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Home My WebLink About07/06/1993 - PB&R Commissionli P o �l �O h Motion Ayes Motion Ayes II.) h arks, Beaches & Recreation Commission - �� % o July 6, 1993 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. Il,UEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Ex- Officio Members Present: Ronald A. Whitley David E. Niederhaus Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Jan Frainie, Park and Tree Maintenance Superintendent 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 Compton, Glasgow, Grant, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present. Commissioner Demmer arrived at 7:15 P.M. Commissioner Vandervort left at 8 :00 P.M. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of June 1, 1993 X Commissioner Grant motioned the minutes be X X X X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda X Commissioner Vandervort moved the agenda be X X X X X X adopted as presented with the addition of Removal of Volleyball Poles to be addressed as Item #8 under Action Items. Unanimous. II. INTRODUCTION OF PARK AND STREET TREE SUPERINTENDENT -JAN FRAINIE David Niederhaus, General 'Services Director, introduced Jan Frainie, the newly appointed Park and Tree Superintendent. Mr. Frainie was the Park Superintendent for the City of Mission Viejo for the past 3 -1/2 years, and prior to this he was the Street Tree Superintendent for the City of Lakewood. He brings a vast amount of knowledge on trees, park management and contractor management to the City. Mr. Niederhaus reported that the transition of the Park and Street Tree Division to General Services is going smoothly and they intend to provide the best level of cooperation along with many improvements. Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission - n Page 2 b 9� diP � hl o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Mr. Jan Frainie stated he was pleased to be working with the Commission and the City. He explained he has his Bachelor of Science in Parks Administration and is also a member of the International Society of Arborists. His experience includes both in -house landscaping and contracting assignments. Chair Compton then welcomed Mr. Frainie to the City and stated the Commission is proud of their parks, open space and tree record and will look forward to working with him. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Mr. Frainie explained that he met with the Tree Committee and they discussed one of his major goals, which is to develop a reforesting program. Since different species have been planted, a designated replacement list is needed. He intends to implement a good public relations program with removal /replacement to take place in the near future. Should there be a need for massive removal, the neighborhood would be canvassed. l He pointed out that, in some cases, in order to be cost effective large species may have to be removed due to sidewalk and curb repairs. Commissioner Grant explained that this Commission conducts annual park inspections as they perceive the public would want them and suggested Mr. Frainie review these. Commissioner Grant invited Mr. Frainie to the youth user group meeting on July 8 when they will discuss scheduling. Mr. Frainie' commented that the City of Mission Viejo's top priority is their youth groups and that he is anxious to work with them. Commissioner Herberts reported she met Mr. Frainie at the Tree Committee meeting and is delighted with his amount of knowledge and pleased to know that he will be working on innovative ideas to save older trees and start reforesting certain areas. Commissioner Vandervort agreed and pointed out Mr. Frainie has done an extensive study on new species to be planted. commissioner Schonlau added that Mr. Frainie is well educated and experienced and will bring fresh new ideas to the City which will be helpful in making new strides. J III. ACTION ITEMS Item #5 - Seating of New Commissioners or Seating of Reanoointments New Commis- Director Whitley congratulated Commissioners si0ners or Reappointme L' SAO i Parks.. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 4 ohn City Council Chambers 7 p.m. DDDC Compton and Demmer on their reappointments. Item #6 - Election of Officers for FY 1993 -94 Election of Officers for Chair Compton opened the meeting for FY 1993 -94 nominations for Chair. Commissioner Motion X Vandervort nominated Vice Chair Grant for Chair. Seconded by Commissioner Herberts. There being no further nominations for Chair, nominations were closed. Ayes X X X X X X Unanimous. Chair Grant opened the meeting to nominations Motion for Vice Chair. Commissioner Compton X nominated Commissioner Glasgow. Seconded by Commissioner Vandervort. There being no further nominations for Vice Chair, nominations were closed. Ayes X X X X X X Unanimous. \ Commissioner Compton presented Chair Grant J with a new gavel to conduct the meetings and congratulated him on his new position. chair Grant then presented Commissioner Compton with a plexiglas sailboat, stating that the Commission, staff and the community all appreciate his time and efforts for 'a smoothly run Commission. Seating of the Commissioners then took place. Item #7 - Adopt -a -Park Council Policy Adopt -a -Part Council Director Niederhaus referred to the report Policy submitted and explained this item was transmitted to him from the City Manager as a result of the Peninsula Point Association's request to allow them to remove graffiti, etc. General Services has already implemented an Adopt a Beach program and' the idea is to promote more groups to Adopt a Park. One addition, which was suggested by the city Manager, is to allow commercial interests or corporate sponsors to contribute to a general fund that the City would administer and, in turn, they would be recognized with a sign showing the sponsor. Mr. Niederhaus stated he would appreciate this Commission's recommendations and approval of the proposed ( policy before it is submitted to the City Council. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Mr. Niederhaus reported we can match a group's resources with our estimated costs. I � He is hoping that the homeowners located close Parks.- Beaches & Recreation Commission ti n Page 4 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX to parks will take a personal interest in them and provide basic upkeep or money which would save the City in manhours. Commissioner Vandervort reported that this Commission is chartered to oversee the parks and, therefore, this policy should be administered by them with assistance from the Parks Superintendent. She recommended Item #7 in the policy be changed since there are already too many signs in City parks. She further recommended that Item #8 be reworded to state that the results would be reported to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Herberts agreed there is already too much signage and stated she feared people would not pick up after themselves if a sign is posted showing who takes care of the park. She also urged that the .park system remain under this Commission's jurisdiction. In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau concerning the need for such a policy, Director Whitley reported that due to budget constraints and less manpower, every resource to benefit parks should be taken. Referring to Item #7, Commissioner Schonlau stated it would be fine if there were enough homeowner associations or other non - profit associations to adopt every park in the City. If not, it may be practical to use commercial entities and implement good public relations with tasteful signs approved by this Commission. Mr. Schonlau agreed with Director Whitley that in these economic times it is important to keep an open mind and encourage commerical entities to fill any voids. Commissioner Demmer also voiced her concern over signage and questioned why any commercial entity would provide funds without consistent advertising. In addition, some homeowners would not want to pick up litter from basketball players and users outside the City. She recommended a sign policy be established at the committee level. Commissioner Demmer inquired how the proposed policy would affect regular maintenance of the parks which have been kept equally maintained in the past. Director Whitley advised that tasks would be identified for the groups and also for staff. Commissioner Glasgow reported ,a similar program has been working successfully at the Marian Bergeson Aquatics Center wherein the Booster Club has been making repairs and cleaning up. He pointed out that if the program does not work, it can always be CITY ®F NEWPORT EACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 5 6C0-s �� o 10 �0s ns °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INCEN dropped. MOtion X Commissioner Vandervort motioned to adopt the policy as presented with the following corrections: Under Organization, first sentence, change City Manager to Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. In the last sentence change City Manager to Parks Superintendent. In Item #2 change... will not be approved... to could be approved. Under Responsibilities, Item #7, delete the first two sentences. Under Item #8 change City Manager to Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Herberts. Commissioner Compton stated that although he is in favor of the motion, he feels the signage portion need not be addressed until a later time when a uniform sign policy is established. Motion X Commissioner Demmer made a substitute motion to add an item before Item #8 under Responsibilities to read "The Parks, Beaches I and Recreation Commission will consider permanent signage which will be determined and approved by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission." During discussion Commissioner Schonlau stated he could understand the distaste for large signs but felt small, nicely designed ones set to certain specifications would not be objectionable. Commissioner Herberts recommended temporary signs be used and a policy formulated as to the minimum length of time a sign would be in place. Director Niederhaus explained that the Sign shop is under his jurisdiction and that they have already developed specs and standard signage for City parks. Commissioner Demmer suggested the recreation brochure recognize those companies that have adopted a park. Ayes X X X X Vote was taken on the substitute motion. Nays X X X Motion passes. Item #8 - Removal of Volleyball Poles Removal of Commissioner Schonlau reported the Recreation Volleyball -� Program Committee voted to remove the court at Poles West Oceanfront and Prospect at the request of the homeowners at 6210 West Oceanfront since it is at one of the two busiest intersections. Furthermore, this court is not used by the i � i regular volleyball teams and only gets A� ice: 1 j 4, ., ! i I Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 6 s� City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX / occasional use. The court has been properly posted for removal and there have been no objections. Director Niederhaus reported that placement of posts are normally routed through the General Services Department, and that this intersection needs to be kept clear for emergency access vehicles and removal of storm debris. Motion x Commissioner Herberts motioned to delay the decision until the August meeting since the full Commission has not had a chance to look at the site and she objects to taking away recreational activity unless absolutely necessary. Ayes x x x x Nays x x Motion passes. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS V. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS ( Item #9 - Recreation Division Recreation ' Nancy Beard passed out the new Aquatics Manual Division along with the Independence Day notice honoring Commissioner Vandervort. In response to a question from Commissioner Herberts, Nancy Beard advised that summer classes, particularly swimming, are going well and do not appear to be affected by the poor economy. commissioner Demmer reported the CdM Scenic 5K Run was spectacular in spite of the rain and suggested future runs be put on cable T.V. Chair Grant agreed and recommended Nancy Beard follow up on this thought. In response to Commissioner Demmer's concerns over the quality of printing in the summer brochure, Nancy Beard advised the publisher has been contacted and 'has promised better results. Item #10 - Park and Street Tree Division Park and Jan Frainie stated the staff report was Street Tree prepared by Randy Kearns, who was Acting Park Division and Tree Superintendent, and pointed out the 1992/93 totals for trimming, planting, etc, are submitted at the end of the report. l Mr. Frainie reported that the vendor is being called back concerning the stolons at Bonita Creek Park which need to be under warranty. He further reported the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce donated the landscaping at PCH and i I Marguerite. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Chair Grant recommended the Commission's picture be placed in the brochure only once a year and the remainder of the issues be used to recognize groups for their contributions. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Mr. Frainie stated root barriers should be selected dependent upon the type of tree and repairs being done. He will research the tree barrier program and report back at the Commission's.August meeting. Nancy Beard advised that for the past two years all new trees have been planted with root barriers. Commissioner Demmer questioned the redevelopment areas that do not provide for parkway trees, and Chair Grant explained that this is under the jurisdiction of the Planning and Public Works Departments. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Niederhaus explained that '} some sidewalks are wider than others in order to accommodate bicycles. Item #11 - Tree Committee rree ommittee Commissioner Herberts reported the committee members had a very successful meeting interfacing with Mr. Frainie. Item #12 - Recreation Program Committee ecreation rogram Chair Grant reported the committee will meet I ommittee July 8 with the youth groups and that the rollerblade rink at Lincoln has been installed. Nancy Beard advised that the rink will be located at the Lincoln site until the fall, followed by the Community Youth Center, and then it will be moved to the west side of the Bay. Item #13 - Park and open Space Committee Park and Commissioner Demmer reported Cliff Drive Park Open Space Committee West has just been completed and she questioned Mr. Frainie about the preservation of the slope at this location. Mr. Frainie reported the park is about 70% completed and that the contractor will be hydroseeding which should stabilize the slope. Turf will then be put on top, followed by a maintenance period. The City will plant additional material if needed. Commissioner Demmer requested that 1 i Bougainvillea be planted if additional plant 1 i Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission ti J, d� 0-5 m Page 8 d 6 s City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INCEX material is needed. Director Whitley advised that it takes 3 -4 years for native California plant material to cover slopes as evidenced by the Inspiration Point project. Mr. Frainie agreed that it takes this much time to recreate a natural habitat. Commissioner Compton reported that the City Council requested this Commission's recommendation concerning lights at the proposed active recreation area in the Castaways. Director Whitley explained that the original agreement with The Irvine Company precluded lights from being installed due to the homes being planned. However, since the Conservancy's plan is to acquire the entire acreage, lights would now be acceptable. There is a good buffer between the existing homes, and across the street there is a church and commercial area. M pn Commissioner Glasgow moved to transmit to the City Council that night lights be included in the description of the active recreation area at the Castaways site. During discussion, Director Whitley explained that the City Council will inform the public that there is a possibility lights will be implemented. In addition, a Conditional Use Permit would be required to install the lights. Commissioner Schonlau stated he felt that if the message is properly worded, it would enhance the passage of the vote in November and also encourage more youth group families to participate in getting the measure passed. Ayes X X X X X X The motion was voted upon and unanimously passed. Item #14 - Budget Committee Budget Director Whitley reported the Commission may Committee become more actively involved in the 'budget process for next fiscal year. Director Niederhaus advised his Department starts the process in October. They will be } 0 using the present budget data and will address 7 1 I this Commission on anything that is unusual. Item #15 - Oasis Liaison asis Commissioner Demmer reported Norma Gilchrist laison was elected President of the Friends of Oasis for a second term. Parks, Beaches -yj s h L 0� & Recreation Page 9 commission City Council Chambers 7 p.m. ItZEX Bayview Park Basketball Court Street Tree Study Capital Improvement Projects Commission Committee Assignments VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #16 - Bavview Park Basketball Court Nancy Beard explained the staff report provided is for information only and will be transmitted to Mrs. Patricia Cox. Item #17 - Street Tree.Studv Director Niederhaus reported that in January, 1992 one of the City Council's goals was to study various City operations. It was decided to research the idea of privatizing the Tree Division in terms of cost efficiency. The first report received was vague and inconsistent, therefore, authorization was received to hire Urban Forestry of Laguna Hills to do a second report. A progress report on their research will be presented to the Commission at their August meeting with recommendations within 60 days. The President of Urban Forestry will be contacting Chair Grant and the Chair of the Tree Committee. Mr. Niederhaus pointed out that an efficiency study of the refuse division crews illustrated the City's program was 4 -7% less expensive than any other City in Orange County. In response to a question from Commissioner Compton, Director Niederhaus stated some equipment would be kept and a crew needed to do sensitive areas should privatization take place. Commissioner Herberts voiced her concern over losing City employees. She urged that the Division be made more cost effective in order to compete with outside firms and retain the current employees. Item #18 - Capital Improvement Projects Director Whitley reported the budget has been reduced and balanced. Oasis, CYC and Cliff Drive Park will be completed, however, there are no other major park developments. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley advised that lights for the Oasis parking lot can be proposed for next fiscal year. \ Item #19 - Commission Committee Assignments Chair Grant requested each Commissioner to list the committees they would like to serve upon in order of priority. ItZEX Bayview Park Basketball Court Street Tree Study Capital Improvement Projects Commission Committee Assignments +�1 I Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. IMDIX Item #20 - Goals and Objectives PY 1993 -94 Goals and Chair Grant requested each Commissioner to Objectives list ten goals and objectives in terms of both the Commission and committees and forward them to Director Whitley. Chair Grant recommended the agenda be changed so that Informational and Committee Reports are addressed after Procedural Matters followed by Public Comments and then Action Items. The Commission concurred. VII. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS VIII ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:30 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on June 29, 1993 at 11:00 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. ottie Pl.ohr �. 1 Secretary