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Home My WebLink About08/03/1993 - PB&R CommissionMotion Ayes Motion Ayes ( 1 C' iTY OF Parks, Beaches ti doh ms cry, dG �l� NEWPORT BEACHNo.3 & Recreation Commission August 3, 1993 City Council Chambers 7 p.m INDEX , Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division Ex- Officio Members Present: Ronald A. Whitley David E. Aiederhaus Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation 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, Demmer, Glasgow, Grant and Schonlau were present. Commissioner Merberts was absent. Commissioner Vandervort arrived at 7:15 P.M. and left at 8:20 P.M. Item #3 - Approval of Minutes Meetinc of July 6, 1993 X X Commissioner Glasgow motioned the minutes be X X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Nancy Beard reported that National Junior Basketball requested Item #16 be postponed until September so that they can have a representative present. Chair Grant concurred X but recommended a brief discussion be held on X X X this item. Commissioner Compton moved the X X agenda be adopted as presented. Unanimous. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #5 - Park and Street Tree Division Commissioner Glasgow inquired about the fertilizer program described in the staff report. Director Niederhaus explained that the old aerator has been refurbished and 50 tons of sand ordered. The athletic fields will be watered so that the aerator can penetrate them, after which they will be covered with sand to allow the soil to become flexible. Commissioner Demmer stated she was pleased with the turf improvements at Bayview Park and i her observations of the sprinkler systems. INDEX , Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division CITY ®E NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission o <D o Page 2' qi �� d'n 605 4j 0 doh �0. es w4 -ak City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDIX Director Niederhaus reported that the irrigation system has been completely audited and put under the control of the Supervisors. Commissioner Compton reported there is a dead palm tree on Coast Highway in West Newport. Director Niederhaus advised that the tree's root system is still alive, therefore, it is too soon to extract it. He pointed out that due to the poor soil and lack of nutrients on the Peninsula, it takes time after the initial planting before trees can become tolerant. In response to a question from commissioner Demmer, Director Niederhaus reported the storage of leftover plants which had growing problems has been cleaned out in order to enlarge the parking area for heavy machinery. The Department plans to rehabilitate the area and eventually implement a new nursery. Item #6 - Recreation Division Recreation Division Chair Grant reported there are three water polo teams representing Newport Beach in the Junior Olympics. Commissioner Compton reported he had received a letter complaining about lap swimming at Corona del Mar High School. Nancy Beard acknowledged there have been a few complaints, however, the pool is very busy at certain times, lap swim hours are posted, and all lap swimmers are given a calendar of events. _Item #7 - Recreation Program Committee Recreation Program Commissioner Schonlau reported the Committee Committee met July 8 to discuss the 1993 -94 field use schedule with the youth groups. Schedules have now been determined which are acceptable to all the groups. Item #8 - Park and open Space Committee Park and Commissioner Glasgow reported he received a Open Space letter written to the Editor of the Daily Committee Pilot from The Irvine Company. The letter states that they will be neutral on the assessment issue as a means of acquiring the Castaways and Newporter North parcels, and that they will not be contributing to any campaign organizations advocating either side. Commissioner Vandervort stated there are a number of misconceptions that have been printed about the reassessment issue and it is important that citizens know the total bill will remain the same, and thus the individual unit amount owed could never go up and may go down. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission o dho August 3, 1993 Page 3 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Vandervort reported that there is a quarterly meeting of the Los Angeles. Basin Parks and Recreation Commission on September 30 in Cypress. She asked the Commissioners to mark their calendar for this worthwhile meeting and she will present more information on it at the next meeting. Chair Grant reported he was asked to speak at the City Council meeting on the Commission's recommendations concerning the Castaways and Newporter North. Stating he was representing both the Commission and himself, he reported the Commission supported putting the issue on the ballot and that the lighting issue could be discussed at a future public hearing meeting. Director Whitley explained the Commission's recommendations were transmitted to the City Manager and that the City Council is aware that the Commission voted to recommend that lights be included in the Castaways portion if t 1 the two parcels are purchased. Item #9 - Budget Committee Budget No report. Committee Item #10 - Tree Committee Tree No report. Committee Item 011 - oasis Liaison Oasis Commissioner Demmer reported two new courses Liaison will be offered at Oasis, namely, a live history class and a lip reading class. Commissioner Demmer also reported that there is an active member who attends Federal Conferences and reports back on items affecting seniors and the City. one matter of particular interest is a proposal to tax 85% of Social Security benefits for those individuals making over $30,000 and married couples making over $40,000. The money would be diverted to funds other than the senior sector. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #12 - Park Donation - Galaxy View Park Park Donation - Director Whitley reported that staff has not made a recommendation as to the donation of a Galaxy Vie bench /benches or a drinking fountain. If the park donation is approved, staff will work with the applicant to obtain what is'best for her and I the City. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission J' d� August 3, 1993 ��o� �L Page 4 ca I City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX X. Commissioner Glasgow motioned to accept the Motion Ayes X X X X X X donation based upon staff's recommendation. Unanimous. Item #13 - Volleyball Court Removal Request Volleyball Court Nancy Beard passed out copies of the court's Removal location and letters just received in favor of Request q the court being removed. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public testimony. Mr. Bud Hefler, 6110 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission and stated the subject court is 5 homes down from his. He reported he and his neighbors have been unhappy with the court since outsiders use it on weekends who are loud and obnoxious. He urged the court be removed and not relocated in front of his home. Mr. Jack Schwartz, 6210 West Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. He reported the court gets too much noise and his wife, who has a medical condition, cannot get her rest. He stated there are other courts in the area that are rarely used and urged the court be removed. There being no further public testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. Director Niederhaus reported that from an operational viewpoint this location is an access point and staging area for storm debris, therefore, he advocates removal of the court. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus stated that if the court were moved farther out towards the ocean it could still be a problem for the beach cleaners and a strain on the equipment. He pointed out there are plenty of alternative courts in the area. Commissioner Vandervort reported she spoke with a couple of the volleyball players who stated all the courts in the area are used on weekends, however, they would not be opposed to relocation. Commissioner Compton pointed out that this matter was fully discussed several years ago when the Commission met with homeowners, volleyball players, General Services and the Marine Departments. At that time it was recommended courts be moved at least 50 feet away from homes; that they not abut a lifeguard station; that they be placed at street ends; and that they be lined up as much CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission s w� i •} n O �+'j �. n� cao °g Page 5 o �o °h � City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX as possible. Commissioner Schonlau stated that he understands the Commission's desire to protect recreational interests. He pointed out, however, that all current and potential users have been notified of the court's possible removal by posting twice and personal notification, result of which there has been no response. At the same time, there are a number of residents who advocate removal; two separate staff Departments recommend removal and the Commission's own Recreation Committee also recommends removal. Commissioner Demmer stated she spoke with a volleyball player who would not be concerned if the court were taken out and he also agreed it is not heavily used. Also taking into consideration the applicant's concerns, she supports removal of the court. Chair Grant reported he has no problem with removing the court, but would not want to lose it and feels the Commission should make a decision that is in the best interests of the public. Commissioner Vandervort agreed and recommended the court be relocated farther out at a street end. Motion X Commissioner Schonlau moved the volleyball Ayes X X X court in front of 6210 West Oceanfront be Nays X X X removed. Motion fails. Motion Commissioner Glasgow motioned to move the court at 6210 West Oceanfront 50' further out towards the street end so as not to cause a bend in the line of sight. Director Whitley pointed out that a court cannot be relocated laterally or in front of another address until the proper procedures have been followed for new installation. In response to a question from Chair Grant, Director kederhaus replied it would be satisfactory to move the court straight towards the ocean but advised that users also be contacted. Chair Grant reopened the meeting to public 'hearing and Mr. Jack Schwartz, 6210 W. Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. Mr. ' Schwartz stated he talked to his neighbors who do not object if the court is moved straight out. There being no further public testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission 1 Page 6 \%\'10,�'S �s °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau, Director Niederhaus advised that the maximum distance the court could be moved without disrupting maintenance operations is 20 -50 feet. Motion X Commissioner Schonlau made a substitute motion to move the court at 6216 West Oceanfront out as far as possible subject to Director Niederhaus' approval. Commissioner Vandervort amended the motion to state a minimum of 50' is desirable. Ayes X X X X X X Vote was taken on the amended substitute motion. Unanimous. Director Niederhaus reported staff will try to relocate the court within one week. Item #14 - Tree Removal Request Tree Removal Director Niederhaus reviewed the applicant's Request process of appealing the Tree Committee's decision to retain the Shammed. Ash. Subsequently the applicant applied for an encroachment permit for improvements to his property which shows the tree in the center of his proposed driveway. As a result, the Superintendent recommends removal and replacement with ,a Liquidamber at the owner's expense. Staff approves removal in conjunction with the encroachment permit. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public hearing and Mr. Robert Fleming, 1521 Sylvia Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Fleming presented his proposed landscape plans and requested the subject tree be removed and replaced with a tropical type tree. During discussion the Commission agreed the replacement tree should be planted so that the street scape is maintained. Director Whitley pointed out that the Shammel Ash is the designated street tree and that the Liquidamber is the designated replacement tree. Commissioner Vandervort reported that the Tree Committee observed termites in the Shammel Ash and she recommended it be removed and replaced with Liquidamber on one or two corners. h )on X Commissioner Demmer motioned the Shammel Ash Ayes X X X X X X be removed and replaced at the homeowner's expense. The location to be selected by staff and the homeowner. Unanimous. C I TY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission y C, Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Item #15 - American Legion Minor Encroachment American Director Whitley reported staff recommends the Legion, Minor request be authorized. Encroachme Chair Grant opened the meeting to public testimony and Mr. Fred Thompson, 124 E. Bay, addressed the Commission. Mr. Thompson reported the Central Newport Homeowners Association fully supports the request for encroachment to accommodate handicap access and access to the City disaster food storage area. The cost will be paid by the American Legion. Mr. Lowell O'Brien, President of the Legion's Corporate Board, addressed the Commission and requested the encroachment be approved for the needed access. There being no further testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. Motion X Commissioner Demmer moved the Commission X X X X X X authorize the American Legion to encroach 4' x 40' into 15th Street Park to accommodate handicap access. Unanimous. Item #16 - National Junior Basketball Request National Chair Grant announced that request has been Junior made to postpone this item to the September Basketball meeting so that a representative from the Request National Junior Basketball ,program can attend. However, if there are no objections, the Commission can briefly discuss the matter and vote upon it. In response to a question from commissioner Demmer, Nancy Beard explained this is a higher and more competitive level of play than the City's recreational program. She stated this is a non - profit group which will not encroach on City activities and that their $8 hourly rental will cover the cost of lights and maintenance. In addition, the usage will provide increased utilization for youth which is a traditional policy Commissioner Compton stated that although he favors the sponsorship, he would also like to hear from their representative. Motion X AV' ") Commissioner Compton motioned to postpone this X X X X X item to the September meeting in order that a representative can give the Commission a presentation. Unanimous. �I V. DISCUSSION ITEMS l CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission C d h ,p Page 8 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. � ing ses lion tees and ves Item #17 - Letter Regarding Fee Increases Letter Regarc Nang Beard reported that the Y p positive letter received was a result of an increase in fees. Fee Increa Commissioner Demmer commented that this is an outstanding letter which reflects the fine example of staff and, in turn, that of the Commission. Item #18 - Commission Committees Commis Commit Director Whitley reported that the committees have been formed as follows: Recreation Program Committee - Chair Schonlau and commissioners Demmer and Compton; Park and Open Space Committee - Chair Vandervort and Commissioners Glasgow and Herberts; Budget Committee - Chair Grant and Commissioners Glasgow and Vandervort; Tree Committee - Commissioner Herberts; Oasis Liaison - commissioner Demmer. Item #19 - Goals and Objectives FY 93 -94 Goals i Director Niederhaus explained that his Goals Object' and Objectives were formed as a result of feedback from the other Department Heads with incorporation of the City Council's goals. Chair Grant recommended that next time the Goals and objectives are addressed that they be written to relate to this Commission. Commissioner Compton suggested a goal in November include a Ride Along with the General Services Department. Director Niederhaus agreed this is a good idea, and he welcomed the Commissioners to ride along at the park sites or on the beach at any time. Director Niederhaus also explained that General Services is primarily a support Department, however, since the park and tree divisions were incorporated, they now service a larger portion of the public. The General Services budget process begins in October and November, during which time the Commission's input will be very valuable. chair Grant recommended the Recreation Department's Goals and objectives include a mission statement. Nancy Beard advised this will be included. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Nancy Beard explained that funds are budgeted to upgrade playground equipment once per year to ADA standards in regards to accessibility and equipment. There is no term ing ses lion tees and ves Parks, Beaches s pi qi dN `' 6 ij -O�o 4j�h ��CCN G pCt 0 & Recreation Commission Page 9 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDDC e Fiscal Year Calendar limit. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Whitley advised there is no existing park designated for a Dog Park, however, he will be presenting a report on this subject at the next meeting. Commissioner Schonlau reported that the Newport Pier Association is in favor of the City joining the Pro Volleyball Tour. Chair Grant recommended the Recreation Division's goal on this matter be revised to read "To enhance revenues by joining the Pro Volleyball Tour and explore other revenue ideas." CommissionerDemmer recommended promoting the recreation programs on Cable T.V. and Nancy Beard explained that, although it is difficult to get access time, staff is pursuing this idea. Chair Grant presented a draft of the Commission's Goals and Objectives which were reviewed and recommendations made. Changes to the Tree Committee will be made following Commissioner Herberts' review. Item #20 - Fiscal Year Calendar Received and filed. VI. SPECIAL. URGENT OR LAST MINUTE -ITEMS Director Niederhaus announced he just accepted the resignation of Jan Frainie and that an Acting Superintendent will be appointed August 4 to ensure the Department's continuity. Director Niederhaus reported that Urban Forestry has submitted an excellent draft evaluation of the City's street tree division which will be submitted to the City Manager on August 6. The final document should be ready for the Commission's review at their September meeting. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further .business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 9:17 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on July 26, 1993 at 11:45 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Buildiin�-g..�>� z Dottie Flohr, secretary INDDC e Fiscal Year Calendar