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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/02/1993 - PB&R CommissionP � � o o, `o Motion Ayes Motion Ayes CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item . 3 arks. Beaches & Recreation Commission March 2, 1993 o l City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Tree Plaque Request Ex- Officio Member Present: Ronald A. Whitley Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Randy Kearns, Park Maintenance Supervisor Dottie Flohr, Secretary I. PROCEDURAL MATTERS Item #1 - 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 was taken. Commissioners Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts and Vandervort were present. Chair Compton and Commissioner Schonlau arrived at 7:14 P.M. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes Meeting of February 2, 1993 X Commissioner Herberts motioned the minutes be X X X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda X Commissioner Glasgow moved the agenda be X X X X X adopted with the addition of Review of Facility Use Fees to be addressed under Item No. 12 and Uses of Bonita Creek Park to be addressed under Item No. 9. Unanimous. II. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Tree Plague Request ' Item No. 5 was addressed following Item No. S. Director Whitley reported that two years ago the Bahai Community provided soil from 60 different countries to plant a tree in Buffalo Hills Park in honor of Arbor Day. They are requesting a plaque next to this tree that identifies the countries and for which they would bear the costs. The plaque would be both educational and attractive. Commissioner Glasgow questioned if this would set a precedent and Director Whitley advised it would be doubtful since the project is a specialized situation. Commissioner _ Demmer pointed out that this Commission recommended that by policy all park Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Tree Plaque Request * ` s rr Parks, Be Gaches E Recreation Commission sc Page 2 o � City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX replacement due to vandalism or theft. Director Whitley advised the Commission can make this a condition of approval, however, he pointed out that the quality of the proposed construction is excellent. i Commissioner Grant recommended the plaque be placed lower to the ground to minimize vandalism and make it easier for children to read. Commissioner Vand'ervort suggested the plaque be put on a rock. Commissioner Herberts agreed that a rock or concrete low to the ground would be appropriate. Commissioner Demmer also concurred and commented that since the tree is in honor of Arbor Day, she would recommend the plaque read as follows: "In honor of Arbor Day, April 26, 1991, this Coral Tree was planted by the City of Newport Beach in soil collected by the Bahai Community of Newport Beach from the following.countries throughout the world to celebrate international cooperation. (List the nations) The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens. Baha'u'llah" In response to a question from Commissioner Grant, Nancy Beard explained that the Bahai Community reflects a philosophy of life rather than a religion. Commissioner Grant questioned if such a plaque would be appropriate in a public park. Commissioner Demmer pointed out that the City planted the tree with soils from many nations provided by the Bahai Community, and that they will also be paying for the plaque. Commissioner Herberts commented that the chess set at West Jetty View Park has a plaque showing who donated it. She also stated she felt it would be more interesting if all the countries are listed. Motion X Commissioner Herberts moved to accept the plaque with the dedication as recommended by commissioner Demmer and with the proviso that �) the plaque be placed on a rock or cement equivalent low to the ground and that costs be borne by the Bahai Community. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission 3 � m6 -o� �A� Page 3 OA l o soh mh �s °� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Bahai Community has given towards this project and voiced his concern over changing their concept of a pedestal without consulting them. Director Whitley advised that the motion can be communicated to the Bahai Community and, if they agree, we will proceed with the project. If not, the matter can be brought back to this Commission. Commissioner Grant stated he would not be supporting the motion since he felt it did meet policy guidelines on donations. Commissioner Demmer reported the policy was written to allow some leeway to receive gifts, and that since the soil was a gift the proposed action is justified. Commissioner Herberts agreed and pointed out the various areas that have plaques within the City. She further stated that the soil is a contribution from many countries and that the policy is directed more towards memorials for those who have passed away. Director Whitley reported staff has reviewed the policy and does not find this request in conflict with it since this is an Arbor.Day project and the City encouraged the Bahai Community to participate. Ayes Nays X X' X X The motion was voted upon and carried. X X Abstain X In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort, Chair Compton advised the motion will be transmitted to the Bahai Community which they can appeal. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #6 - Recreation Division Recreation Report received and filed. Division Item #7 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Street In response to a question posed from Tree Commissioner Glasgow at the February meeting, Division Randy Kearns reported that Coral Trees are trimmed on an as needed schedule. In response to a question posed from Commissioner Herberts at the February meeting, Randy Kearns reported that the approximate 1A cost to remove an average street tree and stump is $150 - $200. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission sd h °moo m� Page 4 9 03 °s 6�h 4l o �o `0h �s °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX High,SChool from Bonita Creek Park, and Nancy Heard explained that we are preparing the fields fo'r summer and the exchange provides us with free use of their field. In response to a question from Commissioner Vandervort concerning landscaping maintenance, Director Whitley explained that our Parke Division also maintains the fire stations, library, police department and other beautification areas. Some contract landscaping, is done in front of the Utilities Department. Commissioner Vandervort commented that she was pleased to see the 4210 River Avenue site cleaned up. Director Whitley advised the Department is hopeful that we will be reimbursed for the Parks Division's work when the property sells. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Director Whitley advised that the average hourly wages for backbilling are about $13 - $19 which is competitive -with the private sector. Chair Compton inquired if the Parks Division maintains Balboa Coves, and Randy Kearns explained that they maintain the planters on the PCH side of the new walls. Chair Compton pointed out that the Palms have been replaced on the medians on PCH in West Newport, however, there are some bad ones on the side of the wall. Randy Kearns agreed and replied the Tree Division is aware of the problem and has already replaced eight of the Palms. Commissioner Demmer reported the homeowners are pleased with the handrails at Cliff Drive Park and inquired about the status of the bids. Randy Kearns explained that the bids are due Friday, March 5, and after a few days review to choose the contractor, the contractor has ten days to obtain his insurance. Following this, the project will be ready to start dependent upon the contractor's schedule. Commissioner Glasgow questioned, the owner removing one Pear Tree at 2005 Port Albans. Randy Kearns explained this was an owner's request to remove a Pear Tree. Any Pear. Tree j in the Buffalo Hills area requested by the owner for removal is so granted due to the fire blight disease rampant in the trees in this area. The tree will be replaced and he will confirm with the Tree Supervisor. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission y s d� (� o Page 5 0 10, m, City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Herberts stated she hoped the Department is not allowing owners to remove trees without notifying the Department. Commissioner Demmer reported a tree was chopped off at Cliff Drive Park and .Randy Kearns assured her it was not done by the Tree Division. Item #8 - Tree committee Tree Committee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee met .and discussed three different trees, one of which was a Eucalyptus on Avocado. which will be retained since the situation will be corrected. The committee also discussed the tree program in regards to asking residents if they would like a new tree. This project may have to be done one block at a time due to budget constraints. Commissioner Herberts suggested a member of staff become a certified arborist and'Director Whitley explained there is an existing certification program for tree trimmers. Randy Kearns will investigate and report back on the exact type of certification. Item #9 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Program Commissioner Grant reported there will be Committee another meeting on field usage in the near future. Director Whitley stated that the report on Uses of Bonita Creek Park prepared by the Commission will be Item #8 at the City Council's Study Session on March 8. He encouraged to Commissioners to attend the meeting. At the City Manager's request, a supplemental report was attached addressing the sound study and problems associated with active parks. Commissioner Glasgow presented an article from the Register concerning residents from the Newport North Apartments and why they appreciate the amenities living near an active recreation park. This article will be incorporated into the supplemental report sent to the City Council. commissioner Vandervort reported a representative from Newport East Little League commended Recreation Supervisor Dave McConnell J on his work with the youth sports programs. Commissioner Grant asked if the Commission CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission ti ) I o m cJ o' � d �o Page 6 10 h rnA s °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX their Community Service Awards. Chair Compton recommended Sharon Havriluk, who is a strong force behind the Bobby Sox program. The commission unanimously agreed to honor Mrs. Havriluk at their April meeting. Item #10 - Park and Open Space Committee Park and Open Space Commissioner Grant reported The Irvine Committee Company's build out plan will be presented to the Coastal Commission and requested staff to keep the Commission advised on their public hearings. Commissioner Demmer inquired about the Back Bay Drive and Nancy Beard explained it is being cleaned up by the State Fish and Game, County and City. Item #11 - Beach Committee Beach Committee Commissioner Grant recommended the Beach Committee be dissolved and that their duties be absorbed by the Recreation Program Committee. The Commission unanimously approved. Commissioner Demmer questioned if all the committees are needed and Chair Compton explained that budget constraints have affected the work that committees can do, however, he recommended a re- evaluation of functions and status in June when a new Chair is elected and committees are formed. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that committees have many functions and a major one is the excellent interaction with staff. Item #12 - Budcet Committee Budget Commissioner Glasgow reported the committee Committee will meet when they receive the staff report on proposed facility use fees. Nancy Beard advised the report will be transmitted this week. Director Whitley explained that the budget process is normally complete by now and transmitted to the Budget Committee. However, the process has been delayed since the budget is at a highly confidential and complex level. The Commission will be included when the time is appropriate. j Commissioner Grant suggested that since Commission meetings indirectly cost money that they be reduced from 12 to 9 per year. Director Whitley pointed out that the Commission's continuing service is very CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH P �o arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission ti P 1�5 Gyp o'c boy �L Page 7 o dos ns °o 0� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Oasis Liaison Capital Improvement Projects. Item #13 - Oasis Liaison Commissioner Demmer reported that Oasis has 7 tennis teams and that the Health Fair is on April 24 and open to all ages. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #14 - Capital Improvement Projects Director Whitley reported he will provide a status report on small projects at the Commission's April meeting. Nancy Beard reported that new equipment will be installed at San Miguel Park next month which satisfies the ADA requirements. Commissioner Grant inquired about the amount of storm damage, and Director Whitley advised there was some minor damage such as the slope failure below Hoag Hospital. Our tree maintenance program is at a high level resulting in very little damage. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS Chair Compton invited the Commission to attend the Theatre Arts Center's annual meeting on March 21 which will also show a sneak preview of the upcoming season. In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau, Director Whitley explained that Cal Trans West is owned by Cal Trans and the current asking price is $6 -8 million. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley explained that the City's reserve fund is not available except under certain circumstances. He will clarify these conditions and report back. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on February 23, 1993 at 8:15 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building "{Kr LLB n ' Dottie F1ohr, Secretary Oasis Liaison Capital Improvement Projects.