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Home My WebLink About02/04/1992 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No. 3 arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 4, 1992 Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Jack Brooks, Park and Tree Mainten- ance Super- intendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - Call to Order Call to ' Order The meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation - ,) Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Item 42 - Roll Call Roll Call Roll call was taken. Commissioners Compton, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts, Konwiser and Vandervort were present. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of Approval w January 7, 1992 Minutes Motion x Commissioner Konwiser motioned the minutes be Ayes x x x x x x x. approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adontion of Agenda Adoption.oi Motion x Commissioner Compton moved to adopt the agenda as Agenda Ayes x x K x x x x presented. Unanimous. II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Review of Bolsa Ave Mini Park Project Review of Director Whitley briefly reviewed the history of Bolsa Ave. Mini Park the proposed Bolsa Ave. Mini Park Project. He reported this Project Commission's approval of the project was transmitted to the City Council in January, 1991 so that funds could be appropriated this fiscal year and costs determined through the design process. As a result, a $15,000 budget CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH G� sm 92 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX was adopted to design the facility with the idea that it would be constructed next fiscal year. When the budget was approved in July, 1991, Public Works authorized proceeding with the project in August. In the meantime, there has been construction on the .south side of Bolsa which has changed the look of the area. When Director Whitley contacted Public Works, they informed him the consultant had not yet been contacted. In addition, this Commission asked for a public hearing on the proposed park. Director Whitley emphasized that Public Works, the lead agency, is not against the project, however, they are concerned about tying together a public mini park with proposed development on the north side of Bolsa, which would eliminate access to the property if construction begins. They would prefer to proceed with an architect ( } who could design a plan so that conditions could be placed on the development and be implemented on the public and private redevelopment together. Director Whitley further stated that this area is park deficient and that there is a great deal of support in the community for a mini park. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant, Director Whitley explained that all in lieu fees go into a City wide fund from which appropriations are made. Commissioner Grant voiced his concern if the City abandoned the road, and Director Whitley explained it goes back to the adjacent landowners, however, the adjacent property owners have agreed to abandon and allow the road to revert to a park. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to Public Hearing and Mr. Brad Smith, 2515 E. Coast Highway, addressed the Commission. Mr. Smith stated he is an architect who has been working in the subject area and involved with the private (t) developers. 3 He reported the community supports the park and the three adjacent property owners support the project. He urged the City not to delay any longer. Mr. Smith discussed the access aspect of CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH sm Parks, �1 d Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 D.m. INDEX the proposed park and informed the Commission that the residents do not object to having one access route. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant, Mr. Smith acknowledged that the community would ' be happy to support the project through their own efforts, perhaps with plans, landscaping and funding. Commissioner Compton pointed out the issue is not funding since there are sufficient funds from in lieu fees. The main factor is timing and how the project can be designed so that it ties into future development to the north. Commissioner Grant suggested the park could be conditioned to address this and' Director Whitley ( ) explained that conditions are done by the Planning Department. Mr. Jerry Brooks, 3226 Broad Street, addressed the Commission . Mr. Brooks pointed out funds have been generated from in lieu fees in the area. Since the money is available and there is no greenbelt on this side of town, he urged the City to proceed with the park. Shari Rooks, 3308 Clay Street, addressed the Commission. She stated that since the funds are available and the project approved, she questioned why the park can't be started. Director Whitley explained that Public Works was asked to expedite the project in August, 1991, however, in December they were asked to delay the project since this Commission requested a public hearing. The project, however, has been approved and funds appropriated for the design. Commissioner Compton explained to Ms. Rooks that Public Works is presently working on sewer and water lines and that, although this project does 1 i not have top priority, it will be completed. Neal Dofelmier, 3247 Broad Street, addressed the ` Commission and urged the City to start the (�I1 project now or risk losing the opportunity at a later date. He pointed out the park has the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX A- unanimous consent of both commercial and private owners in the area. Ross McElfresh, 514 Bolsa Avenue, addressed the Commission and voiced his support for the project. He stated he could see no problems as to grading or drainage. Diana Walker, 2000 Beryl Lane, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Walker reported she owns the property at 3300 Clay Street and urged that the park proceed since the area is park deficient. Carl Carner, 3239 Broad Street, addressed the Commission in support of the park. John Hawley, 3245 Clay Street, addressed the } Commission in support of the park. " Jim Beebe, 3251 Broad Street, addressed the Commission. Mr. Beebe stated one reason he bought his home was because it was his understanding a greenbelt /park would be constructed. Since the money is available and there are no other parks nearby, he urged the project proceed. Shelly Smith, 3309 Clay Street, addressed the Commission and said she thought the park was already in the design process since this was the first time she had heard of the delay. Commissioner Grant pointed out that Vance Collins, owner of the masonry, indicated he would help with funding and that Brad Smith would help with the design of the park. He voiced his support for the project since the community is willing to put forth funds and effort. The park would also provide a buffer for traffic and add an aesthetic element. There being no further Public Testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to Public Hearing. Commissioner Herberts reported she has supported the project from its inception. Commissioner Konwiser pointed out Heller Park in Costa Mesa is quite close to this area. He CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX acknowledged the community's support of the park but felt it is not a good plan. Commissioner Demmer voiced her support for the project since there is a need to enhance the residential area for families and the community needs the park. Motion Commissioner Grant motioned to approve the park because (1) The park offers a solution to the circulation problem in the area; (2) The land is free; and (3) The community is willing to financially support the development of the park. Also, as a condition, staff and the community would carefully explore with Public Works the concept of doing a possible land swap prior to the project proceeding where the private property ends up a commercial front on Old Newport Boulevard and the park ends up residential only; and after doing that research that staff encourage Public Works to expedite the project as fast as reasonably possible. Commissioner Demmer stated she would prefer to vote for the park without the motion including the reasons. Motion Commissioner Herberts made a substitute motion to reaffirm support for the park with no conditions, but with the suggestion that the commission respectfully request Public Works to expedite processing of the plans. Commissioner Grant informed the Commission that he felt the reasons should be included so as to not set a precedent for additional small parks unless there are exceptional circumstances. Ayes x x Motion fails. Nays x x x x x vote was taken on the original motion. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Director Whitley advised he will immediately request Public Works to move forward on the motion and he will report back at the Commission's March 3, 1992 meeting. CITY OF ,NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item 06 - Tree Removal Appeal - 915 Alder Tree Removal Chair Vandervort reported that when she visited Appeal the subject site she found a conflict with those homeowners who maintain the trees which are requested to be removed, and that one homeowner would like to speak on behalf of her Pine Trees. Director Whitley advised he left a message for Mr. Roger Conant, resident of 915 Alder Place, on this matter. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to continue this item Ayes x x x x x x > to the March 4, 1992 meeting. Unanimous. Item #7 - Bench Donation Reauest Bench Director Whitley reported a letter was received Donation Request asking for permission to place a bench on Little Balboa Island. Staff has no objections provided they approve location, size, etc. Commissioner Demmer stated she would support the request but asked where the bench would be placed. Director Whitley advised staff would determine a specific location at a street end or they could replace an existing bench which is in need of repair. In response to a question from Commissioner. Compton, Jack Brooks explained these matters are under this Department's jurisdiction by tradition. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to Public Hearing and David Hodgkins, 712 K Thanga, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hodgkins reported their family's request is for a bench in memory of his father who passed away last October and that they were hoping the bench could be placed on an east bay front area or south bay front facing the ocean. There being no further Public Testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to Public Hearing. Motion x Commissioner Grant motioned to approve the Ayes x x x x x x x request for a bench. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH sm �2 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 4, 1992 G Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX G Z Chair Vandervort informed Mr. Hodgkins that staff will contact him with regard to location, specifications,, etc. Item #8 - Prioritization of Capital Projects Prioritiza tion of Commissioner Konwiser reported the capital Capital improvement proposals have been listed in order Projects of priority and the Commission can change them for final priority at this time. Commissioner Grant recommended the description of Mouth of Big Canyon Master Plan be corrected to read ... "concepts /'guidelines "... During discussion, Commissioner Grant pointed out the proposed field lights at Lincoln are part of those originally approved and that they would be t ) lit for soccer only, requiring substantially less illumination. In addition, this is a heavily used facility with demands from both adult and youth groups. Commissioner Herberts voiced her support for the proposed Peninsula Park Community Center which also receives enthusiasm and cooperation from the Marine Department. Director Whitley explained the funds proposed for this project are for consulting fees. The facility could be used by the community during the school year and evenings. The Marine Department, which would participate in funding, would use the building for the Junior Lifeguard program during the summer. Location would be behind the restrooms adjacent to the Pier with no view impacts. Director Whitley informed the Commission the new City Manager will be actively involved in the budget process which may result in a month's delay. ion l 1 x Commissioner Grant motioned to approve the capital improvement proposals in the following priority: Park Facility Improvement Fund, O Playground Equipment Replacement Fund, Lincoln Athletic Field Lights, Mouth of Big Canyon Master Plan, Athletic Field Improvement Fund, Peninsula CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Nays Ayes Nays arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 4, 1992 Page 8 Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDEX Park Community Center, Bolsa Mini Park, and North Star Beach. Commissioner Compton made a substitute motion to prioritize the projects as follows: Park Facility Improvement Fund, Mouth of Big Canyon Master Plan, Bolsa Mini Park, Playground Equipment Replacement Fund, Athletic Field Improvement Fund, Lincoln Athletic Field Lights, Peninsula Park Community Center, and North Star Beach. X x X x x x Motion fails. Vote was taken on the original motion. Motion x x x x passes. X x III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item 09 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Commissioner Demmer inquired about the Oasis inter - generational program and Nancy Beard explained this is a cooperative program between the Harbor View School children and the seniors for educational purposes. Commissioner Compton inquired about youth basketball and Nancy Beard explained the current program is held at the West Newport Community Center. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant, Nancy Beard advised staff is presently working on presenting a rollerblade hockey program and a temporary track may be donated. Referring to the field usage report submitted, Commissioner Demmer requested programs existing in other facilities than those shown should be listed. Nancy Beard agreed this would be done. Commissioner Herberts thanked Nancy Beard for implementing an aerobics class at Cliff Drive community Center. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH s� Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX . A. Commissioner Grant inquired if the City needs more tennis courts and Nancy Beard advised more night lighted courts are needed. Following a brief discussion, it was decided that Director Whitley and Nancy Beard will contact the School District to explore the possibility of relighting the tennis courts at Corona del Mar High School and Newport Harbor High School. Nancy Beard reported the pool users meeting will be held in March to discuss summer scheduling. Commissioner Grant reported one of the two City adult soccer teams has reached the Southern California finals. Item 010 - Park and Street Tree Division ( ) Jack Brooks presented a supplemental report on the distribution of the Park Facility Improvement Fund. Jack Brooks gave a brief update on the Cliff Drive Park renovation project and reported that the lighting plan was just received along with plant material to be planted by Robert House and children from the Environmental Nature Center. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that over the past year 160 tees were removed and 212 trees were planted. Jack Brooks informed the Commission he will present the letter concerning tree removals /replacements and their maintenance to the Commission at their March meeting. Item 411 - Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee reviewed 4 requests to remove 6 trees and agreed with staff on all except one. Item 412 - Recreation Program Committee No report from Commissioner Grant. Park and Street Tree Division Tree Committee Recreation Program Committee CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH G` Parks, O Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item 013 - Park and Open Space Committee Park and Open Space No report from Commissioner Compton. Committee Item #14 - Beach Committee Beach Commissioner Glasgow reported there have been Committee requests for additional beach volleyball courts at both Piers. One problem is 'location due to beach cleaning, however, this will hopefully be resolved. Proper notification of the proposed courts will occur and the committee is hoping to solve the needs of the volleyball players. In response to Commissioner Glasgow's concerns about some of the rusting poles, Nancy Beard explained they were not appropriately treated, however, specifications for the next set of poles will be adhered to. Item #15 - Budget Committee Budget No report from Commissioner Konwiser. Committee Item 016 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Commissioner Demmer reported the seniors would Liaison like to have speed limit signs at the Oasis Center. Director Whitley explained their request was transmitted to the Traffic Engineering Division and they do not think it necessary with the new parking lot configuration and the present stop sign. He suggested the seniors be contacted again to determine if they still feel they need signs. Item #17 - Chair's Report Chair's Report Chair Vandervort reported there will be 4 Commissioners attending the Recreation and Park Conference in Long Beach on March 5 -8, 1992 and urged them to attend the seminar on Effective Communication Saturday morning, March 7. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH U r it arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 Citv Cnuncil Chamhers 7 n m lmr)[=Y .Director Whitley reported the Western Regional and International Society of Arboriculture will be meeting in Newport Beach on May 15 and recommended Commissioner Herberts attend. V. DISCUSSION.ITEMS Item 018 - Status of Capital Improvement Projects Status of Capital Report received and filed. Improvement Projects VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley explained the Commission's Upper Newport Bay Regional Park Committee has not met since the EIR has not yet been published. This Commission will review the plan, particularly as to access points, bicycle paths and walkways, when the EIR is published. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:45 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on January 28, 1992 at 4:30 P.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie Flohr, Secretary