parking. In fact, it has the best parking for any park in the City. He did agree, however, that at certain times there are parking problems when games, including adult softball, overlap. He pointed out that staff, this Commission, and Public Works thoroughly reviewed all alternatives and made a concerted effort to put everything, including fields and parking, in their proper places. Chair Grant explained that before any changes are made, the matter should be referred to the Bicycle Trails Committee. Commissioner Vandervort stated she felt more directional parking signs and more parking spaces are needed. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Director Whitley explained that there is emergency access off University, however, Public Works did not want CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX egress /ingress from this street. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Dan Rabun, P.O. Box 9713, Newport Beach, addressed the Commission. Mr. Rabun played a tape recorded from his rear bedroom window facing Bonita Creek at 8:'30 P.M. on Saturday, October 7, 1989. The tape depicted noise makers, cheering, cars and whistles. Mr. Rabun stated that the problems of noise and illegal parking are a constant frustration for him. He felt that the park has turned into a high density facility built next to homes which the disclosure did not reveal when he bought his home. He added that the main issue is the football program which has been ( imported into his neighborhood and for which he felt the park was not designed. In response to a question by Commissioner Demmer, Mr. Rabun stated his sales representative told him there were no drawings of the park available but there would be lighted softball fields. He said that an active recreational facility with night lighted fields was not in the disclosure. He felt the City should have provided him with drawings. Director Whitley reported The Irvine Company gave notification to prospective buyers and that written documents were provided to contact this Department for the type of facility being planned. When the property was vacant, there was also signage that the park would be a night lighted facility. Commissioner Herberts suggested the Commission consider a tree buffer zone to alleviate the noise problem. Mr. John Walz, 881 Dover Drive and President of the Junior All American Football, addressed the Commission. Mr. Walz reported there are 225 -250 children in their program and they encourage parents to come to the games. He CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & 'Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX stated it is very difficult to find fields and that the homes at Bonita Creek are the least affected. Mr. Walz explained their set up times and scheduling which are done by Orange County Junior All American Football. Set up /inspection begins at 7:30 A.M. and their last games are scheduled at 7:00 P.M. to end no later than-9:30 P.M. He agreed there is not adequate parking, but there is cheering and their cheerleaders are 7 -14 year old girls who are a real plus for the program. Chair Grant suggested a condition be placed that no hammering during set up start until 8:00 A.M. Commissioner Vandervort concurred. ( ' Mr. Jim Barisic, 1845 Port Seabourne Way, addressed the Commission. He reported youth soccer has been using the park on Monday nights until 9:00 -9:30 P.M. and agreed that field availability is very sparce. He stated he lives across from Andersen School and understands the disruptions, however,, he feels it is more important for the children to have these programs and he did not think the noise was out of control. He agreed that the lack of parking, is a problem and suggested temporary spaces be implemented. Mr. Barisic added that he would be glad to assist in solving the problems. Mr. Dan Rabun, P.O. Box 9713, Newport Beach, i addressed the Commission. He stated that bicycling between illegally parked cars is hazardous and again mentioned the noise problem. He felt this is not a park the local residents can use and recommended the football program be moved to another location. Mr. Robert Jones addressed the Commission and recommended another facility be used due to the noise factor and traffic safety. There being no further Public Testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to Public Hearing. 1 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Grant summarized the scheduling at the park and explained that the overflow parking issue is being reviewed by staff with the Metropolitan Water District who -owns property next to the park. Commissioner Compton referred to the limited number of playing facilities and the need for youth programs. He felt the main problem is the parking /safety factor and recommended consideration of converting the bicycle lane to parking. Commissioner Herberts suggested a buffer zone, such as trees, be considered to alleviate the noise problem and that The Irvine Company be contacted to raise the wall. `on AyUb1 x Commissioner Compton moved to continue with x x K x x the Junior All American Football program with the following stipulations: That no loud work commence before 8:00 A.M.; that no games 'continue after 9:30 P.M.; and that artificial noise devices be banned. In addition, the Commission will review the consideration• of closing a bicycle lane to pursue more parking; contact Metropolitan Water District for more parking spaces; and refer to the Street Tree Committee the planting of additional trees for the purpose of noise abatement. Unanimous. Item #7 - Tree Appeal - 2907 Setting Sun Drive Tree Appeal Director Whitley briefly reviewed the report i submitted and Jack Brooks advised he agrees with the Tree Maintenance Supervisor to retain the tree. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mrs. Cindy Christeson, 2907 Setting Sun Drive, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Christeson reviewed the nine years of problems caused by the roots of the subject Ficus Tree. She stated Roto- Rooter has been called in once a year to repair their sewer line and new limes were just put in. The roots have also damaged their sidewalk which has just been repaired. As a result, she CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Nay arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission September 4,, 1990 Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX asked that the tree be removed and grass or another tree with no root,problems be planted.. Commissioner . Herberts questioned . if the subject tree is causing the problems since it is located 40 feet away from the sewer line. She recommended root pruning to solve the problem. Jack Brooks stated the problems were undoubtedly the result of an old sewer line and not the tree. The tree is far enough away and was also properly planted. Commissioner 'Demmer inquired of and made comment to the fact that Ficus Nitida is no longer a species planted in City parkways. She recommended removal and replacement with two Ficus Benjamina, the replacement tree for that area. There being no further Public Testimony, the meeting was closed to Public Hearing. X Commissioner Vandervort moved to retain the X X X tree, root prune, and ask the homeowner to X, return if she has another sewer bill next year, at which time the Commission would reconsider the matter and take action. Motion passes. Chair Grant advised Mrs. Christeson of her right to appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council or return to this Commission in a year. Item #8 - Recuest for Restrooms at the Wedge Request for Restrooms a Director Whitley reported a request was the Wedge received by Jack Brooks to provide restrooms at the Wedge. He explained that 15 years ago consideration was given to providing restrooms at this area which was denied by the City Council. Such requests have been received since that time and have been opposed by both the Police Department and Balboa Peninsula Point Association as not an appropriate location. Should the Commission recommend CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m., INDEX restrooms at this site, they would need to be included in the capital improvement budget. Chair Grant. pointed out that- night time use would make the site an attractive nuisance unless the restrooms were locked. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Ms. Dayna Pettit, 1741 Plaza del Sur, addressed the Commission on behalf of the Balboa Peninsula Point Association. Ms. Pettit read a letter addressed to the Commission in strong opposition to providing restroom facilities at the Wedge due to over crowding, vandalism, and increased gang activity. She also reiterated the Police Department's opposition to restrooms at this ( 1 site which would be difficult to patrol. Commissioner Herberts presented a petition which was signed in 1983 at the Association's Chili Cook Off in opposition to restrooms at the Wedge. Ms. Pettit reported they could provide another petition, if needed, at their next Chili Cook Off the end of the month. Mr. John Hedges addressed the Commission to oppose restrooms at this site. He recommended portables be provided for any special events. There being no further Public Testimony, the meeting was closed to Public Hearing. Commissioner Herberts read excerpts from the Commission's 1988 minutes wherein the Association was opposed to restrooms at the Wedge. She referred to the vandalism at the Newport Pier restrooms which are regularly patrolled and pointed out the Wedge is rarely patrolled and restrooms would only encourage increased vandalism at this location. In addition, the Wedge has very hazardous surf `b and swim conditions and nothing should be done that would ,encourage a family type swimming 1 beach. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Motion Ayes Nay Motior Ayes 1 Motior arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissisoner Herberts motioned the Commission comply with the recommendations -of the Police Department and Balboa Peninsula Point Association by not considering the concept of restrooms at the Wedge. Commissioner Vandervort amended the motion to state the Commission deny the concept of x x x x x restrooms at the Wedge. Unanimous. Commissioner Compton stated he recognizes this is a public location and, although supporting the motion, would recommend closing the beach at night and reconsidering the matter at a later time. Chair Grant agreed the restrooms would encourage use by a different clientele. Item 48 -A - City Council Policies City Counci Policies Director Whitley reported that the City Council Policies were to be an action item at the Commission's October 2, 1990 meeting, however, he just received a request from the City Manager that any changes be transmitted to him by September 21 for the City Council's Study Session on October 8, 1990. The Commission then discussed acting upon as many policies as possible at this time and postponing those that need more review. x Commissioner Demmer motioned the Commission x x x x consider those policies that the subcommittees x have reviewed and made recommendations; all other policies to be postponed for review by the subcommittees. Motion passes. x Commissioner Herberts moved to accept the x x x x x recommendation of the subcommittee to retain Policy I -9, Retention or Removal of Park and Parkway Trees, as is. Unanimous. Commissioner Demmer motioned to delete Policy I -12, Obstruction of Views by Trees, as recommended by the subcommittee. 1\ CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Ayes Nays 1441 on . Ayes Nay Abstain Motion Ayes Mo''' ,)n Ay _ 1 Motion arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Director Whitley expressed staff's recommendation to also delete Policy I -12 inasmuch as Policy I -19, Maintenance and Planting of Parkway Trees, also addresses the subject. Chair Grant expressed Commissioner Konwiser's support of Policy I -12 since it has been beneficial to homeowner associations in preserving views. X x x Motion passes. x x X Commissioner Compton motioned to delete Policy x X X I -14, Policy Statement for Park Land X Acquisition, since it is addressed in the X Recreation and Open Space Element of the General Plan and is also implemented as an Ordinance. Motion passes. Commissioner Herberts requested information on the Element and Ordinance as they relate to Policy I -14. Jack Brooks presented a revision to Policy I- 19, Maintenance and Planting of Parkway Trees, which updates technical changes, such as soil mixture and type of tie. Commissioner Vandervort recommended that Item I in Policy I -19 read "Root barrier shall be installed..." rather than "...may be installed..." Chair Grant inquired if remodel projects should be addressed and Jack Brooks advised they are handled by the Building Department. X Commissioner Herberts moved to accept Policy X X x X I -19 as revised with the exception that Item I read "Root barrier shall be installed if the City feels it is needed." Unanimous. X Commissioner Compton motioned to remove Policy X x X x x I -21, Bike and Foot Race Policy. Unanimous. Commissioner Compton motioned to accept Policy I -5, Use. Priorities and Fees for Facilities CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Ayes Nay Motion Ayes 3.rks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX X X X X X and Equipment, as written. Motion passes. Director Whitley reported the City Council felt there should be a policy on In Lieu Fee Zones as recommended by this Commission. As a result, the City Attorney wrote Policy i -1, In Lieu Fee Zones, which Director Whitley presented to the Commission for their review. X Commissioner Herberts moved to accept Policy X x X x x I -1 as written. Unanimous. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mrs. Sharon Jajone of San Clemente addressed the Commission requesting a plaque in memory of her son on a bench to be located on the boardwalk. Jack Brooks advised that the proposed location of the bench is not in this Department's jurisdiction and that she should contact the Public Works Department. Director Whitley explained the Commission intended to review the policies in this regard, however, he concurred with Jack Brooks that the location requested is not within this Department's responsibility since it is in a street right of way and not a park location. As a result, the original request was denied and the applicant is resubmitting her request. Should she still want a bench on the boardwalk, she will have to submit her request to the Public Works Department. Mrs. Jajone stated that although she would prefer the boardwalk location, she would consider.a bench on the beach since it would still be in memory of her son and useful to the community. Commissioner Herberts recommended Mrs—Jajone transmit her, request to Mayor Plummer for City Council consideration. Director Whitley agreed and advised Mrs. \ Jajone she could call him for proper CITY OF 'NEWPORT BEACH f ) arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX direction. Mrs. Uajone pointed out that.Huntington Beach is restoring their Pier with bronze plaques at the end of it and the Commission might want to consider this in the future.. Commissioner Demmer suggested obtaining policies for plaques and trees from other cities for the-Commission to review. Commissioner Compton voiced his concern over setting a precedent of plaques on public facilities. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #9 - Capital Projects Capital Projects Chair Grant requested the Commission review the CYC plans. Director Whitley advised Public Works is administering the contract, however, he will provide the plans. Director Whitley reported the Upper Bay Regional Park plan submitted by the County of Orange will be reviewed at the City Council's Study Session at 2:00 P.M. on September 10. The Commission is invited to attend. It will be brought back at the final master plan stage for the Commission's review. Commissioner Herberts inquired about the land at North Star Beach and Director Whitley advised he met with the Association and this item will be on the Commission's agenda at their next meeting. Commissioner Compton inquired about Newport Shores Park and Director Whitley advised the contract, administered by Public Works, was awarded to Fennell & Associates. Item #10 - Commission Calendar Commission Chair Grant referred to the Fiscal Year Ca endar Calendar presented and asked the Commissioners to contact Director Whitley with any CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX additions. Item #11 - Goals and Objectives Goals and Objectives Chair Grant requested each subcommittee chair take responsibility for creating their own Goals and Objectives. He asked that any additions or revisions to the report submitted be transmitted to Director Whitley. Item #12 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Item #12 was addressed following Item #8 -A. Street Tree Division Commissioner Demmer reported that the area where the new homes are under construction, excavated soil has damaged the temporary chain link fence and has damaged newly planted trees at Cliff Drive Park. Jack Brooks advised he will contact Hal Woods, the developer. Commissioner Demmer also reported she was contacted concerning a homeowner who had possibly done landscaping on Cliff View Park. Jack Brooks will pursue. Commissioner Herberts inquired as to the status of her request for side spickets on the drinking fountains and dog signs at West Jetty Park. Jack Brooks explained these are on the work order list but are not top priority; they will probably be completed this winter. Commissioner Herberts also reported the sprinklers are gushing on the playing field on the northwest corner of 5th and Iris in Corona del Mar. Jack Brooks will pursue. Commissioner Compton voiced his concern over the bulkhead and sidewalk giving way at Lido Park. Jack Brooks advised this is a Public Works project and they are aware of the situation. Commissioner Compton inquired as to the status of PCH /Dover Land. Jack Brooks advised they have a planning design for the irrigation to be done in house for submittal to Cal Trans. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 14 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Demmer questioned the high height of dog leash signs and Jack Brooks advised that this is for visibility reasons and .also, because they are not as easily accessible to being stolen. Chair Grant inquired as to the status of the trees at Westcliff. Jack Brooks advised the Association is pleased with the trimming procedure. Chair Grant asked when the sign at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center will be implemented and Director Whitley advised it will be ordered when approved by the School District. Chair Grant stated some park signs are deteriorating and a regular maintenance schedule is needed for them. Jack Brooks will pursue. Item 413 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Nancy Beard reported the Department had a very, successful summer. There was a major increase in both participants and revenue and the Camps were also very popular this year. Ms. Beard also pointed out that at the present time there are 70 vendors for the Craft Fair in November. Commissioner Demmer recommended the Traveling Sports Wagon program at Newport Heights be continued. Nancy Beard advised this site drew 472 children during the summer and the Department is looking at the budget in hopes of implementing the program during the school year. In addition, there is a possibility of a cooperative program with the City of Costa Mesa. Nancy Beard reported Dan Iwata is leaving after ten years of service to join the City of Monrovia. Commissioner Demmer motioned to send a letter of appreciation and gratitude from the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 1'5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commission wishing Mr,. Iwata success in his new endeavors. Unanimous. V. COMMISSION COMMITTEES Item 014 - Tree Committee Tree Committ, Commissioner Herberts reported the committee met and concurred with staff's recommendations with the exception of two trees. Item #15 - Recreation Proaram Recreation Program No report. Item #16 - Beach Committee Beach Committee No report. Item #17 - Parks and Open Space Committee Parks and Chair Grant recommended the Commissioners Open Space Committee inspect the same parks as last year. Since several Commissioners disagreed, Chair Grant suggested the schedule be rotated and last year's inspections also be provided for comparison purposes. Director Whitley reported that the City Council has formed an Ad Hoc Committee to meet with The Irvine Company concerning undeveloped land in Newport Beach. The City Council will be receiving a proposal which will be reviewed i at a future Study Session and the Commission will be encouraged to attend this meeting. Item #18 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaisc No report. Item #19 - Theatre Arts Center Liaison Theatre Arts Center Liais No report. \ n VI. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Director Whitley passed out those Ordinances that pertain to this Commission for inclusion r CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 16 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX in their Commission notebooks. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Commissioner Compton moved the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourn at 10:50 P.M. Unanimous. The agenda for this meeting was posted on August 28, 1990 at 11:30 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. I ) /l' Dottie Flohr, secretary