HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/1993 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item
No. 3
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
June 1, 1993 o
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDDC
Call to
Order
Roll Call
Approval of
Minutes
Adoption
of Agenda
Castaways
and
Newporter
North -
Review and
Approval
Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation
Superintendent
Dottie Flohr, Secretary
I. t 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 Compton,
Demmer, Glasgow, Grant, Schonlau and
Vandervort were present. commissioner
Herberts was absent.
Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of May
4, 1993
Motion
X
Commissioner Demmer motioned the minutes be
Ay Ps
X
X
X
X
X
X
approved as presented. Unanimous.
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Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda
Motion
X
Commissioner Vandervort moved the agenda, be
Ayes
X
X
X
X
X
X
adopted as presented. Unanimous.
II. ACTION ITEMS
Item #5 - Castaways and Newporter North -
Review and Approval
Nancy Beard reported that the Commission has
been requested to- review and conceptually
approve the purchase of the Castaways and
Newporter North properties through the
assessment district process. The Commission's
recommendations will be transmitted to the
City council.
Marianne Towersey, 501 Kings Place, addressed
the commission as Secretary of The Newport
Conservancy Board. Ms. Towersey reported she
is active in the public relations aspect of
the two areas and stated the Conservancy
favors a well rounded use of the sites which
will offer something for everyone.
From a public relations standpoint, they are
trying to educate and influence the public
through the media and educational events.
They have also pursued feedback from the
public via surveys and phone calls. The
process also involves identifying concerns and
negating misconceptions.
In October they will be sponsoring a "Walk On
The Wild Side" event which will be a walk from
Call to
Order
Roll Call
Approval of
Minutes
Adoption
of Agenda
Castaways
and
Newporter
North -
Review and
Approval
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission
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the Castaways Bluffs through the Dunes to
Newporter North and back to the Castaways for
a picnic which will include entertainment,
educational booths and an art show. They are
requesting that this event be advertised in
the Recreation Department's fall brochure.
Ms. Towersey urged that this Commission give a
strong endorsement for the purchase of these
sites so that it can be put on the ballot in
November. She pointed out that if the issue
is not on the ballot, the Conservancy will
only be able to acquire one site and it would
most likely be Newporter North.
Scott Brownell, 1950 West Coast Highway and
architect representing The Newport
Conservancy, addressed the Commission. Mr.
Brownell referred to the graphs as a result of
their surveys and pointed out it was from this
conceptual input that they created their
preliminary plans.
Mr. Brownell presented the conceptual site
plans for the Upper Castaways and - Newporter
! 1
North sites and gave a brief overview of each.
He explained that the Newporter North area
will remain passive and will be implemented in
stages. The site will utilize native plant
material; the existing rim trail will be
enhanced for views; and there will be a new
access road from Jamboree and 'Santa Barbara
leading, to a small parking lot with
information signs. They plan to link the
entire site with a series of trails and will
avoid all environmentally sensitive areas.
The center portion will be reforested.
Commissioner Schonlau questioned why it would
be inappropriate to allocate space for an
active park at this site. Mr. Brownell
advised that from their surveys there was
little public interest for an active play
area, however, one could be accommodated.
Commissioner Schonlau asked how the surveys
were conducted and questioned if the results
were reliable.
Mr. Bob Harrigan, 47 Jasmine Creek Drive,
addressed the Commission on behalf of the
Conservancy and reported their consultants
selected focus groups with different incomes,
Politics, ages, etc. from different areas of
the City. This was not a random survey but it
did show the genuine prevailing attitudes.
Chair Compton reported that several
years ago
this Commission reviewed both sites and
determined that they did not want an active
park at Newporter North.
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Mr. Scott Brownell described the proposed uses
for the Castaways site which would consist of
two softball fields, two soccer fields, a
small toddler lot, restrooms and parking. The
existing trail will be enhanced with
viewpoints along the way. They will
reestablish the native grasses and shrubs on
the .site and provide buffers for noise
control.
Commissioners Schonlau, Vandervort and Grant
each pointed out the need for active playing
fields on the west side of the bay.
Commissioner Grant noted that West Newport has
only one diamond and soccer field and that the
remaining fields are on school property.
Comm'ias16ner Grant urged that the playing
fields be expanded providing there is no
overlap between the soccer fields and softball
fields. He further suggested that the bicycle
trail, which this commission endorsed, be
implemented through the area. Since the
church will lose part of its parking when
Dover Drive is expanded, allowance should be
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made for this and addressed.
In response to questions from the Commission
on acreage, Mr. Brownell explained that.the
total acreage counting the hillside is '56;
there are 48 acres of good usable land and 25
acres of flat land north of the church.
Mr. Bob Harrigan, 47 Jasmine Creek Drive and
Chief Financial Officer of the Conservancy,
addressed the Commission. He stated the
results of their surveys were positive and
that people were -supportive of a complete
package.
Mr. Harrigan reviewed the price history of the
properties, pointing out that in 1990 the cost
was over $100 million and is now at less than
$70 million with an anticipated discount.
This price would be for the acquisition
portion and they are expecting reports on the
cost of the maintenance portion. At this time
the real estate market is favorable for
acquisition since interest rates are down and
the bond market is favorable. The Conservancy
is requesting this Commission's approval to
allow them to place the issue on the ballot in
November. The package presented would include
the acquisition cost and methods of financing.
Commissioner Glasgow voiced his concern that
_
the survey does not appear to be a random
selection and, as such, the conclusions drawn
could be misleading.
Meredith Meiling, 17 Monaco, addressed the
i
Commission and explained that the site plan
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
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survey was not random but was begun in
November, 1992 to determine if there was
enough interest. The focus group and
telephone surveys were done in early 1993 and
covered a cross section of the City. As more
data! was accumulated it was still apparent
that' citizens wanted Newporter North for
passive areas and the Castaways for more
active ,uses.
Tom Redwitz, Vice President of The Irvine
Company, addressed the Commission. Mr.
Redwitz reported that The Irvine Company made
a commitment to work with the Conservancy
towards their goal of acquiring both open
sites. They are in support of the development
plans and the process to put the matter before
the voters. He pointed out that the final
plans will go through the public hearing
process before being finalized.
Gary Guesman, 1518 Sylvia Lane, addressed the
Commission on behalf of the Newport Harbor
Baseball Association. Mr. Guesman pointed out
that there is only one City field on the west
(
side, which is at Mariners Park, and that they
are currently using 11 separate diamonds. He
stated the fields are over extended now and
that the west side is in dire need of active
fields. They have 600 children using 'the
fields now and will be adding girls softball
which should increase this number to 750
players.
In response to a question from Commissioner
Glasgow, 'Mr. Guesman stated they would welcome
night lighted fields and that this would
certainly ease their scheduling problems. -
In response to a question from Commissioner
Schonlau, Mr. Guesman reported they would like
to see 4 diamonds provided on the 8 acres at
the Castaways.
Mr. Stan Cole, 2127 Windward Lane, addressed
the Commission. Mr.. Cole reported he served
on this Commission for a number of years and
has never seen such an opportunity to acquire
active land. He encouraged the Commission to
pursue the acquisition for the much needed
active parks and fields.
E.P. Benson, 1028 Westwind Way, addressed the
Commission on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Dover Shores Community Association. He
stated they are concerned over the fiscal
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responsibilities and the meager information
that has been presented to the taxpayers.
They are also concerned over the increase in
noise and traffic in their area if the
Castaways were developed as .active recreation.
CITY ®F NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
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Chair Compton explained that this is the
Commission's first input on this matter and
that the Conservancy has asked that the land
be made available for recreation. The issues
of noise, parking and traffic will be
addressed in future plan reviews.
There being no further public testimony, Chair
Compton closed the meeting to public hearing.
Chair Compton summarized the three issues to
be determined by'the Commission, namely, the
Conservancy's request to approve the
acquisition of the Castaways and Newporter
North; request to advertise in the Recreation
Brochure; and an endorsement of their Walk on
The Wild Side event.
Nancy Beard advised that there is no specific
policy to cover the Conservancy's
advertisement requests. There is a possibility
that they could be put in the brochure,
however, Department sponsored programs have
always appeared on the cover.
MR )n
X
Commissioner Vandervort moved to break with
Ayes
X
X
X
X
X
X
Department policy and permit for this one time
the logo for the Walk on The Wild Side event
to be on the cover of the fall recreation
brochure. Unanimous.
Motion
X
commissioner Demmer motioned to approve the
concept as presented by the Conservancy with
an emphasis upon an active recreation area on
at least 7 acres at the Castaways site; and
that the Commission can approve further
recommendations in the future.
Commissioner Glasgow recommended the motion
state a minimum of 10 acres for the active
site.
Commissioner Grant recommended the motion
clarify the performance criteria which would
be 3 diamonds and 2 soccer fields that do not
overlap, a tot lot, adequate parking,
restrooms and a basketball court.
In response to a question from Commissioner
Schonlau, Nancy Beard advised that 3 diamonds
and 2 soccer fields would be appropriate at
the Castaways.
Commissioner Schonlau pointed out that since
there are 56 acres involved at the Castaways
and 25 acres are on the north side of the
f
church, there should be no difficulty
utilizing the 10 -12 acres, which is less than
half of the area north of the church, to
provide a proper mix between softball and
soccer fields.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
6 d�q June 1, 1993
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X
The motion was voted upon and failed.
Ayes
Nays
x
x
x
x
x
Chair Compton moved to approve the concept as
Motion
X
presented by the Conservancy provided there be
10 acres at the Castaways for active sports.
Motion
X
Commissioner Grant made a substitute motion to
approve the concept as ,presented, and that it
shall be the objective to attempt to
accomplish a plan at the Castaways that
includes approximately 10 acres for 3 diamonds
and 2 soccer fields not overlapping; a tot
lot, a basketball court; adequate parking and
restrooms; and that this performance goal does
not ,preclude adjustments by further planning
bodies.
Commissioner Demmer referred to Cal Trans West
which might also become available for active
use and stated she felt uncomfortable citing
the performance criteria in the motion without
hearing from other users.
Ayes
X
X
X
X
X
X
The substitute motion was voted upon and
unanimously approved.
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Motion
x
Chair Compton motioned that a letter be sent
to the City Council on 'behalf of the
Ayes
X
X
X
X
X
X
Commission explaining the Commission's
recommendations. Unanimous.
Chair Compton stated he and two other
interested Commissioners will speak on this
subject during Council review of the proposed
bond issue.
Item #6 - Bavview Park Basketball Court -
Bayview
Request for Removal.
Park
Nancy Beard reported this Commission has
Basketball
addressed this issue in the past and it is
Court -
again before the Commission at the request of
Request for
a resident in the area. Ms. Beard presented a
Removal
letter just received from Gary Ross, property
administrator for the Bayview Terrace
Homeowners Association, in opposition to
removing the court.
In response to a question from Commissioner
Grant, Nancy Beard explained that the
Ordinance requiring no basketball play after
sundown was passed.
Chair Compton opened the meeting to public
testimony.
Patricia Cox, 2612 Mesa Drive,, Santa Ana
Heights, addressed the Commission. Mrs. Cox
stated that the sign at Bayview Park reads no
play after dark, not sundown. Mrs. Cox
reviewed her problems that exist at Bayview
Park, namely, this is not a neighborhood park
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
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since the court brings in people from outside
areas, including the "gang type" who drink
alcohol and use foul language; there is not
adequate parking; there are no restrooms; and
the noise is too loud from the bouncing balls.
Mrs.iCox requested the court be removed and a
family oriented passive park be established.
Commissioner Demmer pointed out the financial
situation at the present time is not conducive
to removing the court and asked Mrs. Cox if
she had any other alternatives.
Mrs. Cox replied the standards could- be
removed and the cement could remain for
children to play on. She further stated she
would be willing to finance removal of the
concrete dependent upon the cost.
Jim Norlup from Santa Ana Heights addressed
the Commission and agreed with Mrs. Cox that
this is not a neighborhood park as it was
intended to be. He reported he has seen 11
different adult groups from outside the area
utilizing the court which also .causes a
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parking problem at the end of Mesa Drive. He
recommended removing the standards and using
the concrete for roller hockey.
Frank Bianchini, 42 Garnet Lane, addressed the
commission. Mr. Bianchini reported he has not
heard any foul language at the court and feels
the court is used by the neighborhood and
provides a healthy environment. He further
stated that removal would send the wrong
message to youth and that problems should be
addressed through law enforcement. He pointed
out that hockey would cause more noise than
bouncing balls. Mr. Bianchini recommended
enhancing the park when money becomes
available, but in no case removing the court
just because two people don't like it.
Lori Pangborn, 99 Pelican Court, addressed the
Commission. Ms. Pangborn reported her house
is located adjacent to the park and she has a
clear view of it. she has not observed any
inappropriate behavior and has seen basketball
played by all ages. She felt the court
provides an active healthy recreation and
urged it be retained. She commented that the
accusations made are unfounded and not worthy
of retaliation. She then presented a petition
of about 100 signatures in support of the
court.
Gary Ross, property administrator for Bayview
Terrace Homeowners Association, addressed the
Commission. Mr. Ross stated they have never
received one complaint about the court,or the
park.
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Melinda O'Brien, 32 Cormorant Circle,
addressed the Commission. Mrs. O'Brien
reported she uses the park with her children
3 -5 times a week and her husband and his
friends also use the court on a regular basis
and they have never heard foul language. The
only complaint she would have would be dogs
that are not on leashes. She recommended the
court remain and the park be enhanced with a
drinking fountain and swings.
In response to a question from Commissioner
Glasgow, Nancy Beard advised there are signs
properly posted at the park regarding the
leash law.
Marshall Wilkinson, 20401 Bayview Avenue,
addressed the Commission. Mr. Wilkinson
stated he lives 200 yards from the park and
finds it extremely noisy. He feels the
problem is the court's location which is
within 200' Of Mrs. Cox's house and 20' from
her son's home. The court should have
originally been located where the tot lot is.
Commissioner Demmer agreed that they court is
in the wrong location but acknowledged that it
is a popular park and basketball is a popular
activity. Also at issue is funding.
Donna McMellan, 20422 Bayview, addressed the
Commission and stated the court is an invasion
Of Mrs. Cox's privacy. She pointed out that
73% of those who were thinking of renting
Alvin Cox's home did not want to rent it due
to the court. She then read a note from a
neighbor, Randy Bixenman, 2613 W. Mesa Drive,
wherein he urged relocation or removal of the
court.
Commissioner Grant pointed out that the public
hearing process was provided when the park was
put in and those who have bought since then
have known the layout of the court.
Linda Wooters, 20442 Bayview, addressed the
Commission in opposition to the court. She
cited problems such as noise level, traffic,
parking and bad language in addition to no
available restrooms.
There being no further public testimony, Chair
Compton closed the meeting to public hearing.
Commissioner Schonlau asked Mrs. Cox if it
would reduce her objections to swap the
location of the court with the tot lot and if
she and her neighbors would finance the
relocation.
Mrs. Cox stated she would agree to a
relocation but could not speak on the
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
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financial aspect yet.
Nancy Beard advised that relocation costs
would probably be about $90,000.
Motion
X
Commissioner Vandervort motioned to remove the
benches, add signage within two weeks
regarding dogs on leashes, no basketball play
after sundown and no ,parking for the park on
Mesa Drive; that a drinking fountain be
installed; that costs for relocating the court
and tot lot be researched for one month; that
the concept of relocating the court be
referred to the Parks and Open Space
Committee; and that it be reaffirmed that the
court will remain at the park at some
location.
Commissioner Demmer reported she visited the
park on Memorial Day and observed carloads of
people in the park. She was horrified at the
condition of the turf since it, as well as the
groundcover, appears to -be dying. She
recommended the park be measured for possible
relocation of the basketball court. and that
(
cost estimates be given to Mrs. Cox.
Commissioner Glasgow felt that due to a lack
of facilities the court should remain, signage
implemented and the court policed.
Ayes
X
X
X
X
X
X
The motion was voted upon and unanimously
carried.
Item #7 - Tree Appeal - 56 Drakes Bay Drive
Tree Appeal
Nancy Beard reported this item was postponed
from last month -at the request of the
applicant.
Commissioner Schonlau reported the Tree
Committee felt the tree should be removed
since it bends out over the street and could
create a hazard in addition to impeding the
flow of traffic.
Chair Compton opened the meeting to public
testimony and John Miller, 56 Drakes Bay
Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Miller
presented a drawing of the tree and stated
that although it has suffered from extreme
neglect, it is healthy and he has pruned it
every year. The tree began to lean in 1989
and is now firmly rooted with a strong trunk.
The trunk intrudes 2' beyond the curb line and
there is 6 -1/2' between the trunk and the
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street. Mr. Miller stated he wants the tree
retained since he does not feel it presents a
hazard. He will prune it more often than the
1
City's schedule allows.
CITY OF
Parks, Beaches
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NEWPORT BEACH
& Recreation Commission
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m.
Recreation
Division
Park and
Street Tree
Division
Tree
Committee
Recreation
Program
Committee
Nancy Beard advised that there is.a potential
liability when trash trucks, UPS trucks, etc.
are too close to the tree.
Motion
X
Chair Compton motioned that the tree be
retained providing Mr. Miller trims it subject
to staff approval.
Commissioner Vandervort felt the tree is too
much of a potential danger since the trunk
goes over the curb line.
Commissioner Demmer observed the tree looks
like it could topple over but it did not touch
her car.
Ayes
X
X
X
X
X
The motion was voted upon and carried.
Abstain
x
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
IV. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Item #8 - Recreation Division
Commissioner Demmer pointed out the quality of
j )
paper in her brochure seemed inferior to past
brochures. Nancy Beard explained the
Department exchanged the grade of paper for
the higher quality glossy cover, however, she
will transmit this information to the
publisher.
Commissioner Vandervort corrected the staff
report to read that Arbor Day was held May 18.
Item #9 - Park and Street Tree Division
Chair Compton reported the trees on Pacific
Coast Highway ,between Newport Boulevard and
Superior were to be replaced two months ago.
Nancy Beard stated she will notify Director
Whitley for a follow up on this matter.
Commissioner Grant pointed out that the City
planted 35 trees and only removed nine.
Commissioner Demmer noted that Bayview Park
looks bad and Nancy Beard explained the
irrigation system is being repaired.
Item #10 - Tree Committee
Commissioner Grant reported Cal Trans recently
fined a man $90,000 for illegally removing
trees. He requested a copy of their policy on
this matter.
Item #11 - Recreation Program Committee
Commissioner Glasgow reported the U.S. Senior
Men's National Outdoor Water Polo meet was
held at the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center and
Recreation
Division
Park and
Street Tree
Division
Tree
Committee
Recreation
Program
Committee
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
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City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX
Park and
Open Space
Committee
Budget
Committee
Oasis
Liaison
Bi- Monthly
City Counci
Agenda
Capital
Improvement
Projects
received favorable comments.
The Alamo Club will be held at the same
location on June 12 -13 with Canada, Russia,
Cuba, Greece and two U.S. teams. Prime Ticket
will televise the 5:00 P.M. match between the
'
U.S. and Cuba.
Item #12 - Park and Oven Space Committee
Commissioner Demmer reported Cliff Drive Park
has been completed.
Item #13 - Budaet committee
No report.
Item #14 - Oasis Liaison
No report.
V. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Item #15 - Bi- Monthly City Council Agenda
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commissioner Grant suggested the Commission
reiterate their recommendations on the
Castaways and Newporter North; review the tree
fining process for trees illegally removed;
and also address realignment of City staff.
Commissioner Vandervort voiced her concern
over the possible loss of their effective tree
procedures with the new reorganization. Nancy
Beard advised the Commission will continue to
interface with the Park and Tree Division and
that the new superintendent will attend the
Tree Committee meetings and this Commission's
meetings.
Chair Compton summarized the four items to be
discussed on June 28 with the City Council,
namely, (1) Presentation of the Commission's
letter concerning their recommendations for
the Castaways and Newporter North sites; (2)
Clarification of the new staff alignment and
how it will affect this Commission; (3) The
tree fining process with the Cal Trans Policy
as a back up; and (4) Council's expectations
of this Commission.
Item #16 - Capital Improvement Projects
No report.
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VI. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, the Parks,
Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at
11:00 P.M.
Park and
Open Space
Committee
Budget
Committee
Oasis
Liaison
Bi- Monthly
City Counci
Agenda
Capital
Improvement
Projects
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission
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The agenda for this meeting was posted on May
24, 1993 at 3:45 P.M. outside the City Hall
Administration Building.
Dottie Flohr
Secretary
\_ t