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Home My WebLink About07/02/1991 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission July 2, 1991 Citv Council Chambers 7 n -m- INnFx Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Mainten- ance Superintend- ent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item 01 - 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 02 - 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 June Approval of 4, 1991 Minutes Commissioner Herberts corrected Item #17, 3rd paragraph, to read... in the Westcliff area were removed. "When a response is received from the Association, the General Services Director will proceed with the work plan for the Baycrest area." Motion x Commissioner Compton moved the minutes be adopted Ayes x x x x x x as corrected. Unanimous. Item 04 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda The agenda was adopted as presented with the addition of Superior and Coast Highway to be addressed under Item #7 and Surfing Regulations and Special Meeting as Items #21 and #22 respectively. �_� II. ACTION ITEMS CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes J arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 n m imnpu Item #5 - Seating of New Commissioner - Mr. Seating of Phillip Glasgow New Chair Grant announced that Commissioner Taft is Commissione leaving after serving 7 years on the Commission. On behalf of the Commission he presented Commissioner Taft with a signed volleyball in commemoration of his fine work on the Commission and with particular appreciation for his service on the Beach Committee. Commissioner Taft thanked the Commission and stated it was a pleasure working with them. He also congratulated Chair Grant for his leadership as Chair over the past year. Chair Grant then welcomed Phillip Glasgow, newly appointed Commissioner. Commissioner Glasgow gave a brief history of his background and responsibilities in the community over the past 20 years. He further stated he is looking forward to the challenges ahead and working on various projects with the Commission. Director Whitley then gave a brief description of the responsibilities under his jurisdiction, which include administration, recreation and park and street tree divisions. Item #6 - Election of Officers for Fiscal Year Election of 1991 -92 Officers Chair Grant opened the meeting to nominations for x Chair. Commissioner Herberts nominated x x x x x x x Commissioner Vandervort. Hearing no further nominations, nominations for Chair were closed. Unanimous. Commissioner Grant thanked the Commission for their guidance over the past year and stated it had been a pleasure working with them. Chair Vandervort thanked Commissioner Grant for the direction he provided and presented him with a commemorative plexiglas sailboat. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers - 7 Cm. - - fNDEX X Konwiser nominated Commissioner Compton for Vice X x x x x x x Chair. Hearing no further nominations,, nominations for Vice Chair were closed. Unanimous. III. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #7 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street Jack Brooks reported his Division is currently Tree updating an inventory of all vacant sites and is Division asking residents in areas in which he is working if they would like a parkway tree planted free of charge. A copy of his letter which addresses the type of tree to be planted and maintenance responsibility will be provided to the Commission for their information. Commissioner Compton referred to the area at Superior and Coast Highway where Cal. Trans is planting and asked if Public Works is the proper department to monitor planting since it does not look very good. Jack Brooks explained the area was hydroseeded and perhaps overwatered and agreed that some areas did not turn out well. When the project is completed, it will be turned over to this department at which time there will be a walk through and punch list. Mr. Brooks pointed out that due to the content of the soil, i.e. , boron, some areas will have no growth. However, he will investigate the areas and particularly the site adjacent to the new parking lot. Commissioner Konwiser reported some Palms in front of the Fun Zone are dead which create an eyesore and liability problems. Jack Brooks advised these were done by contract, however, he will pursue to see what can be done. Item #8 - Recreation Division Recreation Director Whitley reported that the Recreation Division Division is particularly busy at this time of CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Be. aches & Recreation Commission Page 4 ty-Coan'cil Chambers — T p.m INDEX year and the programs are going very well. it also appears the recession has helped this department since many people are staying closer to home to pursue their recreation activities. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley explained that the 4th of July celebration at Mariners Park is non- profit with some small outside donations and that the City pays for the one day insurance. Chair Vandervort pointed out that the hot dogs and soda pop are provided by the Scouts and the raffle money pays for Barnaby the Clown for the following year. She reported the program starts at 9:00 A.M. and invited the Commissioners to attend this delightful event. Item #9 - Tree Committee Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee met and made recommendations on 8 tree removal requests. She asked the Commission to look at the light pole framed by a Pine Tree at 1728 Santiago which makes a beautiful setting. Commissioner Herberts also reported she received a Potential Tree Hazard Report by an arborist which is for the Commission's information. In addition, a request was received from the Utilities Department to trim over a floodlight at Lookout Point and the committee agreed this should be done. Item #10 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Items #10 - #14 were addressed following Item Program Committee #16. Commissioner Compton reported the committee will meet in August with the coaches to discuss scheduling and programs. Item #11..- Parks and Open Space Committee Parks and Chair Vandervort reported she met with Dr. Jan C Space ee Committee Vandersloot Who is proposing a revised plan for the west side of Cliff Drive Park to be used as a pilot project utilizing native and water CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ( I ,1 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 Citv Cnuncil Chnmharc 7 ., .., Inm=v conserving landscaping. The park will be posted, notices will be sent to nearby residents and a public hearing held at the Commission's August 6 meeting. Commissioner Grant noted that Dr. Vandersloot has spent a large amount of effort on this proposed plan and that he felt the concept of water conservation plants may be the direction the department will be taking in the future. Since Newport Heights is a non - mandatory homeowners association, he pointed out the revised plan must go through the public input process with proper notification to the public at large. Director Whitley 'advised this will be done. Commissioner Demmer requested Jack Brooks evaluate the "pilot project" before it is implemented elsewhere. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer concerning the rails at Cliff Drive Park, Director Whitley explained the installer has been contacted. Item #12 - Beach Committee Beach Committee Commissioner Compton reported the committee will be pursuing realignment and new poles for the beach volleyball courts. Item #13 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Commissioner Demmer reported Norma Gilchrist, Liaison President of the Oasis Board, is stepping down and that Meyer Bloom will be the new President. She added that Commissioner Vandervort and she enjoyed the Garden Festival on June 23. Item #14 - Theatre Arts Center Liaison Theatre Arts Center No report from Commissioner Compton. Liaison IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS V. ACTION ITEMS CITY OF - NEWPORT BEACH arks; Beaches & Recreation Commission July 2, 1991 Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #15 - Basketball Court - Bayview Park Basketball Court - Director Whitley passed out a hand delivered Bayview letter opposing the court from Mrs. Cox who lives Park adjacent to the subject basketball court and a petition just received from over 100 residents in the area supporting the retention of the court. The petition was sent in lieu of the fact that the Bayview Community Association has their quarterly Board meeting tonight and residents would be unable to provide public testimony. He pointed out that the court was duly posted that a public hearing would be held this evening on the subject. Director Whitley pointed out that this is the second time the Commission has reviewed this .) matter and that their previous action was to retain the court and adopt proper signage and enforcement. The same recommendations still apply in addition to another alternative of taking one backboard down to make it a half court. Commissioner Herberts noted that 6 new trees have been planted between the complainant's home and the court. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Director Whitley advised the approved signs were immediately posted; however, the department does not have staff for enforcement purposes. Should the department receive a call, a staff member is sent or the Police Department is asked to go to the site. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley advised it would cost a minimum of $35,000 to relocate the court. Director Whitley further reviewed Bayview Park which was developed under County guidelines before being incorporated into Newport Beach. At l 1 the time the County had numerous public meetings on the park plan which residents attended. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Norma Glover, 450 Santa Ana, CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 n_m_ INnFX - - -- addressed the Commission. Mrs. Glover reported her sons and grandchildren use and enjoy the court on Sunday mornings. Her grandson intended to speak before the Commission, however, when he heard the complainant took videos, he felt this might start an altercation. Mrs. Glover suggested that either a wall or hedges be implemented for the purpose of noise abatement. She also urged the Commission to support young people and their activities and to support this park and all parks for everyone to enjoy. Mr. Buddy Cox, 2613 Mesa Drive, Santa Ana, addressed the Commission. In response to his questions, Director Whitley explained the County was responsible for the layout of the park which } included the basketball court, and that this item was addressed at public hearings. Mr. Cox stated he felt the County made a mistake putting the court in at its current location since it is not conducive to residential living. He stated this is a competitive atmosphere which will get more use with time as density increases and, therefore, he requests the court be relocated. Commissioner Demmer asked Mr. Cox for his recommendation for an alternate site and he recommended recreation parks across the bay which are .planned for competitive recreation. Mr. Bob Nichols, 2321 Mesa Drive, Santa Ana, addressed the Commission. He reported he goes by the subject court several times a day and observes too many people and profanity at the court in addition to parking problems. He requested the court be moved. Patricia Cox, 2612 Mesa Drive, addressed the Commission. She recommended a full court be implemented at Bonita Creek Park since homes would not be impacted and there is plenty of parking space. She urged the court be moved due to the noise impact to her home and the players' bad language. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Em City Cpuncil Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. During discussion Commissioner Grant pointed out the Bayview Park project went through the public hearing process and owners bought their homes knowing a court would be there and, therefore, he favors retaining its present location. Commissioner Herberts agreed with Norma Glover's recommendation that a sound wall or shrubbery be considered. She further stated that although she sympathizes with the parking problem, she has observed the court being well used by young people in the immediate area and would favor retention of the court. Chair Vandervort reported she spoke to neighbors in the area who told her cars also park there to use the Back Bay. In addition, she was told that when older people use the court, the youngsters are accommodated on the other half court. Chair Vandervort also informed the Commission that there used to be a school here which had such facilities and this has also created a need for the court. She suggested the bench near Mr. Cox's home be relocated to help mitigate his problem. Commissioner Compton noted that it is unusual to receive over in signatures on a petition which were in favor of retaining the court. Since the park is well used he would favor retaining the court. He did, however, acknowledge the parking problem which should be enforced and he also agreed that a wall or hedge be considered for noise abatement. Commissioner Demmer pointed out there are 14 parks in the City with basketball courts and 6 are without planned parking facilities. She further reported that the Recreation Element of the General Plan does not have criteria that .� parking be provided for public parks. As a �{ result, there are many heavily used parks where I parking is not provided. She also stated that those parks identified as view parks in the General Plan are not to be confused as passive CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 D.M. . INDEX view parks. It is important to note that they can incorporate multi usage including active recreation. Although the court is for a planned recreation activity, she stated she would favor removing one backboard which is closest to the complainant's house. Motion Commissioner Compton motioned to retain the court; that Jack Brooks meet with Mr. Cox to discuss suitable planting to mitigate the noise; that the bench be moved to the southerly backboard; and that parking enforcement be pursued. Motion x Commissioner Demmer made a substitute motion to Aye x remove the backstop closest to the complainant on Nays x x x x x x a trial basis in order to mitigate the noise. Motion fails. Ayes x x x < x x Vote was taken on the original motion. Unanimous. Commissioner Grant requested Director Whitley to contact the Police Department concerning enforcement of signage at the park. Item 416 - Request to Add Trees in Baycrest to Request to Special Trees List Add Trees Director Whitley referred to the petition from in to Specialt the Baycrest Community, which is a part of the Trees List Mariners Community Association, requesting certain street trees be added to the list of special neighborhood trees as found in Policy I- 9. Director Whitley pointed out that when public works projects and curb, sidewalk and gutter work are done, the addition of these trees to the list will give special attention to this area. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public testimony and Mr. Tom Williams, 1708 Starlight Circle, addressed the Commission as a member of the Baycrest Community Association. Mr. Williams + ' commended staff for their fine work and requested that the Citradora Eucalyptus be the designated street tree on Commodore, Starlight, Glenwood, Candlestick and Sandlewood. These are majestic trees by nature which take 30 years to grow, and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 Citv Council Chambers 7 n -m- lmnf:y he requested they be maintained and not removed. Mr. Williams further requested the Commission review the street tree policy in terms of consistency and cohesiveness, consistency meaning each house has a street tree in front of it and cohesiveness meaning every given street has a designated tree with no mixing of trees. He urged such a policy be adopted so there are no other options. Mr. Williams then presented slides of tree lined streets in Beverly Hills showing examples of consistency and cohesiveness, the result of which each street looks like a park rather than a high density area. Commissioner Compton pointed out Newport Beach is ( rather unique in that there are view impacts to be considered and that the salt air off the ocean is abrasive to certain trees. Commissioner Grant pointed out the City's policy is to retain trees and he would support Mr. Williams' concept except for certain areas. Director Whitley advised that Councilman Cox has asked the department to provide a report on view trimming. He recommended that when the tree inventory is complete on the computer that their total program be presented to the City Council at their Study Session. Commissioner Herberts agreed and recommended Mr. Williams present his slides of Beverly Hills along with some of Newport Beach at the Study Session. There being no further public testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to public hearing. During discussion Commissioner Glasgow asked if it is City policy that each home be required to have a street tree. Director Whitley explained that if an owner objects, no tree is planted, however, remodels and new homes require a street tree. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Commissioner Glasgow urged that the City start a consistent program as soon as possible. Director Whitley concurred with Commissioner Glasgow and explained the department is in the process of inputting every street tree into the computer which will help implement such a program. Director Whitley stated he will also contact other cities that have good street tree programs and will forward the data to the Tree Committee. Motion x Commissioner Herberts moved to add Commodore, Ayes x x x x x x Starlight, Glenwood, Candlestick and Sandlewood to the list of special neighborhood trees; that the replacement tree be Citradora Eucalyptus; and that the designated tree list be modified to I ) reflect the same. Unanimous. Chair Vandervort reported the street tree policy will be addressed at the Commission's special meeting on goals and objectives. VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 017 - Committee Assignments Committee Assignments Chair Vandervort recommended adding a Budget Committee as was done in the past. The Commission then turned in their committee preferences to Director Whitley upon which assignments will-be made. Item #18 - Capital Improvement Projects Capital Improvement Director Whitley announced that all projects for Projects FY 1990 -91 are on line and the format for this report will change in August. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant, Director Whitley reported that the City Council added $25,000 for the Newport Harbor High pool project. The bid amendment has been prepared for the City Council's meeting on July 8. Commissioner Grant requested the design for the Harbor High pool project be brought back to this CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, G O Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commission for review. Director Whitley explained the Booster Club wants to move as fast as possible and Chair Vandervort pointed out the subcommittee could review the plan at any time so as not to delay the project. In response to a question from Commissioner Konwiser, Director Whitley explained the contract for the CYC restrooms has been awarded. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Whitley explained appropriations for each project are based upon approvals and can be extended to the following fiscal year. Commissioner Grant inquired if the joint agreement at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center is satisfactory and Director Whitley advised it is and that a similar agreement will be implemented at Harbor High School. Item #19 - Park Maintenance Park Director Whitley explained the Maintenance Maintenance Progress Report done by the Parks Division and pointed out many scheduled items have been completed as a result of the Commission's inspection program. Commissioner Grant inquired about requests for tree plantings, such as Buffalo Hills, which Director Whitley will pursue. Commissioner Herberts inquired about the status of the park at the American Legion building and Director Whitley explained there are problems with the infrastructure and that until this is resolved the project is on hold. Commissioner Herberts recommended the area again be reviewed and it was decided to address this item during the Commission's special meeting on goals and objectives. l C � In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley reported he has contacted the State concerning the barb wire fence on the Galaxy View Park bluff area. If CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, y2 �N Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 13 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX necessary, a recommendation can be made to City Council that they contact the State on this matter. Commissioner Grant recommended contacting Frank Robinson or the Newport Conservancy to help remedy the problem. Commissioner Glasgow pointed out the small building at San Miguel Park is in need of repair and that the shingles are coming off. Director Whitley reported this is Little League's equipment shed and he will notify them it is in need of repair. VII. SPECIAL URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Item #20- Surfing Regulations Surfing Regulations Director Whitley reported the City Council referred a letter from the McFadden Square Improvement Association requesting additional surfing locations be reviewed by this Commission and the Marine Department for reply. The proposed reply is for the Commission's consideration and, upon approval, will be transmitted. Director Whitley explained beach enforcement is under the jurisdiction of the Marine Department and they recommend the hours and locations remain the same due to enforcement and safety problems. Commissioner Demmer referred to the letter from the McFadden Square Improvement Association and felt extensive redevelopment in the McFadden area and the recession were the underlying causes of economic decline and questioned if compromising safety regulations for surfers is appropriate. Director Whitley advised the Commission has the option of (1) Bringing this item back to the August meeting for a presentation by the Marine ( Department, or (2) Sending the letter, or (3) Having a public hearing on the subject. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to public testimony and Councilman John Hedges addressed CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ym� moo, Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 14 Citv Council Chambers 7 n m 1n1n =v L <. the Commission. He reported he attended the Association's meeting and, although many are not surfers, they backed the two surfers urging the beach from 17th to 19th and 22nd to 24th Streets be open to surfers. Councilman Hedges stated that, although he had no opinion, the 17th to 19th Street location appears to be less congested and the Commission might want to consider opening this location to surfers. Commissioner Konwiser stated he felt the main concerns should be safety and liability which is what the current regulations address and, therefore, he would support sending the reply as written. Motion Commissioner Compton motioned the letter be AYp. x x x x mailed as written to the President of the N(, } x McFadden Square Improvement Association. Motion passes. Item 021 - Special Meeting Special Chair Vandervort announced a special meeting of Meeting the Commission will be held July 30 at 4:00 P.M. to review goals and objectives. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 10 :02 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on June 25, 1991 at 2:30 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, Secretary � j