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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/07/1993 - PB&R CommissionCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Item No. 3 Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission ti ` dh September 7, 1993 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division I Ex- Officio Members Present: Ronald A. Whitley David E. Niederhau LaDonna XT Staff Present: Nancy Beard, Recreation Superintendent Dottie Flohr, Secretary I 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, Herberts, Schonlau and Vandervort were present, Item #3 - Approval of Minutes - Meeting of August 3, 1993 Motion X Commissioner Compton moved the minutes be Ayes X X X .X X X X approved as presented. Unanimous. Item #4 - Adoption of Agenda Chair Grant recommended that Item #18 be Motion X addressed under Item #5. Commissioner Compton Ayes x X X X X x X moved the agenda be adopted as corrected. Unanimous. II. INFORMATIONAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Item #5 - Park and Street Tree Division Director Niederhaus reported that the bench renovation program has begun throughout the City and that additional benches will be installed on the boardwalk. The Gazebo at Peninsula Park has been rebuilt and newly painted. Director Niederhaus also reported the Department has purchased a new steam cleaning unit which can be used in a multitude of ways and quadruples speed cleaning. They are currently cleaning the public areas on a monthly basis and will be able to expand when a second unit can be purchased. Public ✓ sidewalks are not included since they are the responsibility of the homeowner or business owner. Director Niederhaus reported that they have instituted a budget amendment in order to hire Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes Adoption of Agenda Park and Street Tree Division AO Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission... A'1-0�x Page 2 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX a graffiti contractor that the south counties also use. There will be access to a hot line and an attempt to remove graffiti within 24 hours. Since the problem has magnified, it now takes 4 men four days a week to remove the graffiti. In response to a question from Commissioner Demmer, Director Niederhaus explained that the Corona del Mar Chamber contributed the plant material for the new East Pacific Coast Highway medians, however, the City will assume its maintenance. Commissioner Herberts pointed out the report submitted shows that 4 trees were planted and 16 removed. She urged that removals and replacements be equalized. Director Niederhaus agreed, stating they will try to catch up next month. Commissioner Glasgow reported he has received complaints that the fields at Eastbluff Park and Lincoln are too compacted. Director Niederhaus explained the fields will be sanded and aerated and that he will contact Commissioner Glasgow as to their status by the end of the week. Commissioner Demmer questioned the liability issue as it would pertain to citizens in an Adopt a Park program and those working on a median. Director Niederhaus explained that workers are more impacted by cars and are at an extreme risk working on a highway, therefore, volunteers would never be considered for median work. Director Niederhaus gave a brief background of the report submitted, Basic Assessment of the Street Trees Maintenance Division of the General Services Department, which was prepared at the City Council's request. The study was done under strict and unbiased guidelines, and comparisons were made with private industry. Director Niederhaus introducted Tom Larson, President of Integrated Urban Forestry, Inc., that prepared the report submitted. Director Niederhaus explained that the City Manager has asked this Commission to review the report and make recommendations in order that the report can be agendized for the City Council at the end of September. This is the first public 1 review of the report which was just released J to the media. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public hearing and Mr. Tom Larson, 23441 S. Pointe Dr., Laguna Hills, addressed the Commission on i i behalf of Integrated Urban Forestry, Inc. Mi. �' s_. t'' i � l � a•�# �' 1111! % � Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 3 °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Larson reported they analyzed costs of maintenance and salaries and compared these with private industry, the result of which was that it would be less costly to privatize at the same or better level of service. Commissioner Herberts voiced her concern that the report has not been made available to the public. Chair Grant explained that the Commission's action is for recommendation only and comments should be related to the Commission's role. Final decisions and labor relations aspects will be addressed by the City Council. Commissioner Demmer questioned the statistic that cities with populations over 100,000 rarely contract out tree maintenance. Mr. Larson explained that this is a statistic derived from the Department of Urban Forestry in 1989 and is probably a result of the budget process. In response to a question from Commissioner 'l Glasgow regarding the coats of maintaining / trees, Mr. Larson replied that their study shows that there are conflicting goals and regulations, and that the City should remove trees that will become too costly and hazardous. Commissioner Herberts pointed out that, as Chair of the Tree committee, they have always agreed with staff's recommendations to remove an unsafe tree. Mr. Larson commented that the report is based on information received. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow concerning the use of City equipment should privatization be implemented, Director Niederhaus advised that some of the equipment would be retained since it is tailored to City needs and can also be used in other ways. Director Niederhaus further advised that in most contract situations, the contractor offers employment to City employees and purchases surplus equipment. It has been recommended that an Urban Forester be hired and that two Tree Trimmers and a Laborer be retained to respond to special and emergency requests and also work in other areas of the Department. Commissioner Herberts referred to the report's section on Training and pointed out that the average employee in the Tree Division has 17- 1/2 years of on- the -job training. Chair Grant recommended that the Organization Structure include a definition of the Parks, i Beaches and Recreation Commission's role. Parks, -Beaches & Recreation Commission LP i 1 0 cj h 0. m Page 4 h O 'e City Council Chambers 7 p.m. I1`DEX Director Niederhaus concurred and advised this will be implemented. In response to Commissioner Compton's concerns regarding tree trimming, Director Niederhaus explained that the current cycle is 2.73 years. The report shows what needs to be done, although some trees do need annual trimming. The RFP can be written to include these issues. Commissioner Schonlau referred to the salary cost comparisons in the report and commented that realistically you cannot ask a Tree Trimmer I to take a cut from $15 /hour to $6 /hour. Director Niederhaus reported his Department currently has 8 vacancies they hope to staff from within the City and which provide more employment opportunities. Commissioner Vandervort inquired if the Superintendent could be the Urban Forester. -' Director Niederhaus explained that the Superintendent would be in charge of staff and that the Urban Forester, who would have a technical background in arboriculture is needed to liaison between the contractor and City and be in charge of scheduling and inspections. In response to Commissioner Herberts' concerns in regard to profit margins, Mr. Larson stated that it could be true that in a few years the private sector may be more expensive. Some. cities hire more than one contractor and contracts are normally for one trim cycle. Commissioner Demmer commended Mr. Larson on his report and stated she felt the major issue is the fact that costs for tree maintenance service are considerably less when provided by the private sector at this time, and that the .objective of the City Council is to reduce costs. Commissioner Demmer questioned if keeping the small City crew, as recommended, should be contracted out. Mr. Larson explained that they are sensitive to any job losses and that they have looked for methods that will have the lowest negative impact He agreed that the small crew could be privatized, however, he feels the recommendations as submitted ( would be the best way to start the transition. J In support of maintaining a small crew, he pointed out that the private sector cannot respond immediately to emergencies and it is costly to charge for incidental services that i i the City crew could provide. ,.�s•) .� �. .� Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission oPage 5 o � City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Director Niederhaus advised that it is essential to have an Urban Forester and that the tree crew would also be cross trained with the downsized Parks Maintenance Division. Motion X Commissioner Compton motioned to recommend approval of the report submitted with the addition of defining the Commission's role under organizational Structure. Motion X Commissioner Herberts made a substitute motion to first allow the Tree Division employees to study the review in order to allow them the opportunity to compete and bid. Director Niederhaus explained that the City Manager gave this Commission first review of the report and that the employees and League will be meeting tomorrow morning to discuss it. The Commission discussed and agreed that privatization could provide the same quality of service at a lesser cost, however, they felt it very important that the employees be given a chance to respond and that the City do everything possible to assist them with job opportunities. Director Whitley explained that the report is submitted with a recommendation to privatize and that the contract is a separate document which would list all conditions. Director Niederhaus reminded the Commission that the employees are meeting tomorrow and that they will be involved in the whole process. Commissioner Herberts suggested the Commission's recommendations be postponed until they hear from the employees. Ayes x Vote was taken on the substitute motion. Nays X X X X X X Motion fails. Ayes X X X X X Vote was taken on the original motion. Motion Nays x x passes. Items #6 through #11 were addressed following Items #12 through 19, Item #6 - Recreation Division Recreation In response to a p question from Commissioner Division Demmer, Nancy Beard explained that the -- Department will not be budgeting for a diving board since the high school pools are under the jurisdiction of the School District. The District eliminated the boards as a result of liability issues. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission n T �o h� Page 6 9� dN 6Nh 4l O City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Commissioner Glasgow reported the Corona del Mar High School scoreboard was completely redone at no cost by Colorado Timing. Commissioner Vandervort passed out copies of the controversial Commission letter, which delayed printing of the fall brochure, along with copies of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission's role as defined in the City Charter. Item #7 - Recreation Program Committee No report. Item #8 - Park and Open Space Committee Recreation 'Program Committee Park and Open Space No report. Committee Item #9 - Budget committee Budget No report. Committee Item #10 - Tree Committee Tree Committee � Commissioner Herberts reported the committee _ agreed with all of staff's recommendations. Item #11 - Oasis Liaison Oasis Liaison No report. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. ACTION ITEMS Item #12 - Request for Co- Sponsorship Request for Chair Grant opened the meeting to public Co- Sponsorst hearing and Mr. Dale Meredith, 1429 Galaxy Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Meredith stated he is a coach and Director of National Junior Basketball, which is a non - profit organization providing a positive learning and competitive environment for boys and girls from 1st grade through high school. The group is similar to Little League and AYSO and involves heavy parent participation. Their games are played on Sundays and they are requesting a Saturday facility for practice sessions, preferably West Newport Community Center or Lincoln. Request is made for City co- sponsorship in order for them to qualify for the reduced rental rate. 1 In response to a question from Commissioner J Demmer, Mr. Meredith explained that every child is accepted and plays a minimum of 2 periods per game. In response to a question from Commissioner I i Glasgow, Nancy Beard advised that their Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 7 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Motion Ayes X X X 'X X X X X $8 /hour rate will cover lighting and maintenance costs and will not affect the City's recreation programs. Staff recommends the group use the West Newport Community Center since there is more time available at this location. Commissioner Herberts moved to accept National Junior Basketball's request for co- sponsorship. Unanimous. Item #13 - Tree Removal Appeal - 510 E Tree Removal Oceanfront Director Niederhaus reported the Acting Appeal Superintendent offered to do additional trimming and install root barriers for the subject tree. The tree obscures the view of the end of the Pier, however, it can be opened out. Since it is a healthy tree, recommendation is for retention. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public hearing and Ms. Debbie Irish, 510 E. Oceanfront, addressed the Commission. Ms. I, Irish questioned the Department's policy as stated in The Register that residents must remove trees that block neighbors' views. Her primary reason for removal is view obstruction, however, the Ficus is also messy with low branches and droppings that create a hazard. She further stated the curb is broken which will extend to the boardwalk. In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Director Niederhaus explained that if they trimmed the upper branches it would impair the tree's shape. Commissioner Vandervort explained to Ms. Irish that The Register's article was misleading in that the situation reported was not between two property owners - the tree obstructed a public view. There being no further public testimony, Chair Grant closed the meeting to public hearing. Commissioner Demmer asked if Ms. Irish would consider paying for the coat of removal and Ms. Irish stated she would consider sharing the cost. Director Niederhaus advised that the top cannot be trimmed or it will accelerate growth and /or mutilate the tree. The tree, however, can be air laced, as a compromise to allow more view. Motion X Commissioner Demmer moved to approve staff's recommendation to retain the tree and air lace it. CITY OF Parks, Beaches 0hCt & Recreation Commission Em City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Ayes Nay X X x X X X X Commissioner Glasgow voiced his concern that the motion does not solve the problem. Commissioner Vandervort commented that the tree is on the property line and not in the applicant's view plane or in front of her house. Motion passes. Item #14 - Tree Removal Appeal - Superior Tree Remow Appeal Avenue Motion X Commissioner Compton moved to retain the tree. Ayes X X X X X X X Unanimous. Item #15 - Doc Park Dog Park Director Whitley reported staff has researched the concept of a dog park, which other cities have implemented, and recommend the following criteria be considered: (1) Not be offensive to nearby residents, (2) Adequate access to parking and users, and (3) Not impact existing •' people programs. Nancy Beard summarized telephone comments just received on the subject, one being from Council Member Sansone who urged an alternative site than Grant Howald Park due to anticipated noise levels, proximity to tot area and the school. Alternatives suggested were San Joaquin Hills Park between the lawn bowling facility and tennis courts and North Star Beach or Castaways areas. In response to a question from Commissioner Schonlau, Nancy Beard advised that the approximate dimensions for the CYC site would be 342 linear feet of fencing, or approximately 85' x 851. Chair Grant opened the meeting to public testimony and Sean McGowan, 900 Sea Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr, McGowan acknowledged he brought the idea to Nancy Beard since the Laguna Beach and Long Beach Dog Parks are too far to travel. He reported there are pet stores, vets, and other merchants that can raise $6,000 - $7,000 for a trust fund to be used for a watering hole, fencing, repairs, etc. He stated there is a lot of interest in a dog park and it is important for dogs to socialize with each I other and also people. -• In response to a question from Commissioner Glasgow, Mr. McGowan stated small sponsorship signs could be visible along the fences. Chair Grant recommended raising the dog license fee to accommodate the park and Nancy Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission Page 9 °o City Council Chambers 7 p.m. INDEX Beard advised that the City of Costa Mesa is also considering this idea. Mr. Ken Russo, 807 Gardenia Way, addressed the commission. Mr. Russo stated he lives in Jasmine Park and that, although he supports the concept, the site at CYC is too small in size and too close to the Jasmine Park development. The noise from the Youth Center and softball fields already carries into their homes and the dogs would make it worse. The area is also next to a basketball court, handball court and tot lot which would create a nuisance and hazard. Mr. Russo stated the Jasmine Park community was never consulted and Chair Grant explained the recommendation is to start the process. During the review process all homeowners affected will be so notified. Helen Kieron, 3201 4th Street, addressed the Commission. She stated she felt Grant Howald Park was provided so children could play. A dog park brings health problems from dog droppings, such as the parvo virus, of which she is a victim. she urged a dog park not be introduced to a residential area which would harass residents. John Hedges, City Council Member, addressed the Commission. Mr. Hedges reported it was at his request a dog park be initiated and he thanked Shawn McGowan for all of his help. He pointed out that the site at Grant Howald Park is not what he envisioned since he would prefer a larger open area. He recommended' either the North Star Beach or San Joaquin Hills area near the lawn bowling facility be pursued. Commissioner Herberts recommended that should the North Star Beach area be selected that trees be donated to serve as a sound barrier for the Dover Shores homes. Director Niederhaus commented that the North Star Beach area could accommodate more parking. Chair Grant reported that he conceptually approves the idea of a dog park but recommends that it be referred to the Park and Open Space committee for further review and then proper notification. Lyndi Fauria, 711 Jasmine, addressed the Commission and stated she and her husband are presently in the process of buying near the CYC site. She urged this site not be considered due to noise from dogs and cars, I litter, and parking problems. 1 Motion Ayes Nays Motion Ayes Motion Ayes Nay CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks. Beaches & Recreation Commission, LP oho m Page 10 City Council Chambers 7 p.m. It`DEX Final Approval of the Recrea- tion Missioi Statement City Counci' Policies Review Bob Patterson, 615 Larkspur, addressed the Commission. He urged this site not be chosen due to the close proximity of children at the school and Youth Center, and that safety factors due to increased traffic would also negate the site. Chair Grant pointed out that if dog owners abuse the situation, which he doubted, the dog park would close. Chris Crosson, 610 Newport Center Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Crosson stated he is a Doggie Walk Park supplier and presented an odorless neutralized bag used to pick up dog nuisances. 'He reported Balboa Island has installed six of his machines and usage is high during this 3 month trial period. He stated the Laguna Beach Dog Park is very successful and recommended a larger area be pursued with ample parking and restrooms. Commissioner Vandervort recommended the matter be, referred to committee in order to develop criteria before selecting appropriate sites. X Commissioner Demmer motioned to have a non- X X binding straw vote to not recommend the area X X X X X behind CYC for a dog park. Motion fails. Commissioner Compton motioned to send the X matter to the Park and Open Space Committee and that they report back within 3 months with a recommendation on the concept of a dog park X X X X X X X and a possible location. Unanimous. Item #16 - Final Approval of the Recreation Mission Statement Commissioner Glasgow recommended the second and third sentences be deleted and added to Goals and Objectives. Nancy Beard explained that the statement is specific as to staff's mission and how it ie carried out. She would, however, not be opposed to deleting the two sentences. X Commissioner Demmer moved to approve and adopt X X X X X X the Recreation Mission Statement. Motion X passes, Director Whitley introduced LaDonna Kienitz, who will become the Director of Community Services on January 1, 1994. Item #17 - City Council Policies Review Director Whitley reported that those policies which reflect no change will be reworded when referencing the appropriate Director and /or Final Approval of the Recrea- tion Missioi Statement City Counci' Policies Review I , , 1 i )r'�, fo r r I Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission (� 3 IT °ham °�� °� Page 11 s d� °ten City Council Chambers. 7 p.m. IMEX Department. Director Niederhaus reported each Director has been assigned policies for review and that the City Manager's goal is to have all those that will be rewritten addressed by the City Council in October. LaDonna Kienitz reported that Council Policy I -5, Use. Priorities and Fees for Facilities and Equipment, is being reviewed by the City Attorney's office. All Community Services policies will be in the I- series. Director Whitley reviewed the policies assigned to him as submitted in Item #17(a). Following discussion, Commissioner Vandervort Motion X moved the policies as submitted in #17(a) be approved and that should I -4, Cost - Sharing on Undeveloped Land, be deleted that the Commission would review the developer Ayes X x X X X X X agreements which incorporate this policy. Unanimous. Director Niederhaus reviewed the proposed changes for those policies assigned to him as submitted in Item #17(b). The commission made the following changes: Policy I -9, Retention or Removal of Park and Parkway Trees, page 1, first paragraph, add "If said special treatment is not determined to be adequate to retain the identified tree, a full report shall be made to the Commission before any other action is taken." Retain Item #2. Reword Item #4 for a more positive approach. Page 2, Item #2 - Reword to state... "recommend innovative and practical techniques..." Policy I -12, Preservation of Views, Delete Item #2. Item #2 (new) - Add to the last sentence... "unless deemed necessary by the General Services Director. Exceptions to this will be referred to the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission." Policy I -15, Park Improvement Donations, Delete the underlined second sentence. 1 Policy I -19, Maintenance and Planting of Parkway Trees. ' Under Maintenance of Parkway Trees, second sentence, add... "on a less than a three year � I cycle. "... Motion Ayes Motion Ayes CITY ®F Parks. Beaches o� o s & Recreation Commission Page 12 City Council Chambers 7 p.m INDEX Basic Asses! ment of the Street Tree! Maintenance Division Commission Staff Repori Under Tree List, delete California Pepper. Under Established Parkways, Item #2, reword the sentence to state "Applicant must accept responsibility for watering and fertilizing new trees" and move to above the newly added paragraph beginning "If you have any questions..." Policy I -22, Naming of City Parks Add Item 2(e) to state "Common names already used in the area." X Commissioner Compton moved to accept the I X X X X X X X Policies submitted in Item #17(b) as corrected. Unanimous. Item #19 - Basic Assessment of the Street Trees Maintenance Division of the General Services Department Item #18 was addressed under Item #5. V. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item #19 - Commission Staff Report Director Whitley explained that the report submitted defines the Commission and staff roles which will be implemented January 1, 1994. X Chair Grant motioned to postpone the report to X X X X X X X the October 5, 1993 meeting for further review. Unanimous. VI. SPECIAL, URGENT OR LAST MINUTE ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission adjourned at 11:07 P.M. The agenda for this meeting was posted on August 31, 1993 at 11:00 A.M. outside the City Hall Administration Building. l i , Se Dottie �'Io'r�, Secretary INDEX Basic Asses! ment of the Street Tree! Maintenance Division Commission Staff Repori