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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/05/1991 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH �1 Motion Ayes v Item No. 3 arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission February 5, 1991 City Council Chambers 1 7 p.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Mainten- ti ance Superintend - ent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to order Call to Ordei The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:05 P.M. Item 42 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Grant, Herberts and Konwiser were present. Commissioner Vandervort arrived at 8:05 P.M. Commissioner Taft was absent. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of Approval of January 8. 1991 Minutes X Commissioner Konwiser moved the minutes be X x x x x adopted as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 -. Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Benda The agenda was adopted as presented. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS i Item #5 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Tree In response to a question from Commissioner Division Compton, Jack Brooks advised the permit from Cal Trans has been received for PCH /Dover and the Department is ready to start landscaping. Commissioner Compton questioned the status of the Palms on Irvine Boulevard. Jack Brooks explained his Division plans to finish the garden plots at Oasis and then complete the PCH /Dover project, after which time he expects to replant the Palms on Irvine Boulevard. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation 'Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts reported a letter was received from Ed Benson on behalf of the Dover Shores Community Association wherein they site they are delighted with the work done at Westcliff Park and commended the Department for a job well done. In response to a question from Chair Grant about the Park Inspection Forms that have been turned in by the Commissioners, Director Whitley explained they were given to the Parks Division which will respond to each form. Jack Brooks advised some of the areas are simply routine maintenance, however, he will provide a preliminary report for the Commission's March meeting. Item 06 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Report received and filed. Item 07 - Tree Committee Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported a notice was posted by General Services for sidewalk repairs on Commodore and questioned what would become of the large Eucalyptus. Jack Brooks advised this will be a field decision and problem trees will be removed. Commissioner Herberts reported the committee reviewed 11 tree requests and recommended 2 be removed; 3 be removed and replaced; and 6 be retained. The committee also recommended filling in the missing trees on Westcliff Drive between Dover and Santiago. Commissioner Herberts also reported the committee discussed the Spyglass Hill Community Association's request to remove and replace the Pear Trees and unanimously voted against any mass removal and replacement program in any community at this time due to water concerns. �J Commissioner Herberts reported the State of California plans to use wasps to control the white flies and that fire blight problems will be addressed individually. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission I Page 3 _-.', ` City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts noted that during November, December and January there were 74 trees removed and questioned why only 10 were replaced. Jack Brooks explained the Department is behind in their replacement program due to other priorities, however, the trees will be replaced. Chair Grant asked if there were any plans for Arbor Day in April and Commissioner Herberts suggested the ceremony take place at Newport Heights Elementary and be discussed at the Commission's March 5 meeting. Commissioner Demmer reported the committee also discussed and was concerned over the lack of parkway trees on Old Newport Boulevard and that the way tree wells are used on Bayside Drive be investigated as a solution. Item #8 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation 1,Program Commissioner Compton reported the committee ..Commi.ttee finalized the spring brochure which has some good. new programs. Commissioner Compton also reported the committee met with the youth groups to discuss scheduling and pointed out Little League has grown to 1200 and the girls Bobby Sox program has grown to 358. As a result of the meeting, youth baseball and soccer leagues will be accommodated, however, adult programs will suffer due to lack of facilities. Item 49 - Parks and Open Space Committee Parks and Open Space Chair Grant announced that this report will be Committee covered under Item #k16. Item 410 - Beach Committee In the absence of Commissioner Taft, Chair of the committee, Commissioner Compton reported the committee is in the process of replacing beach volleyball poles, however, they will not be installed until Commissioner Taft returns and the committee meets with staff and the Marine CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH U arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Department to determine the 3 trial locations. Item #11 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer reported she was unable to attend the January Board meeting but announced that Kathy Ready, Recreation Coordinator, will be starting maternity leave the end of this month. Chair Grant suggested a historical perspective be provided for the next joint meeting with City Council to numerically measure facility usage. Item #12 - Theatre Arts Center Liaison Theatre Arts Center Commissioner Compton reported the lights have Liaison been installed. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. MANDATORY WATER RATIONING Director Whitley reported the memo from the . Utilities Director to City Council that explains the water rationing program was included in the Commission's agenda packet along with an article from the L.A. Times that describes the problems we are facing. Mr. Bob Dixon, Utilities Director, addressed the Commission and reported this is the worst drought in California in at least 50 years and that Newport Beach is now on a 10% mandatory water rationing cutback program which the Parks Division is already meeting. He expected the cutback to increase to 15% on March 1; 20% on April 1; 30% by the summer; and 50% by next year if the drought is not over. He urged the City to plan for the worst and for the Commission, staff and Parks Division to start addressing the problem. During Mr. Dixon's presentation, he pointed out that the Parks Division uses 575 acre feet of water annually compared to 1 acre that two families would use in a year. Should the 20% cutback be implemented, water for irrigation would be cut to every other day and decisions CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX would have to be made as to which park areas could be rationed. In reponse to a question from Commissioner Konwiser, Mr. Dixon explained the base year used is July 1989 - June 1990, the biggest year for water sales in Newport Beach. Director Whitley stated that should the 50% rule be implemented, the Department would be forced to look at areas that could go without irrigation for a long time. Jack Brooks advised that in a 50% situation the Department would consider landscaping only in a capital improvement situation and that there would be no new landscaping and no new lawn areas. In the meantime, the Department will keep ( ; leaks repaired, adjust sprinkler heads, change the fertilizer schedule and leave irrigation off longer. Commissioner Compton questioned if all the City's . water is from the MWD and Mr. Dixon explained that the City had wells in the 19601s, however, since they salted up we went to the MWD. The City still belongs to the Orange County Water District and has 'rights to drill north of Ellis in Fountain Valley near Mile Square Park, however, it would take 3 -4 years to bring the well water down. Mr. Dixon explained the Green Acres Project which takes sewerage reclaimed to almost drinking water level which can be used in parks and golf courses, however, this is 3 years away. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts about water for golf courses in the Down Coast area, Mr. Dixon explained they use reclaimed waste water from the Irvine Ranch Water District. Commissioner Herberts suggested a water fund be established for the City and Mr. Dixon stated this could be addressed by the Commission and presented to the City Council. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX During further discussion, Mr. Dixon reported 5 cents of each billing unit for each resident goes toward City parks and that every developer must have a water plan before they can obtain a Building Permit. Mr. Dixon further stated the drought affects coastal communities more at this time because they don't use well water, however, inland cities will start to be affected since the basin is starting to go down. In reponse to a question from Commissioner Demmer concerning Cliff Drive Park, Jack Brooks explained the Department will proceed at this time with the project, but this all depends on the water situation. They hope to provide better maintenance of the existing landscaping and plant drought resistant plants, however, even these �-� need water until they are established. Chair Grant suggested the Commission form a subcommittee to provide a formal response to City Council on the Department's short term and long term water conservation plans. He urged that . policy decisions be made now so that we are prepared before the situation becomes too severe. Commissioner Demmer stated she would like to serve on the committee. Commissioner Konwiser stated he felt it is premature to form a subcommittee and recommended relying on the 10- 20% cutback. Chair Grant requested Jack Brooks present a monthly progress report to the Commission on the water situation. Director Whitley advised he will transmit the Utility Director's report to the Commission and keep the Commission informed. He also reported the City Council had asked the Utilities Committee to get input from this Commission and they appreciate that the Commission is preparing for strict water conservation. (v) V. REVIEW 1976 PARK BOND AND RELATED REPORT 7 Director Whitley announced that Mr. Mike Johnson, r past Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission Chair, would be making a presentation. Mr. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers , 7 p.m. INDEX Johnson has continued to be very active in the City's park development plans. Mr. Mike Johnson, 5803 Seashore Drive, addressed the Commission. He reviewed the 1976 park bond issue which received a 64% vote, however, a 66% vote was needed and the vote undoubtedly failed due to poor press coverage. Mr. Johnson explained the formation of Newport Conservancy which is now incorporated and will be non profit and act as an element to attract funds for acquisition of active and passive open space. . He invited the Commissioners to attend their next meeting on February 27. Mr. Johnson read and distributed the guidelines of the Newport Conservancy and urged the Commission implement (� another bond issue. He further recommended the Commission consider a bird sanctuary in the City - as endorsed by the Newport Conservancy. Mr. Johnson then showed an interesting slide presentation from 1936 showing the growth of . Newport Beach and some of the sites still available for open space which, had the bond issue passed, would be paid off by 1997. Mr. Johnson urged the Commission to recognize that it is not too late to place a bond issue on the ballot to obtain open space. VI. ACTION ITEMS Item #13 - Request to Remove Basketball Court Request to Within Bayview Park Remove Director Whitley reported the subject park was Basketball Court Within developed through the County system and several Bayview Park meetings were held for public input. The City acquired Bayview Park when the community was annexed into the City. In addition to the 5 recommendations available as shown in the report submitted, a 6th alternative would be to retain a half court. Commissioner Herberts inquired if there had been any complaints other than the' one received and Mr. Whitley advised there were none. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Konwiser noted the park is easily accessible from Mesa Drive but not on the other side, and Director Whitley explained this is because Bayview Community is private and they did not want public access. Chair Grant asked if the court had been posted and Director Whitley responded it had not, however, there is signage that play not begin before 8:00 A.M.-and after sundown. Mr. Buddy Cox, 2613 Mesa Drive, Santa Ana, addressed the Commission and stated he felt the original intent of the park was to be passive. __ His home is 75' from the court and the foul language, noise and parking problems are not compatible with a family atmosphere. He further stated most nearby residents do not use the court ( and he asked that it be removed. Commissioner Herberts commented she visited the site in the late afternoon and saw no bikes or extra cars. The ten young players were very . courteous and lived in a nearby tract. In response to a question by Commissioner Vandervort as to what other activities are conducted in the park, Mr. Cox explained that baseball, football, frisby, soccer and hockey are played there. Commissioner Compton agreed that parking could be a problem, however, when he visited the site on Sunday only 2 children were there. Since the City is lacking in facilities, he favored retaining the court and suggested new signage be installed and the area be patrolled for parking. Mrs. Pat Cox, 2612 Mesa Drive, Santa Ana, addressed the Commission. She reported the basketballs constantly beat outside her bedroom; bad language is used and the noise is unbelievable. She felt that although it is a U wonderful park, most of the children are not from her neighborhood and a bad element is moving in. There being no further public testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley explained the neighborhood park was put in for the area as a condition of development by the County. The development was then annexed upon completion to Newport Beach. The County has a passive park next to the neighborhood park which ties into the upper bay regional park system. Commissioner Konwiser observed that when he visited the area parking was available and he did not see this as a major problem. He recommended a more complete sign be posted and the court retained: Chair Grant pointed out the court is for the enjoyment of all in the area, including County �} and City residents, and that many homes do not have easy access to any other park. Commissioner Herberts stated she sympathizes with the noise factor and the rights of one person, however, the City is short of recreational facilities and the park was designed for the community. She recommended keeping the court and using plantings for a buffer zone. Motion x Commissioner Compton motioned to retain the park Ayes x x x x x in its present configuration and adopt proper Nay x signage and encourage enforcement. Seconded by Commissioner Konwiser. Motion passes -. Item 014 - Tree Removal Reauest Appeal - 2169 E ree Removal Ocean Boulevard equest p,peal Mr. Don Hammono, 2169 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission. He reported he maintains the bricks in front of his home and every 2 years the roots lift up the sidewalk and bricks, causing trip and falls and'repair of both his and his neighbor's bricks. In addition, his drains have been plugged and the trees are going into his patio and drop messy berries in the summer. He stated he has no objection to other t_ tree(s) being planted, but urged the present ones be removed due to root damage and safety hazards. Commissioner Vandervort questioned why the trees CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX on the northwest side had 3/4" diameter holes at the base and Mr. Hammono replied he drilled holes in the trees in order to pour hydrocloric acid into the roots of the tree. Mr. Glen Davis, neighbor of Mr. Hammono, addressed the Commision and stated he felt the roots go out too far and the pavement is dangerous causing children to trip. Mrs. Lois Grasso, 2165 E. Ocean Boulevard, addressed the Commission and agreed it was a dangerous situation since she, too, has tripped in the brick area. There being no further public testimony,. Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. ( �) Commissioner Compton recommended the trees be root pruned and root barriers be implemented. Commissioner Herberts agreed the trees need trimming, however, the Department is trimming the . Peninsula area now. She pointed out that Ficus were removed on the Peninsula over 5 years ago, however, some were left at the request of the homeowners association and by those who felt the trees were not causing any harm. Director Whitley pointed out that the Ficus on Ocean Boulevard are the worst of the remaining trees and probably should be removed since they are causing damage to sidewalk, curb and gutter every 3 years. Commissioner Demmer also agreed the trees should, be trimmed more often but felt the biggest problem was the bricks. She suggested they be removed so that an easier assessment of the root situation can be made. She also felt the trees help camouflage the unsightly utility wires in the area. Director Whitley explained the City's tree ( trimming policy and that the Department does not respond to special requests even for view. Should the homeowner so desire, he can hire a professional tree trimmer. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ,..Parks, Beaches .& Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Vandervort felt the sidewalk is in good condition but that the bricks should be removed out to a square of perhaps 61. Commissioner Konwiser pointed out the bricks are the responsibility of the homeowner and suggested a few be removed and something else planted. Since the trees add to the street scape, he recommended retaining both or removing one. Motion x Commissioner Demmer motioned to retain the City Ayes x x x x x y trees; request the homeowner to remove the bricks around the trees; and request the City trim, root p rune and put in root- barriers- as soon as- possible. Unanimous. Commissioner Herberts agreed the trees need to be trimmed back from the house and laced out. -) VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 415 - Irvine Avenue Street Median Irvine Avenu Street Media, Director Whitley summarized the work done on the median and advised this was "the end of the project from the City Council's standpoint. Commissioner Compton asked if the City of Costa Mesa was contacted to cooperate on a joint project, and Director Whitley replied they were and the answer continues to be negative. Mr. Stuart Williams, 1748 Bayport Way, addressed I the Commission and stated he still felt the median ]rooks like a disaster area. He urged that the Newport Beach side of the median be improved and something done with the Eucalyptus. He further stated he would be willing to address the Costa Mesa City Council on the subject. Commissioner Compton commented that private citizens might be more influential with the Council of Costa Mesa. Commissioner Konwiser agreed the area needs to be cleaned up, however, he felt the Eucalyptus should remain and suggested railroad ties and ground bark be used to dress it up. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioners Vandervort, Grant and Demmer concurred. Item 416 - Circulation and Onen Space Agreement Circulation and Open Commissioner Vandervort reported the Commission Space appreciated the time and effort The Irvine Agreement Company gave them for their tour of undeveloped properties. The Parks and open Space Committee plans to write a report submitting their recommendations for Commission review. With this in mind, Commissioner Vandervort asked for Commission discussion at this meeting order _in_ for the - committee to have preliminary input prior to their review and writing the report. Chair Grant suggested a special Commission meeting will be held on February 26 at 7:00 P.M. to include the applicant's presentation, questions from the audience, presentation of the Parks and Open Space Committee report, discussion, public hearing and motion. Commissioner Herberts stated she would prefer further discussion following the special meeting. Commissioner Compton agreed that more time might be needed and, if so, it could be continued to the Commission's March 5 meeting. Director Whitley advised the original schedule requests Commission discussion end in February. He further advised that the major issues are to answer the City Council's 5 questions and i determine if there should be a bond issue. Chair Grant recommended that an attempt be made to make a motion at the February 26 special meeting. Should there not be a consensus, the decision should be postponed to the Commission's March 5 meeting. Referring to the Castaways, Commissioner Compton suggested moving the central park south or east of the existing church and a large concrete walkway and /or bicycle trail be implemented along the existing bluffs. Chair Grant felt the active park area should CITY OF .NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers . 7 p.m. INDEX include soccer and a youth baseball field, restrooms, parking and possibly picnic and play areas. The bluff edge should have a sidewalk with minimum improvements and some benches. Mr. Tom Redwitz of The Irvine Company addressed the Commission and advised there is a total of 30.6 acres of open space, of which 4.8 is defined as active, 11.5 as view park and the balance as bluff and natural areas. He added that the key is use, not acreage, and that The Irvine Company will be interfacing with homeowners facing the parcels. Commissioner Herberts recommended the open space side be kept passive with possibly picnic tables and tot equipment. Commissioner Demmer reported that during the tour - she was looking for appropriate places for lighting and active parks which she questioned for the Castaways area. Concerning Bay View Landing, both Commissioners Konwiser and Compton agreed there is no useful purpose for this area due to location and that it be left as open space. Mr. Tom Redwitz suggested giving up Bay View Landing in trade for an active park on the Castaways. Commissioner Herberts felt the area to be a nice window to the Back Bay, however, it needs to be graded. Chair Grant recommended the City not take Bay View Landing and use the tax revenue to maintain other areas. He suggested the view be preserved through deed restrictions. Concerning Newporter North, Commissioner Demmer felt this is valuable and gorgeous bluff property. lam) \ Commissioner Herberts stated she favors the park boundary be moved off the cliff so that the bluff edge walkway can be maintained. In this way CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH i arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 14 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX there would be a natural path with human access all around. She further added that both SPON and the Newport Conservancy would prefer this area developed last. Commissioners Grant, Compton and Konwiser agreed there should be a scenic path with possibly some benches added, but only as far as the first view point. The Commission agreed San Diego Creek South is inaccessible and not needed at this time. Chair Grant suggested the area be preserved for a bird refuge. The Commission also agreed nothing could be done with Freeway Reservation. Item #17 - Status of Capital Projects 3tatus of apital Chair Grant inquired about CYC and Director 3rojects Whitley advised the plans are back out to bid to include two restrooms, a backstop, and bleachers. . The Commission will review the plans if they change. VIII. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:35 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on January 28, 1991 at 2:30 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. 1 Dottie Flohr, Secretary