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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/1990 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Item No. 3 arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission December 4, 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 Mainten- ance Superintend- ent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item 41 - Call to order Call to Orde The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Nancy Beard introduced David McConnell, the newly appointed Recreation Supervisor, to the Commission. Mr. OfConnell gave a brief background of himself and Ms. Beard explained he will be in charge of tax supported activities, such as special events, facilities, youth activities and the drop in programs. The Commission welcomed Mr. McConnell aboard and looked forward to working with him. Item 02 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Grant, Herberts, Konwiser, Taft and Vandervort were present. Item #3 - A royal of Minutes - Meeting of Approval of November 6, 1990 Minutes Chair Grant referred to Item 016, Bolsa Avenue Park Proposal, fifth paragraph, and questioned Commissioner Demmer if she meant to say the area had been downgraded. Commissioner Demmer agreed that she meant "upgraded." X Commissioner Compton moved the minutes be adopted x x x x x x x as corrected. Unanimous. 3 CITY. OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 1 7 p.m. INDEX Item #4 - Adontion of Agenda Adoption of The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Irvine Avenue Medians and Dover /PCH Land to be addressed under Item #5; and The Irvine Company's open Space Plan and No Fishing at West-Jetty Park to be addressed under Item #9. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item 45 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree Commissioner Demmer noted the 1,016 trees that Division were trimmed in one month was a great accomplishment and Jack Brooks explained-, these were mostly Palms. In response to a question by Commissioner Compton concerning a height limit for Palms, Jack Brooks advised that basically there is no limit, however, this sometimes depends upon the variety. Jack Brooks reported the final Cal Trans . corrections have been made at Dover and PCH and a permit should be issued in a few weeks. Concerning the Palms on Irvine Avenue, Jack Brooks stated the Department prefers to keep this type of tree since they can be planted consistently without blocking views. He agreed, however, they are leaning over too far. Commissioner Herberts recommended Citriodoras be considered in this area and Mr. Brooks agreed they could be planted, however, only where there are no view problems. Commissioner Compton suggested a hedge or flowers be planted at the base of the Palms to make them more pleasing. Commissioner Demmer agreed there needs to be landscaping at the bases. Commissioner Taft felt the Palms should be removed since,., they do not fit in the area. Commissioner Vandervort agreed, stating she would prefer Eucalyptus; however, if this is not possible, she suggested three Palms be planted in CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH r arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX the medians, rather than two. Jack Brooks and the Commission agreed and determined that staff will remove the Palms and replace them with Eucalyptus where there are no view problems. Chair Grant asked that the Commissioners final facility inspections be turned in. Commissioner Herberts commended the Park and Tree Division on the excellent job they are doing and asked if more staff will be needed. Jack Brooks advised he will be analyzing the Department's needs. Item 46 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Nancy Beard reported there are two big events slated for Saturday, December 8, one being Breakfast with Santa at Oasis and the other being Snow Day at CYC. Commissioner Taft questioned why the Commissioners had not received a copy of the new winter classes. Nancy Beard explained that they were reviewed by the Recreation Program Committee, however, due to time constraints they were not available before publication. Chair Grant suggested that if any of the Commissioners want to review new classes they should contact Ms. Beard. Item 47 - Tree Committee i Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee did not meet. Item #8 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Program Commissioner Compton reported the committee did Committee not meet. Item 09 - Parks and open space Committee Parks and Item #9 was addressed following Item #18. Open Space Committee Commissioner Vandervort reported the committee CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX met two times and formulated a policy on plaques. They also reviewed five parks. Commissioner Demmer gave a brief summary of The Irvine Company's presentation to the City Council on their proposed build out plan in which they are asking for no changes in the General Plan. She pointed out that 112 acres are designated to the City and the General Plan mandates 84 acres. Ten acres of view park are designated for the Castaways and 4 acres for Newport North. Commissioner Herberts explained that The Irvine Company wants a commitment for total build out now and they are willing to use appraisals based on different land uses. They have also met cooperatively with SPON. The Irvine Company will _ give $20.6 million for traffic and road improvements provided the City gives them a firm commitment on what they can do. Chair Grant reported he met with their Ad Hoc Committee and he perceives the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission playing a major role in the City's future park needs. Director Whitley passed out a report from the Planning Department concerning what The Irvine Company is proposing. He urged the Commissioners to look over the sites and consider topography and sensitive environmental issues. Chair Grant advised directives will come from the City Council and the Commission will be working-, within the limitations of the General Plan. He suggested the Commissioners absorb the report; focus on the General Plan and alternatives; and visit the sites so that when directives are received they will be able to discuss them. Commissioner Demmer suggested the Commission be taken on a field trip to, these areas. Commissioner Herberts agreed, suggesting SPON also be invited. Director Whitley will contact } The Irvine Company to arrange a field trip. Commissioner Herberts asked that the no fishing issue at West Jetty Park be addressed. Director CITY OF NEWPORT 'BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Whitley advised the City Council determined the applicant must submit an encroachment permit which has not beendone. After the permit is issued, the matter will come back to the City Council. Commissioner Herberts urged that in the interim the Parks Division clean up the area since it has become a health hazard. Item 010 - Beach Committee 'Beach Committee Item #10 was addressed following Item #14. Commissioner Taft reported he met with John Blauer of the Marine Safety Division. Both the Marine Department and General Services Department are to be contacted in the review process for proposed volleyball courts. Mr. Blauer addressed the Commission and asked that -any proposed removals or installations be reviewed annually by the Marine Department prior to Easter Week. Commissioner Taft explained that under the present system, volleyball players can apply for • court at any time and the Commission must make • decision *in a timely manner. However, he recommended all unauthorized courts be removed prior to Easter Week. Chair Grant directed this be put on the calendar. Mr. Blauer also proposed that nets locked to courts be provided from Easter to mid - September i at Corona del Mar State Beach to alleviate the challenge problems experienced in the past. Commissioner Taft suggested, and Mr. Blauer concurred, that a trial basis of 4 courts•.-. with nets be implemented at the farthest area from the fire rings. Mr. Blauer also informed the Commission that a request, which the Marine Department approves, will be forthcoming for a women's court to be 1 located at the south end of Corona del Mar Beach. Commissioner Compton reported the Beach Committee has reviewed standardizin:-- volleyball poles and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX recommends steel poles be installed for the 4 courts which will be relocated in West Newport. Should there be complaints, they can be re- evaluated; if not, the Department can move forth to install more. The poles, if properly installed and painted, should last eight years at a cost of $208 per court. They should be installed at a uniform 50' distance out from the residences and he hopes this can be completed within 60 days. Item #11 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer reported Mayor Sansone attended their last Board meeting and he indicated there will be a decrease in revenue from State and County funds this year. As a result, Oasis will be expanding their fund raising efforts to support programs now supported by grants and gifts. - Item #12 - Theatre Arts Center Liaison Theatre Commissioner Compton reported everything is going Arts Center Liaison smoothly. III. ACTION ITEMS Item #13 - City Property Adjacent to 850 City Properi Sandcastle Drive Adjacent to 850 Sand= Item #13 was addressed following Item #8. castle Driv( Chair Grant opened the meeting, to Public Hearing and Mr. Mark Poochigian, 850 Sandcastle Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Poochigian reported he has been working with the City to acquire property adjacent to his residence where there is a plateau of approximately 240 square feet of land. The City owns the land, however, the Bren Company had deed restrictions on the land that it must be used for park purposes which it has since offered to waive. In addition, the Public Works Department finds no objection to acquisition based on their five conditions presented in the report submitted. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mr. Poochigian explained the subject land is useless space on which he wants to extend his patio and rectify his drainage problems. He proposes to build an aesthetic masonry and plate glass wall at this location. Director Whitley pointed out that the Friends of Oasis have reviewed Mr. Poochigian's request and have no objection. The only condition the Department recommends is that proceeds from the sale be used at the Oasis facility. Commissioner Demmer questioned the condition from Public Works!, that the property be sold for 50% of its current assessed value. Director Whitley explained that this decision was due to the conditions being placed on the property, i.e., it cannot be built upon; the rear yard setback j ) cannot be changed, etc. Commissioner Herberts stated she is opposed to recommending it be sold since it could set a dangerous precedent to sell open space to a . private party. Commissioner Konwiser agreed this is a valid concern, however, this is a unique situation in that nothing can be built on the land and it will be walled off. Motion x Commissioner Konwiser motioned to approve the request to sell the property as presented with the additional condition that the proceeds from the sale be used at the Oasis Center. Commissioner Vandervort amended the motion to state that the wall be no higher than 6 feet. During discussion, Commissioner Konwiser pointed out the City has a 6 foot limitation and Commissioner Compton felt this is under the Public Works jurisdiction. Mr. Poochigian also stated he did not intend to build a wall over 6 feet. Commissioner Vandervort withdrew her motion. Ayes x x x x x x Motion passes. Nay x CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item 414 - Volleyball Court Locations Volleyball Court Commissioner Taft, Chair of the Beach Committee, Locations briefly reviewed the volleyball court process for approved courts and that the committee agrees with the Marine Department's recommendation that courts be relocated in West Newport from in front of homes to street ends due to limited access and problems encountered during peak crowd periods. There are courts at the street ends of 40th, 42nd and 43rd, but not at 41st Street. As a result, the action before the Commission is to approve the relocation of the court at 4105 Ocean Front to 41st Street end. Chair Grant opened the meeting to Public Hearing and Mr. Roger Rouse, 4109 -A Seashore, addressed the Commission. Mr. Rouse was confused as to which courts were being removed and /or relocated. Commissioner Taft explained the only one being considered is the court at 4105 Ocean Front, the objective being that there be 4 courts at street . ends in this area and no courts in front of residences. Mr. Rouse felt that if 41st Street was accessible, he had no objections to a court at this location. Commissioner Vandervort questioned the posting of a court at 4307 and Commissioner Taft explained this was in error, however, 4105 was correctly posted. Mr. David Dick, 4109 Seashore, addressed the Commission and questioned why the courts have to be relocated to street ends that have been there for nine months. Commissioner Taft explained there have been complaints from residents and that courts at street ends pose the fewest,complaints and cause the fewest problems. Chair Grant advised that should any interested person want to add a court, there is a procedure to follow subject to the Marine Department's CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX approval. Mr. John Blauer from the Marine Safety Division addressed the Commission and pointed out that the narrowest portion of beach subject to heavy usage is located between 36th and 48th Streets. As a result, they recommend two volleyball courts per four block area at street ends, however, keeping the four courts between 40 -44th Streets is reasonable now if they are relocated to street ends and are monitored. Motion x Commissioner Compton motioned to relocate the Ayes x x x x x x x volleyball court at 4105 Ocean Front to 41st Street end as recommended by the Beach Committee. Unanimous. Item #15 - Council Policy I -12 Obstruction of Council Views by Trees Policy I -12, -Obstruction Director Whitley reported that Policy I -12 has of Views by helped out in some instances and not in others. Trees Commissioner Konwiser stated he felt the City needs a policy to encourage people to trim to maintain views which enhances the value of their homes and their neighbors' homes. He felt trees are not equivalent to a view of the bay or ocean and that it is a rare case where trees block ocean views. Since these matters arise frequently, he felt a policy should exist and urged the original I -12 policy be reinstated. i Chair Grant agreed such a policy is beneficial to the City and recommended Item #3 of the proposed policy on Views and CC &R's be added to I -12. Commissioner Herberts reported that the Harbor View Hills Community Association was instrumental in the original request in preparing Policy I -12. She then read a letter from Harbor View Hills wherein they state that City Policy I -12 has not helped them with their private homeowner view \ \ problems. Commissioner Herberts passed out a letter from Mrs. Spencer who objects to trees being cut for CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX views. She presented a picture from her balcony of their only view of the ocean and felt if the policy were implemented the City could lose a lot of trees. Commissioner Herberts further stated she thought Policy I -12 was to be for a trial period to see if it worked. Since it did not, she urged it remain deleted. Motion Commissioner Herberts moved to accept the City Council's deletion of Policy I -12 for one year, after which time it should be brought back for further review. Director Whitley advised staff annually reviews policies and all changes are initiated by this Commission. - - Commissioner Compton questioned- i'f - -there _is an " Ordinance on tree trimming for views. Director Whitley advised there is not but there is one for tree maintenance. Commissioner Compton stated that when he voted he was under the impression there was an Ordinance addressing views which , superseded Policy I -12. He felt the City needs a guideline on trimming for view purposes. Commissioner Compton suggested a subcommittee be formed to resolve the matter and that this be an action item at the January 8, 1991 meeting. Substi= Commissioner Compton made a substitute motion to tute send Policy I -12 back to the committee level and Motion that the policy be agendized as an action item at their January meeting. It was then determined that the committee to review Policy I -12 consist of Commissioners Herberts, Konwiser and Compton. Ayes K x x x Nay x Motion passes., Abstain x x Item #16 - Proposed Policy - Park Donations Proposed -.- Policy - Commissioner Vandervort reported research was Park Donati 1G� done by contacting other cities and the proposed policy, Park Improvement Donations, was formed CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH c 1 Motion Ayes Nay arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX for establishing locations for plaques subject to Commission approval. Commissioner Demmer stated she supports the proposed policy since: it clearly defines where plaques and trees can be located in addition to making the community aware that other amenities can be purchased. She did, however, suggest there be an assessment of the needs for benches, fountains, etc. Commissioner Vandervort suggested adding "Specific plaque locations on items to be determined by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission." Commissioner Konwiser agreed with Commissioner Demmer that a needs assessment is important and recommended adding "The Parks, Beaches and - — - - - Recreation Commission shall decide -how the -plaque - shall be displayed." Commissioner Taft concurred. Chair Grant recommended "(name)" be inserted following Donated by and Donated for. x Commissioner Konwiser motioned to approve the Park Improvement Donations policy as presented and that under Park Amenities the sentence read ....Donated by "(name)" or Donated for "(name ) " ..; and that the second and third sentences of the last paragraph read "All donations must be approved by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, including method of displaying the plaque. The Commission shall also consider the need the City may have for the x x x x x x proposed improvement." Motion passes. x IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #17 - Status of Capital Improvement Projects Status of Capital Director Whitley reported the conceptual plans Improvement \ for Newport Shores Park have been reviewed by the Projects Commission. Since the City does not own all the property, the parcel as proposed is still being CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX reviewed by several agencies which has slowed the process. Staff recommends developing that portion which the City owns and which has no constraints and requests the Commission's approval to proceed in phases. After Director Whitley presented and explained the two different concepts for the rest of the park, the Commission determined staff should proceed with the-plan for the City owned portion and work with the existing authorities to submit Plan A. Chair Grant asked that the play equipment be reviewed at West Newport and Channel Place Parks since it has deteriorated. Item 418 - Capital Improvement Proposals 1991 -92 Capital Improvement Director- Whitley - reported staff - recommends - adding Proposal-s - Athletic Field Refurbishment as Item #13 in order 1991-92 to pay back user groups when they refurbish fields, purchase back stops and scoreboards, etc. Director Whitley advised it is anticipated there will be a significant decrease in revenue due to the recession and that the Commission should take this into consideration and only adopt those projects that are absolutely necessary. Costs will be finalized and a report on uses of the Park Facility Improvement Fund will be presented at the January 8 meeting. Commissioner Taft inquired as to the status of i Peoples Park and Director Whitley explained the City Council only wants it cleaned up at this time. It will probably go back on the ballot in the future. Commissioner Demmer stated she felt active recreation areas should have priority over pocket parks. { Commissioner Herberts• questioned if there are enough active fields and Commissioner Compton explained that thus far the youth groups are accommodated, however, adult teams have been turned down. Little League is growing fast and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 3.rks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX this should also be taken into consideration. Commissioner Herberts requested a report on projected needs of fields and athletic facilities. Both Commissioners Grant and Compton agreed such a report is necessary. Chair Grant passed out the recent report completed on the Lincoln lights. The difference after adjustments is significantly better, however, eventually the homeowners would like the lights replaced. Commissioner Herberts recommended adding groundcover to landscaping on Newport Boulevard from PCH to 16th Street. Director Whitley advised this is owned by Cal Trans, however, the Department has started planting on the slopes and ( ) the project will take time. Commissioner Vandervort felt the area near the Arches needs landscaping and Director Whitley advised the bridge will be replaced in January before any landscaping can take place. Following discussion and clarification on the proposed projects, the Commission determined that Oasis Expansion, Park Facility Improvement Fund, Playground Equipment Replacement Fund and Theatre Arts Center be included with amounts to be determined later. They postponed for further consideration the Mini Park on Balboa Island, Cal Trans East Linear View Park and Newport Shores Park. The remainder of the projects, namely, Harbor View School Field Refurbishment, North Star Beach, Bolsa Avenue Mini Park, Lincoln Soccer Field Lights, Cliff Drive Park, Athletic Field Refurbishment and Mouth of Big Canyon, will be reviewed again at their January meeting. Staff will refine costs on these projects. VI. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Director Whitley announced the Commission's Joint ( ; Meeting with City Council will be at 2:00 P.M. on `_ December 10; the Commission's annual Christmas Dinner will be on December 18 the at Five Crowns; CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 0 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 14 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX and the Commission's January meeting will be held January 8, 1991. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:05 P.M. The agenda for, this meeting was posted on November 28, 1990 at 9:00 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, Secretary l� i