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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/02/1992 - PB&R CommissionItem No. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Motion Ayes Abstain U Motion Ayes arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission June 2, 1992 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 Main- tenance 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 #2 - 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 May 5 Approval'of 1992 Minutes Commissioner Konwiser motioned the minutes be approved as presented. Chair Vandervort reported that a communication recently received from Carter Wurts is .provided wherein he is requesting some changes in the first three paragraphs of Item #5, Tree Removal Request at 2701 Ocean Boulevard, Corona del Mar. During discussion, the Commission agreed the minutes accurately reflect the summarized and official action of the meeting. x x x x x x Motion passes. Commissioner Herberts abstained x since she was absent from the May meeting. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Commissioner Compton moved to adopt the agenda as Agenda x x x x x x presented with the addition of Harbor View Hill Trees to be addressed under Item #10. Unanimous. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 2 Citv Council ChnmhPrs 7 ., m IKIMry II. ACTION ITEMS _Item #5 - Parking of Vehicles on Public Parks Parking of Vehicles on Director Whitley briefly reviewed the report Public submitted, pointing out the City Council has Parks requested a policy be recommended to either allow parking in parks or not. Historically, only one group, the American Legion, has been allowed to use a public turf area, which in this case is adjacent to their facility for overflow parking during special events. Certain conditions applied and the parking required the Department's approval. There are, however, some in the community who are opposed to parking on this turf area which is why this issue is being addressed. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Director Whitley reported that Junior All American Football is not allowed to park on the grassy area, however, Commissioner Grant pointed out that sometimes one trailer or car is parked on the turf for a special event. In response to several questions from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley explained that the American Legion determines when overflow parking is needed for a special event. Should parking be approved, the Department would determine the park usage fees which would generate some revenue in the future and which has not been done in the ,past. in response to a question from Commissioner Konwiser, Director Whitley reported that no other groups have been allowed to park on a park other than American Legion users at this location. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to Public Hearing. Don Donaldson, 1517 W. Balboa Blvd., addressed the Commission. Mr. Donaldson stated he is a f member of the Central Newport Beach Community Association and would be speaking on hehalf of the American Legion. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 D-m_ INnFx Mr. Donaldson reported the American Legion Promotes and supports any bonafide civic group and charges no fees unless personnel are required. He stated the American Legion has no designs on the grass turf and would want to cooperate with the homeowners should they desire to upgrade the area. He added that the park has not been used to its best advantage, and that when it is used for overflow parking that the irrigation heads are covered; the grass is not wet; and attendants direct traffic. Mr. Donaldson summarized the American Legion's Position that they would eagerly cooperate with the homeowners' decision on the park and that they do not want to antagonize anyone. Mr. Donaldson discussed the American Legion's revenue situation and pointed out that many local and some private groups use their facility, however, no political activities are allowed. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Mr. Donaldson stated there are 53 parking spaces on the west end of their lot and 50 small boats are stored•on the north side. Mr. Bill Von Esch, Vice President of the American Legion, addressed the Commission. Mr. Von Esch explained that the subject is park rarely used by the community, and the American Legion only uses it for overflow parking for City approved special event functions, not private groups. He stated they would be happy to do additional work on the park and requested that they be granted permission to continue to use the area for overflow parking by civic groups. Tom Hyans, 217 19th Street, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hyans, a member of the Board of the Directors of the Central Newport Beach Community Association, stated he is personally opposed to parking cars on any grass or park area Imo) in the City, particularly on the Peninsula where i green belt areas are scarce. He explained that the American Legion uses the turf area for 11 annual events and that when this problem surfaced several years ago, the Association, American Legion and the Commission were to meet on the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 n m tnInI'-!v matter, however, the meeting never took place. He specifically pointed out that the Association cannot represent the community at large unless it is implemented by policy. Their next annual meeting is in September, at which time they can develop such a policy. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant concerning the amount of damage to the turf by parking, Director Whitley replied this is minimal, only due to the weight of the cars and possible oil. He further explained the park was developed 15 years ago in cooperation with the Central Newport Beach Community Association that wanted a green open area, however, the area has seldom been used. ( Mr. Hyans recommended the spaces used for storing boats be used for parking cars. He urged the park not be used for parking since it is an enjoyable green belt and expensive piece of land being used by one group. Commissioner Grant Pointed out the park is still being used to accommodate community recreation inside the facility. Commissioner Compton stated it was his understanding that the Association is opposed to upgrading the park. Mr. Hyans disagreed, replying such an idea would be well received. Fred Thompson, 124 Bay and President of the Central Newport Beach Community Association, addressed the Commission and informed them that the American Legion has 11 events per year which use the turf area, of which 7 have already occurred. He reported the Association supports amenities for the subject park and urged that a Policy be implemented that there be no parking in any City park. Don Donaldson, 1517 W. Balboa Blvd., addressed the Commission and stated the City Council suggested 3 members from the American Legion, Central Newport Beach Community Association and the Commission present an agreement for the best use of the land. CITY OF - NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 City Council Chambers 7 p m INDEX Commissioner Compton clarified the City Council's motion that parking could be continued for the American Legion's next few events, but that a Policy statement be made which would occur at the Association's September meeting. Commissioner Demmer recommended the matter be referred to committee level to review a proposed Policy- Commissioner Grant agreed, stating the committee could then meet with the American Legion, Central Newport Beach Community Association and user groups to be followed by Commission review. Commissioner Herberts reported she recommended two years ago that the park be landscaped and suggested this be addressed with input from the Association. There being no further Public Testimony, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to Public Hearing. Following a brief discussion by the Commission, Motion Commissioner Grant motioned to recommend a Proposed policy be referred to the Park and open Space Committee and that they meet with one or two representatives from the American Legion, Central Newport Beach Community Association and user groups, after which time the committee will respond to proposals for improvements, if any, to the park. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Jack Brooks advised that the blacktop walks were replaced with shrubs and a sign has been ordered for the park. Commissioner Herberts reported that, although she is not on the committee, she would like to provide input since she lives on the Peninsula. Commissioner Compton pointed out the Association stated they cannot support a policy until after their ( l September meeting, however, a meeting will J be hosted by the committee within 30 days with a report to the Commission at their July meeting. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Commissioner Grant explained the CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 Citv Council Chambers 7 n m ininmv committee can recommend a policy for all parks, the subject park and improvements to be followed by Commission review. Ayes x x x x x x x Unanimous. Item 46 - Relocation of Volleyball Court 4905 Relocation West Oceanfront of Volleyba Director Whitley reviewed the report submitted Court and advised the Commission that staff recommends the volleyball court at 4905 West Oceanfront be relocated to the end of 50th Street. He referred to a letter recently received from the owner of the vacant lot two doors down from 50th Street opposing the new location due to the impact on the area. Director Whitley pointed out that the court proposed for removal was posted, however, notification for relocation was done by hand delivery, rather than certified mail, as per proper procedure. As a result, the Commission can consider removal of the court or the Department can implement the proper notification process for relocation of the new court, or the Department can wait until an application for a new court is received. Commissioner Grant suggested one alternative might be removing the court and postponing relocation until there has been proper notification. Chair Vandervort opened the meeting to Public Testimony and Mr. Ron A-rakelian, 5001 Seashore, addressed the Commission. Mr. Arakelian recommended removing the existing court due to the mess caused by the public. Since no one is requesting another court be installed, he asked that relocation not occur at this time. Frank Reynolds, 5005 Seashore, addressed the Commission and reported he was not notified that COclea dupe spends o time cleaning afteralthe volleyball players, he urged the subject court be removed and not relocated until requested by application. He further questioned if the existing court was originally installed under legal procedures. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m INDEX Commissioner Glasgow advised that the court was installed properly, legally and maintained. The Beach Committee monitors the number and location of courts for uniformity and consistency. He recommended the court not be moved to 50th Street without a request. Commissioner Compton explained that the Marine Department recommends courts be placed at street ends a minimum of 501 away from homes in order to accommodate their emergency access vehicles. There being no further Public Hearing, Chair Vandervort closed the meeting to Public Testimony. Motion x Commissioner Glasgow motioned to properly post removal of the court at 4905 West Oceanfront and ( ) proceed with removal. Commissioner Konwiser commented that, although the beach needs the courts, proper notification should be made for all removals and replacements. Director Whitley advised that by Resolution No. 88 -14 the Commission can consider removal, however, installation and relocation require the application procedure. Motion Ayes x Commissioner Compton made a substitute motion to x x x x x x x retain the volleyball court at 4905 West Oceanfront. Unanimous. Commissioner Demmer recommended all volleyball requests first be reviewed at committee level. Item 47 - Joint Meetina with City Council June Joint 22. 1992. 2:00 P M Meeting witl Chair Vandervort reported the Commission meets City Cound twice a year with the City Council and an agenda should be prepared for their meeting on June 22. She provided the Commission with I 1991 -92 Goals and Objectives and the Calendar which she suggested could be reviewed at the meeting with the Council. Commissioner Demmer suggested finding out what the Council would like to discuss. Commissioner CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Em City Council Chambers 7 n_m- wnFv y. __.. Glasgow suggested only key items be presented. Commissioner Grant recommended the tree situation in Harbor View Hills be brought to their attention. Chair Vandervort recommended the committee chairs report on their interest areas. She will be in contact with the, Commissioners before the meeting. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Item III was addressed following Item #6. Carter Wurts, 2700 Ocean Blvd., addressed the Commission concerning Item #5 of the May 5, 1992 meeting. Mr. Wurts stated that, for the record, he ( wanted the minutes to read that the previous Director was contacted and he recalled the - encroachment approval for 2701 Ocean Blvd., however, there is no record of any approval. Commissioner Grant referred to Mr. Gray's and Mr. Hamilton's occupancy permits and pointed out there is nothing to prove the plans were not approved. Commissioner Compton explained that this Commission reviews trees but not encroachments which are under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department. Commissioner Konwiser pointed out that the Commission approved the May 5, 1992 minutes and that the June minutes will reflect Mr. Wurts' point of view under Public Comments. IV. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item 48 - Recreation Division Recreation Nancy Beard passed' out a brochure on the Beach Division Volleyball Courts which includes informational ( material along with Resolution No. 88 -14. �J In response to a, question from Commissioner Demmer, Ms. Beard explained that the rollerblade school is conducted on the asphalt at Newport Elementary School. During the summer it will be CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Cham.bers 7 p.m. INDEX expanded to Andersen School and Newport Heights. Item 09 - Park and street Tree Division Park and Street Tree In response to at question from Commissioner Division Compton,, Jack Brooks explained that the dying Palms on Coast Highway between Superior and the Santa Ana River will be replaced by the contractor. In response to a question from Commissioner Konwiser, Jack Brooks explained that the additional traffic islands in Corona del Mar will have the same plantings as the Bayside to Jamboree theme. Item #10 - Tree Committee Tree _ Committee ') Commissioner Herberts presented and summarized her report from her meetings at the International Society of Arboriculture on May 14 -17, 1992. She pointed out that in Pasadena when sidewalks are removed, the tree roots are shaved and chemical root barrier put on top before the sidewalk is again installed to prevent suckers from coming up. She suggested we do this and Jack Brooks advised he would contact General Services and Public Works on the matter. Commissioner Herberts reported that the City of Glendale is doing a pilot program of injecting "Clipper" into Ficus Nitida after trimming to retard growth. "Maintain" is also used as a growth retardant. Jack Brooks advised some of these products have not been on the market very long and that, since they are still experimental and possibly hazardous substances, he prefers to see the results from other cities before implementing them in Newport Beach. Referring to her report on the summary of her meeting at the International Society of �J) Arboriculture, Commissioner Herberts corrected Item 6(f) to read "move" rather than "more" utility poles. She asked that the Commission review her report and the one submitted by Chair Vandervort who also attended the Pasadena City CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 Citv Council Chambers 7 o.m. INDFY X'. ' Attorney's presentation on trees and the law. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant concerning using outside contractors for the park and tree divisions, Director Whitley advised many cities do this and that the City is researching the idea. Commissioner Herberts summarized the tree litigation issue as presented by Pasadena's City Attorney. In response to a question from Commissioner Grant concerning the trees in Harbor View Hills, Commissioner Herberts reported that, although she was not at the last meeting, the Tree Committee agreed to replace the Ficus Nitida with Ficus Benjamina over a year ago as individual requests were presented. Consequently, there have been many replacements with Benjamina which is a smaller and more easily topped specimen. She further stated there would be no need to replace if a homeowner would not maintain the tree(s) . Considering the amount proposed to be spent in this area is quite high, she urged that replacement take place in phases. Director Whitley advised that the Association was adament that they did not want their area phased. In the meantime, two other Associations have similar requests. Item 411 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation 'Program Commissioner Grant reported the meeting with the Committee field users went smoothly. The committee will be meeting on two items which will be brought back to this Commission next month. Item 412 - Park and Open Space Committee Park and Op, Space Commissioner Compton reported the committee will Committee be meeting on the 15th Street Park area adjacent to the American Legion building. Item 013 - Beach Committee Beach Commit -tee Commissioner Glasgow reported the committee will thoroughly be reviewing the volleyball courts and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 11 City Council Chambers 7 n_m. INr1FX expressed his concern over the notification process which he will pursue so the same problem will not happen again. Commissioner Compton also voiced his concern over the improper notification and posting procedure and recommended the Commission be more fully informed in the future on these matters when such issues come before them. Item #14 - Budget Committee Budget Committee Director Whitley reported the preliminary budget has been completed and capital improvements will be reviewed June 8. The budget is expected to be adopted June 22, 1992. Item #15 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaison No report from Commissioner Demmer. Item 016 - Chair's Report Chair's Report No report from Chair Vandervort. V.DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #17 - Status of Capital Improvement Projects Status of Commissioner Grant questioned why the Community Capital Improvement Service Awards and Youth Sports Awards are not on 'Projects the calendar. Nancy Beard advised that staff has had no recommendations. VI. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Commissioner Demmer presented Commissioner Konwiser with a going away gift to remember Newport Beach for his contributions to the Commission. VII. ADJOURNMENT \ There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned at 9:4'5 P.M. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 n m InInGv The agenda for this meeting was ,posted on May 22, 1992 at 8:15 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. Dottie r1ohr, Sedretary